As the Government of Canada focuses on responding to the challenges of COVID-19, the importance of investing in science and research is clearer than ever. These investments allow researchers to produce the breakthroughs that improve our daily lives, from delivering cutting-edge therapeutics for treating diseases and chronic conditions to developing new technologies that will help Canadian farmers better protect their crops and livestock.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support Canada’s world-leading stem cell and genomics research community. Today’s investment has the potential to save lives and come up with new ways of solving environmental and agricultural challenges. This is Canadian science and innovation in action.”
- William Amos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (Science)

“The health and safety of Canadians remains the government’s top priority, and the COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the continued importance of investing in science and research. I would like to extend my congratulations and gratitude to today’s recipients, who continue to work so tirelessly to improve the lives of Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting science and research, which has far-reaching impacts on Canadians’ health and day-to-day lives.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry

“The projects the Stem Cell Network is funding underscore the depth, breadth and innovation of this highly diverse and collaborative community. Thanks to the continued, long-term funding of the Government of Canada, we will continue to deliver leading-edge and viable stem cell–based therapeutics to treat serious illnesses and chronic diseases, for the benefit of all Canadians.”
- Dr. Michael Rudnicki, O.C., FRS, FRSC, Scientific Director & CEO, Stem Cell Network

“Research will be a key driver of Canada’s economic recovery and long-term prosperity. Investments in leading genomics research and technology will support the development of sustainable agriculture, more resilient food systems, healthier communities and a greener resource sector. Genome Canada, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is proud to support collaboration between research institutions and industry that will have transformative impacts on the lives of Canadians.”
- Dr. Rob Annan, President and CEO, Genome Canada

• Today’s funding stems from Budget 2019’s investments of $18 million over three years in the Stem Cell Network and $100.5 million over five years in Genome Canada.

• The Canadian stem cell research community is considered to be one of the top three contributors to stem cell research and regenerative medicine in the world, along with the U.S. and Japan.

• Canada is among the top ten performing countries in genomics research. Since 2000, the Government of Canada has made targeted investments of $1.6 billion in genomics research through Genome Canada, and these investments have further leveraged $2.3 billion from other sources.

• The global genomics market is expected to reach US$82.6 billion by 2027.

Associated links

• Stem Cell Network project descriptions
• Genome Canada — funded projects in the Genomic Applications Partnership Program
• The Structural Genomics Consortium

John Power
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
343-550-1456
john.power@canada.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Janice Nicholson
Director of Communications
Stem Cell Network
613-402-3974
janicholson@stemcellnetwork.ca         

Nicola Katz
Director, Communications
Genome Canada
613-297-0267
nkatz@genomecanada.ca

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