Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
We would like to thank the chair and the committee for the invitation to appear at this meeting. I am joined by Carol Reynolds, our director of communications and government relations.
Genome Prairie is one of six regional genome centres established by Genome Canada in 2000. Our corporate office is located in Saskatoon, and we also have an office in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We manage and support large-scale or big-science genomics projects in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
With our partners, Genome Prairie has supported more than $160-million worth of research projects since the year 2000, and this has generated nearly 3,000 person years of knowledge-based jobs and training opportunities in agriculture, animal and human genomics, bioinformatics, instrumentation development, and bioethics. We work with all levels of government, universities, industry, our partners across the Genome Canada network, and not-for-profit organizations in implementing this national strategy and approach to genomics and proteomics that is catching worldwide attention for its innovative approach to managing large-scale research. As well as managing the research, we are committed to providing public education and awareness services to the general public.
Genome Prairie's role as a regional centre involves provincial fundraising as well as providing international linkages and collaborations. To date we've been successful in establishing research connections with New Zealand, the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, China, Taiwan, and India.
Mirroring Genome Canada's innovative business model in fundraising and approach to large scale, we facilitate the development of genomic networks in areas where our region has a particular scientific strength and capacity, such as plant and animal genomics, infectious diseases, and, yes, human health. In the role of facilitator, Genome Prairie brings together industry, government ministries and agencies, universities, research organizations, and the public, in support of strategic priorities to the Canadian public and the global community.
Regionally, Genome Prairie works with many of our colleagues who are seated with us at this table: the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, the University of Manitoba, Agriculture Canada, VIDO, the National Research Council, PBI, the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and the ministries that are in support of research.
One of the key observations and recommendations we'd like to make today is that Canada's agricultural biotechnology cluster is poised to claim a leadership role in crop genomics research. In a recent international review of position papers, which are strategy documents identified by scientific teams and their partners across Canada—they're called Genome Canada's “position papers”—the two top-rated papers were on crop genomics for a healthier Canada and bioproducts. This verifies the bias we have sitting on this side of the table for the importance of agricultural biotechnology to Canada. A panel of 27 international experts who are economists, scientists, and policy analysts agreed with the case that was made for the socio-economic benefits for a significant investment in agricultural biotechnology and the application of genomics. But also what it validated to us was that there is a Canadian advantage. That was one of the things the committee recognized: there is a Canadian advantage in this area. It was well articulated in those position papers.
Based on this Canadian advantage and the significant social and economic benefits that could be derived from Canada, we see it as imperative and important that the federal and provincial governments work collectively and collaboratively to support research projects and the infrastructure, so we maintain and build on our leadership role. It is a very competitive environment globally and we'll talk about that a little bit. I'm sure some of my colleagues will reinforce that message.
Genomics tools can be applied to address world issues such as global food and energy shortages, climate change challenges, and environmental sustainability. By fostering research networks and commercialization partnerships, organizations like Genome Prairie, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, PBI, the University of Saskatchewan, producer groups, and many Saskatchewan and internationally based companies are encouraging the translation of this research into real products and real crop varieties.
This is an example of our entrepreneurial advantage--the fact that a collaborative spirit and a strong sense of teamwork have been established in this cluster. And it's growing and improving year by year.
In order to maintain Canada's agricultural leadership in the production of crops that are important to Canada, it is important that Canada takes a leadership role. I'm talking about crops like canola and flax that are very significant and important to Canada. Genomics and proteome research are necessary to improve the productivity, durability, and healthy nature of these products. For example, we can accelerate the development of this research by the implementation of a new facility, like a plant accelerator, that will move the research more quickly into new crop varieties.
On our competition in this area, facilities like this exist in Europe, and there's a new facility being built in Australia. They will have the advantage of being able to move research more quickly into new varieties. So it's imperative that we maintain our competitive advantage and keep up with our competitors.
The Saskatchewan research infrastructure is a strong one. We've talked about it here. This is our knowledge advantage.
I talked a bit about the number of jobs that have been created by this genomic research. An estimated 3,000 post-doctoral grad students have been involved in these projects since 2000.
By promoting and funding world-class excellence in agricultural research--Genome Canada will only fund projects that receive an excellent rating by an international peer review--we have consistently proven that the infrastructure here is at a level of excellence. But the research and investment are ongoing. Crop research is a continual effort, and we face continuing challenges in adapting to climate change.
Thank you very much.
