Genome Canada is a non-profit organization that aims to use genomics-based technologies to improve the lives of Canadians. It is funded by the Government of Canada. Genome Canada provides large-scale investments that develop new technologies, connect the public sector with private industry, and create solutions to problems of national interest, such as health, sustainable resources, the environment, and energy.[1][2]
Between 2000 and 2017, Genome Canada provided C$1.5 billion Canadian dollars in genomics funding, which has attracted an additional C$2.1 billion in co-funding from partners in the private, public and non-profit sectors within Canada and internationally.[3] On its website, it reports 20 staff (2025).[4] Funding expenses in 2023-2024 were approximately C$40 million.[5]
The President and CEO of Genome Canada is Rob Annan.[6][7] The Chair of the Board of Directors is Bonnie Schmidt.[8][9]
History
Following the progress of the international Human Genome Project in the 1990s, Genome Canada was established on February 8, 2000, with a mandate to build Canada’s technological and human capacity in genomics.[10] The distributed approach with six regional centres and the GE3LS program were integral from the beginning.[10]
Genome Canada was established under the Canada Corporations Act in 2000 and, in 2012, was issued new Articles of Continuance under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. It is governed by a Board of Directors of up to 16 individuals from the academic, private, and public sectors. The board has a permanent Science and Industry Advisory Committee (SIAC).[21]
Every five years, Genome Canada undertakes a summative evaluation. These five-year reports as well as the audit reports are public.[12]
Regional genome centres
Genome Canada was created as six independent regional genome centres which are supported by headquarters in the Nation's Capital, Ottawa. Arranged geographically from West to East, the six centres (and the cities in which their administrative centres are located) are:
GE3LS: Ethical, environmental, economic, legal and social aspects
Genome Canada also funds research on the ethical, environmental, economic, legal and social aspects of genomics, which they call GE3LS (the same research direction is called ELSI or ELSA in the United States and in Europe, respectively). This includes topics such as genetic privacy and genetic discrimination, as well as public acceptance of genetically modified organisms.[28]
Controversies
In 2009, Genome Canada made international science news when it withdrew approximately C$18 million from the International Regulome Consortium.[29][30] This happened in the broader context of a decline in funding under the administration of Stephen Harper, Canadian Prime Minister from 2006-2015.
↑ Government of Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Office of the Deputy Minister, Audit and Evaluation Branch (2020-09-04). "Evaluation of Genome Canada". ised-isde.canada.ca. Archived from the original on 2024-12-03. Retrieved 2025-09-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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