VANCOUVER, BC - Allan Rock, Minister of Industry, and Dr. Alan Winter, the new President and CEO of Genome BC, today announced the completion of five agreements with institutions concerning genomics research in British Columbia. These agreements represent the single largest investment in the field of life sciences research in the province. The announcement was also attended by Stephen Owen, Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification (WED) and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra, and Rick Thorpe, Minister of Competition, Science and Enterprise for B.C.

The five Genome BC research projects focus on areas important to the provincial economy, namely health, forestry, aquaculture and the environment. The $68 million projects, which received $34 million in funding from Genome Canada, will bring together over 150 researchers, technicians, and students in state-of-the-art facilities. Today's announcement also highlights Genome BC's preparation for the upcoming national funding competition of Genome Canada in April 2002. At that time, Genome Canada will be awarding an additional $165 million to genome centers across Canada.

 "I'm very pleased to see Genome BC and Genome Canada's investments in genomics research because it allows hospital and university scientists to conduct advanced world-class research right here in British Columbia," stated Dr. Victor Ling, BC Cancer Agency, one of the project leaders. "It is the first time that Canada has truly had the opportunity to conduct this research at the same level as the rest of the world." Funding to the BCCA will support two research projects at the Genome Sequence Centre.   "I announced Canada's Innovation strategy this week to support research and development and strengthen our economic growth," stated Minister Rock. "The world-class genomics research being done here in B.C. is a prime example of innovation at work and positions Canada at the forefront of this emerging field of science."

"Genome BC is supporting research that will enable us to better understand the complex nature of a number of genomes and to apply that knowledge to practical situations," added Dr. Winter. "This will dramatically improve our ability to diagnose and treat disease, to strengthen our forestry and aquaculture industries, and to improve environmental clean-up processes.

"Canada must be at the very forefront of this dynamic new field of human knowledge -- setting the pace and leading the way," said Stephen Owen, Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification (WED) and MP for Vancouver Quadra. "With the outstanding work of British Columbia scientists, the creation of Genome Canada and Genome BC, and significant new commitments to research and innovation, we are sending a clear signal that Canada will become even more of an innovation leader."

"Our government is committed to making British Columbia the home of Canada's fastest growing, most dynamic technology industry," said Minister Thorpe.

"Supporting the work of research initiatives like Genome BC, in partnership with the federal government and the private sector, is an integral part of achieving that goal and building our reputation as a world leader for innovation and scientific advancement."

"Canada is fast-developing a reputation for its contributions to genomics research," stated Dr. Martin Godbout, President of Genome Canada. "Our investment in British Columbia's genomics research projects will enable the province's best researchers in universities, hospitals, and industry, to undertake bold research programs, which in return will help place Canada among the three best countries in the world in the area of genomics research." Genome BC provides a coordinated, strategic approach to genomic research bringing together universities, research hospitals and centres, government and industry for the benefit of British Columbians. Genome BC projects are selected based on their international competitiveness and scientific excellence in the framework of BC's social and economic fabric. Genome Canada is a not-for-profit organization, which has received $300 million from the Government of Canada in order to develop and implement a national strategy in genomics research for the benefit of all Canadians.

For more information, please contact:
Nicole Adams
Public Relations Officer
BC Cancer Agency
(604) 877-6272