Farms.com Home   News

Government of Canada makes major investment in genomics research

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
 
Funding supports regional Genome Centres, more than 300 genomics researchers
 
Genomics research is driving innovation across fields such as health, forestry, agriculture, fisheries and energy, leading to major developments to our economy while improving Canadians’ health and environment. 
 
That’s why, today, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, was at the International Wheat Congress, to announce $41.2 million in federal funding to support 19 research projects. An additional $75.8 million is being invested by provincial governments, business and research partners, for a total of $117 million in support for these projects.
 
The investment will support important research collaborations, including the work of Drs. Curtis Pozniak and Sylvie Cloutier of the University of Saskatchewan and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, who are using genomics to improve the breeding and production of wheat, a vital crop in global food security.
 
Investments like these help Canada remain at the cutting-edge of the agriculture and agri-food markets and create new and emerging opportunities.
 
Minister Duncan highlighted the Government of Canada’s Budget 2019 investment of $100.5 million for Genome Canada. This investment will enhance Genome Canada’s ability to advance the most innovative developments in genomics research and its applications.
Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.