Research Manitoba and The Government of Canada today announced $4 million in funding for GENICE: a large-scale applied research project (LSARP). LSARP is one of Genome Canada’s funding programs and is aimed at projects using genomic approaches to address challenges and opportunities of importance to Canada’s natural resources, including interactions between natural resources and the environment, thereby contributing to Canada’s bioeconomy and the well-being of Canadians.

“These genomic research projects strengthen Canada’s position as a leader in producing evidence-based solutions that will address some of our grandest challenges,” said the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science. “In addition to growing the economy and quality of life for middle-class Canadians, they will accelerate our drive toward clean technologies.”

“The GENICE project brings together research, residents, industry, and many levels of government,” said Minister Cliff Cullen, Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade. “This level of collaboration is inspiring and will allow Manitoba to create jobs, foster community development, and prepare for future economic growth in the north.”

“Oil spills and other environmental disasters are a threat to Canada’s arctic marine environment,” said Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “I’m pleased to see these issues are being tackled through Genomics research here in Manitoba.”

Today’s announcement recognizes the primary recipients of the funding, Drs. Casey Hubert and Gary Stern. Their research, which uses cutting-edge genomics, will bring best practices to Canada’s Arctic communities and will put Manitoba in the best position to deal with an increasing amount of traffic in Canada’s northern waterways and the risk that comes with shipping and oil exploration.

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