Montreal, Quebec
February 5, 2003

Ethical, environmental, economic, legal and social issues related to genomics to be centre-stage at the first GE(3)LS Winter Symposium from February 6 to 8 in Montreal

More than 200 researchers and policy makers, from the social sciences and humanities to genomics and the law, will tackle issues that are at the very core of genomics and proteomics research as the first GE(3)LS Winter Symposium starts tomorrow in Montreal. How should Canada deal with human gene patents? Should GMO labelling be mandatory? Would you be tested for a genetic disease if you knew there was no therapy for that disease? How well does the media report on genetics research?

The rapid rate of development in genomics and proteomics research and its implications for society are putting these questions, and many others at the heart of our socio-legal and political discussions. Participants will discuss, exchange opinions and share original research on a wide variety of critical ethical, environmental, economic, legal and social issues related to genomics (GE(3)LS), such as DNA banking policy, genes and patenting, stem cell research and cloning, GMO's and labelling.

"The genomics revolution is changing every aspect of our lives", said Timothy Caulfield, law professor at the University of Alberta and Co-Chair of the Symposium. "To ensure leadership in GE(3)LS issues, at a national and international level, it is fundamental that researchers from diverse sectors and policy makers, meet and discuss openly both the benefits and the risks associated with genomics research. This first GE(3)LS Winter Symposium represents such an opportunity".

The first GE(3)LS Winter Symposium is also an occasion to help shape national policies and priorities that will guide future developments and benefit all Canadians.

"This Symposium shows that Canada has chosen not to duck important ethical issues but to open them up for a frank and stimulating discussion, thus making it a leader in that field", added Bartha Maria Knoppers, professor at the Universite de Montreal, Chair of the International Ethics Committee of the Human Genome Organization and speaker at the Symposium.

Organized in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the National Research Council (NRC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Health Canada and the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee (CBAC), this GE(3)LS Symposium is a unique three-day event and the first of its kind in Canada.

"The support of research projects aimed at studying and analyzing GE(3)LS issues is an important priority for Genome Canada", stated Martin Godbout, President of Genome Canada. "We're very proud to have partnered with these leading national organizations to initiate this first Symposium. This important collaborative forum will create stronger and strategic alliances among the GE(3)LS research community and continue to position Canada as a leader in this new research era."

The Symposium is co-chaired by Timothy Caulfield, from the University of Alberta and Conrad Brunk, from the University of Victoria. Internationally renowned scientists such as George Gaskell (London School of Economics), Tom Hudson (McGill University), Bartha Maria Knoppers, (Universite de Montreal), Margaret Lock (McGill University), Paul Thompson (Purdue University) and Brian Wynne (Lancaster University) will be active contributors to the debates.

The complete program for the first GE(3)LS Winter Symposium is available on Genome Canada's website at www.genomecanada.ca. 

Genome Canada is the primary funding and information resource relating to genomics and proteomics in Canada. To date, this not-for-profit corporation has invested more than $293 million across Canada. With funding from other partners, this amounts to an investment of $586 million in 56 innovative genomics and proteomics research projects.

Genome Canada is dedicated to developing and implementing a national strategy in genomics and proteomics research for the benefit of all Canadians and has received $300 million from the Government of Canada to establish five Genome Centres across the country. These Genome Centres (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies and British Columbia) are working closely with other partners such as provincial governments, the private sector, the financial community and national and international
foundations to ensure that Canada becomes a world leader in genomics research. Key selected areas of study include agriculture, bioinformatics, environment, fisheries, forestry, health and technology development as well as the ethical, environmental, economic, legal and social issues related to genomics research (GE(3)LS).