TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 11, 2012) - Mike Lake, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont, today toured The Centre for Applied Genomics (TCAG) at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) to learn more about a project exploring the genetic basis of autism.
Mr. Lake, whose 16-year-old son Jaden has autism, met with Dr. Stephen Scherer who is leading the research project at TCAG, one of five Science and Technology Innovation Centres across Canada supported by Genome Canada. TCAG provides researchers with the tools and expertise to analyze genomics in various ways, enabling the leading-edge work currently underway in this field.
"Our government is committed to supporting Canadian families," said Mr. Lake. "This research is incredibly important to families like mine, and I am proud of our government's support for cutting-edge Canadian research in genomics. Dr. Scherer's groundbreaking work is leading the way to innovations that are helping unlock the mysteries of autism."
With more than $15 million from sources including the Harper Government and Genome
The disorder currently affects more than 200,000 Canadians. Once specific genes have been identified, physicians will be able to diagnose the condition much earlier and treat it more effectively. The research has already attracted interest from some of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. They see genomics discoveries and profiling as potential first steps toward developing effective drug therapies.
To date, the Harper Government has provided $980 million to Genome
Since 2006, the Harper Government has invested nearly $8 billion in initiatives supporting science, technology and the growth of innovation firms in Canada, including $5 billion for advanced research, education and training; $2 billion for post-secondary infrastructure; and $1 billion for applied research and financing. This funding has helped to make
Genome
This news release is available on the Economic Action Plan 2012 website (www.actionplan.gc.ca).
Contact Information: