February 12, 2025
Saskatoon, SK: Winnipeg, MB – In collaboration with Genome Prairie, Genome Canada and the Canadian Ministry of Innovation, Science and Industry announced the launch of the Canadian Genomics Strategy (CGS) at the Canadian Genomics Summit 2025 held in Ottawa. The CGS includes $175 million of federal funding support and will focus on accelerating the adoption and commercialization of genomics research and innovation while leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate data.
Formally announced by Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, the CGS focuses on three main areas to further advance the Canadian genomics enterprise. The strategy includes $96M invested in the Genome Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), which will seek to help commercialize genomics research with Canadian companies to help bring innovations to market.
The CGS, which will be rolled out later this year, also earmarks investments among Canada’s regional centres and investments in genomics data management and coordination to help accelerate genomics discoveries while building greater national capacity.
The CGS announcement follows a previously announced Strategic Science Fund investment of $154 million, which will drive future innovations benefiting Canadian health, agriculture, environment and natural resource sectors.
QUOTES
“I am pleased to see further national funding support for genomics innovation in Canada. The CGS strategy will be critical in advancing the Canadian genomics sector, especially in commercializing discoveries and innovation in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Now, in our 25th year of operations, I am proud of Genome Prairie’s record of achievement in areas that have benefited our region. In these times of uncertainty, it will be imperative that we maximize the full potential of the CGS with continued collaboration and cooperation with industry and regional government partners.”
– Mike Cey, President and CEO, Genome Prairie
“Genome Canada is proud of the confidence the government has shown in our leadership and mission to put genomics data and technologies to work strengthening Canadian health, prosperity and resilience.
In an increasingly unstable world, Canadian science, technology and innovation are our armour and our fuel. The Canadian Genomics Enterprise was built to take on big challenges. And 25 years into our mandate, we are taking another major step forward to generate even greater impact for Canadians.”
– Dr. Rob Annan, President and CEO, Genome Canada
“Today’s launch of the Canadian Genomics Strategy will help solidify Canada’s position as a global leader in genomics innovation and place our talented researchers, innovators and businesses at the forefront of this cutting-edge work. By investing in the commercialization of genomics technologies, our government is securing a healthier and more prosperous future for Canadians for generations to come.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Investing in genomics innovation is essential to driving economic growth and delivering real benefits for Canadians. Through the Canadian Genomics Strategy, we are advancing commercialization, fostering collaboration, and developing a highly skilled workforce to ensure Canada remains at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.”
– Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre
QUICK FACTS
- Genome Prairie is a regional not-for-profit organization motivated by a mission-driven, challenge-based approach to drive genomics innovation that produces real-world impacts.
- Founded in 2002, Genome Prairie will be recognizing and celebrating its 25th Anniversary through 2025. Since its founding, Genome Prairie has secured over 50 individual research projects, totalling nearly half a billion dollars in project investments.
- Genome Prairie has a strong record of success in bringing investment dollars to its region. Recently, Genome Prairie was awarded lead and co-lead for four of nine large-scale genomics projects totalling over $24M via the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems initiative.
- The CGS will enhance Canada’s genomics ecosystem, advancing the commercialization of genomics technologies, improving access to genomic data through national coordination, and developing top-tier talent to address critical workforce gaps in the bioeconomy.
- The CGS is led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), in collaboration with key partners such as Genome Canada, and Canada’s six regional centres including Genome Prairie, Genome B.C., Genome Alberta, Ontario Genomics, Genome Quebec and Genome Atlantic.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tony Bassett
Director of Communications
Genome Prairie
text/voice: 306.881.0255
email: tbassett@genomeprairie.ca
