Harper Government Highlights Advancements in Genomics

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 27, 2012) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today delivered opening remarks at a conference entitled Genomics: The Power and the Promise, emphasizing the Harper Government's commitment to advanced research and innovation in the field of genomics.

"Our government is supporting Canada's leadership in genomics, an area that has the potential for significant social, economic and health benefits," said Minister of State Goodyear. "Through Genome Canada and its Genome Centres, our government is creating knowledge, jobs and economic growth by investing in genomics opportunities related to innovation and commercialization in Canada."

Since 2006, the Harper Government has allocated more than $440 million to Genome Canada for genomics research and innovation. In turn, Genome Canada and the Genome Centres have leveraged more than $440 million in partnered co-funding for a total of more than $880 million. To date, Genome Canada has funded 156 large-scale research projects. These investments have helped to position Canada among the world's leading nations in the exciting and promising field of genomics.

The two-day conference, co-hosted by the Gairdner Foundation and Genome Canada, brings together world-class speakers such as Eric Lander, Professor of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology for Barack Obama, President of the United States. Speakers and participants are gathering to discuss and examine scientific progress and achievements in a variety of disciplines, from evolutionary genomics and cancer to biofuels, fisheries and aquaculture, and food safety.

Genome Canada enables a "minds to markets" approach that speeds the translation of genomics discoveries into useful applications providing economic and social benefits. The organization builds bridges between government, academia and industry to forge genomics-based public-private innovation focused on key life science sectors.

For more information on Genome Canada's projects and competitions, visit the Genome Canada website (www.genomecanada.ca).