Western Canada's ability to develop and commercialize new innovations in the field of genomics will increase thanks to a four-year investment by the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada.
An investment of $800,000 over four years will create a series of 12 multi-stakeholder networks for the application of genomics to key economic sectors in Western Canada through Genome BC.
The funding was announced today by MP Russ Hiebert, Member of Parliament for South Surrey - White Rock - Cloverdale and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
"For the first time, genome organizations across the West will have a platform to collaborate with western companies and research organizations on market-driven research and the commercialization of new technologies," said MP Hiebert, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "Genomics is contributing to a more innovative and sustainable economy in British Columbia and across the West."
Genome British Columbia will receive $800,000 for the development and implementation of four pan-western genomics networks. The four networks are expected to focus on applications in human health, natural resources and the environment. The funding will also allow Genome BC's participation in the networks to be led by Genome Prairie and Genome Alberta.
The networks, developed and implemented over four years, will involve stakeholders from across Western Canada, including industry, provincial governments, universities, and federal laboratories and agencies. Each network will provide a foundation that will enable western Canadian companies and research organizations to engage in the emerging genomic industry.
The networks, which will support increased collaboration, will reduce duplication and are expected to be more successful at leveraging investments from other partners.
"We are delighted to be working strategically with all of our partners to strengthen the capacity for commercialization in Western Canada's life science sector. As an organization already working with both discovery and applications-driven research programs funded at over $300 million, we are pleased to be part of this initiative that will benefit all Canadians," said Dr. David Dolphin, OC, Chair, Genome British Columbia.
Genomics is an integral platform component of the West's burgeoning life sciences cluster, one of four areas of focus for the Government of Canada's national science and technology strategy. The last two Federal Budgets have announced a total of $240 million in funding for Genome Canada, the primary funding resource for Canada's six genomics and proteomics networks.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to strengthen economic diversification and development in communities across Western Canada.
For additional information, contact:
Tom Wakefield
Communications Advisor
Western Economic Diversification Canada
City, Province
Tel: (604) 666-2445
Cell: (604) 218-4395
Linda Bartz
Director, Communications and Education
Genome BC
Ph: (604) 637-4373
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at Western Economic Diversification Canada.
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