February 22, 2022
Genomics offers promising insights to improve health, create jobs and grow BC’s carbon-neutral economy
Vancouver, BC — Budget 2022 will significantly advance British Columbia (BC) as a worldwide hub for life sciences research and innovation, create jobs and deliver significant societal, environmental and economic benefits for the province and beyond. Genomics are a proven tool to better understand and support ecosystems. Our province is a leader in this space.
The provincial government announced $78 million to enable Genome BC to lead cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs to improve human health, increase food security, adapt to our changing climate and support sustainability in BC’s natural resource sectors. This significant commitment to genomics and life sciences by BC’s provincial government allows Genome BC to proactively implement its long-term strategy and drive real-life impacts for BritishColumbians.
When tabling the budget, the Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Finance stated: “Our province is also home to a thriving life-sciences sector… This investment will support continued growth, creating new scientific discoveries and economic opportunities along the way. Here in British Columbia, local talent is driving global innovation.”
Genomics has proven that precision medicine treats cancer more effectively and can enhance the resiliency of BC’s forestry and agriculture sectors. From detecting pathogens in food, to protecting at-risk species and developing solutions to anti-microbial resistance, genomics will lead to a healthier and more sustainable BC.
“Genome BC is driving the responsible application of genomics technologies to positively impact life, every day,” said Dr. Pascal Spothelfer, President and CEO of Genome BC. “The funding announced today will enable Genome BC to continue to invest strategically and solidify BC’s academic and business competitiveness in genomics and life sciences. This will create sustainable economic and societal benefits for British Columbia.”
Since its inception in 2000, Genome BC has led and supported the ongoing research and dialogue required to identify and respond to the societal implications of genomics. Unlocking the potential of this powerful technology requires equal and simultaneous allocation of resources to research, innovation and the transformation of society’s existing social systems. Genome BC recognizes its opportunity to impact change in this important area – to assist BC and Canada in realizing the positive impacts of genomics through responsible and positive applications.
“Governments at every level face enormous challenges and we are very thankful to the officials, both elected and unelected, in the Government of BC for their hard work and continued support of Genome BC,” said Spothelfer.
Genome BC respectfully acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples–Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.
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CONTACT: Brad Lyle, Communications Manager, Brand and Marketing
