VANCOUVER - Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) has provided the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) with a $1 million contribution to acquire equipment urgently needed by the Genome Sequence Centre to meet its research needs.   

The Genome Sequence Centre performs high-volume DNA sequencing to generate genetic information for use in developing new diagnostics and therapies for cancer and other diseases. Through partnerships, the Centre will also be an important western Canadian resource for other life sciences, such as silviculture and agriculture. 

"Encouraging Genome research in western Canada is a priority for my Department," said the Honourable Ron J. Duhamel, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification Canada) (Francophonie). "The pace of discovery in genomics is astonishing. Our goal is to invest in world-class research programs and cutting-edge facilities across the West. This funding will help B.C.'s Genome Sequence Centre attract researchers, and research projects." 

"We are grateful to Western Economic Diversification for its commitment and support of genomic research," stated Dr. Victor Ling, BC Cancer Agency, Vice President Research. "The addition of this new equipment will greatly enhance our ability to realize our vision of a genome sequence centre that will advance our scientific expertise and with hope and hard work, lead us to significant advances in new cancer treatments, cures and prevention strategies." 

The BC Cancer Agency's Genome Sequence Centre is developing a high-throughput, large-scale genomics laboratory unique in Canada. To develop such a lab, the Centre required state-of-the-art robotic devices and computer programs designed specifically for DNA analysis, including: a DNA sequencer to meet increasing collaborative needs; a robotic MicroLab pipetting system for automated handling; two DNA tetrad machines; a real time PCR machine to perform quantitative analysis of DNA; and Genotyping software.

Research at Canada's five Genome centres (B.C., Prairies, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic) will open new opportunities for significant progress in understanding cancer and other diseases. Research will also help address the problems of pollution and environmental degradation, and lead to improvements in food production. Each Genome centre brings together industry, government, universities, hospitals, research institutes, and the public in support of a national program based on local research strengths.

The Genome Sequence Centre is wholly responsible to the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA), a registered non-profit agency with an outstanding record for integrating leading-edge research with clinical care. The GSC will be an important Western Canadian resource not just for cancer research, but also for all the life sciences. The Centre receives funding from the BC Cancer Foundation, the provincial and federal governments, and private-sector sources (including major research grants from the US National Institute of Health.)

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A backgrounder on this announcement is available at the WED website for this news release.

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