Genome Prairie and Genome Canada launch genomics data initiative to drive precision health and economic growth.
Winnipeg, MB – Ottawa, ON: (March 5, 2025) – Genome Prairie, along with Genome Canada and the Canadian Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED), today announced the launch of the Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI), which aims to improve health services by leveraging genome sequencing to develop personalized and cost-effective care for Canadians.
The CPHI includes an investment of $81 million by ISED to help fund genomics-based projects to improve health outcomes. The new funding is part of an expected $200 million total investment in the initiative, including co-funding from industry, public service partners, and research and academia.
The CPHI is scheduled to run through March of 2028.
The CPHI will eventually build the nation’s largest-ever collection of human genomic data, aiming to collect the anonymized whole genome sequences of more than 100,000 genomes. This dataset will also reflect the diversity of Canada’s population, ensuring representation across all demographics and bringing greater equality in healthcare.
The initiative will also leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to create a first-of-its-kind centralized genomic data resource that will be shared among researchers and clinicians. The CPHI’s collaborative approach will help to better prepare for future public health threats, including chronic and infectious diseases, while accelerating genomics-based breakthroughs in healthcare, leading to significant economic opportunities. Ultimately, the CPHI will create Canada’s healthier, more innovative, and resilient future.
QUOTES
“The Precision Health Initiative marks a significant commitment of resources toward supporting cutting-edge genomics research in human health. We are confident that the genomics research of today will transform the health and well-being of Canadians tomorrow, meaning healthier communities and a greater quality of life for people.”
- Mike Cey, President and CEO, Genome Prairie
“The Canadian Precision Health Initiative is a true Team Canada effort uniting visionary scientists and leaders from across sectors on a shared mission to redefine health care for our country. The excellence and ambition of Canada’s genomics ecosystem are evident as we embark on this landmark collaboration together.”
- Rob Annan, President and CEO, Genome Canada
“Access to genomics data is essential for advancing knowledge and catalyzing economic growth. The Canadian Precision Health Initiative will do just that by harnessing the power of AI to drive breakthroughs in precision medicine. This initiative will help advance the Canadian Genomics Strategy, driving health innovation, strengthening Canada’s life sciences sector, and creating new economic opportunities. By bringing together government, industry, and researchers, we are positioning Canada as a global leader in cutting-edge health solutions that deliver real results.”
- The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“We are excited to collaborate with Drs. Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg and Athanasios Zovoilis on the PrairieGen project to pioneer a multiomics-first approach to understanding the genetic variations, risk factors, and biomarkers of complex diseases. We look forward to supporting PrairieGen investigators in translating the rich biological insights enabled by Oxford Nanopore Technologies into precision health strategies that ultimately improve the outcomes of patients in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.”
- Julie Collens, VP of Commercial Operations, Americas
QUICK FACTS
- The Canadian Precision Health Initiative is led by Genome Canada and supported by $81 million in federal investment and an estimated total investment of $200 million, including co-funding.
- Genome Prairie is a regional not-for-profit organization with a mission to develop genomics innovations to solve real world challenges, resulting in benefits to Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Canada
- 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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tony Bassett
Director of Communications
Genome Prairie
text/voice: 306.881.0255
email: tbassett@genomeprairie.ca
