Question Period – January 29, 2009

Mr. Marc Garneau (Westmount—Ville-Marie, Lib.)
    Mr. Speaker, several new genetic research programs and cancer research programs are at risk because this budget did not provide any new funding for Genome Canada, an extremely important scientific research program. Canadian scientists involved in that program have been recognized around the world for their contributions.
    Can the government reassure this House, and confirm that it was merely an oversight and that new funding for Genome Canada is not at risk?

Hon. Gary Goodyear (Minister of State (Science and Technology), CPC):  
    Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, the hon. member is absolutely incorrect. This government has in place two five-year contracts with Genome Canada, with almost $250 million remaining for science research. We are doing that because we know Genome Canada is good for Canada, and the good work they do is good for Canadians' health.

Mr. Marc Garneau (Westmount—Ville-Marie, Lib.):
    Mr. Speaker, the minister of state knows that small amount of money is already fully committed and has been for some time. Genome Canada's world-leading research programs are in jeopardy and thousands of jobs will be lost if the Conservatives fail to fund it.
    Canadian scientists can only contribute to new discoveries and create the jobs of tomorrow if we give them the support they urgently need. Is his government deliberately undermining Canada's scientists or has he just simply forgotten to fund their future work?
 
Hon. Gary Goodyear (Minister of State (Science and Technology), CPC):
    Mr. Speaker, one minute later and the member is still wrong. The government supports Genome Canada. It will receive $106 million this year and $108 million next year. When we put those initiatives forward, that party over there voted against them.

Mr. Pierre Paquette (Joliette, BQ):  
    Mr. Speaker, despite what the Minister of State just said, the Conservative budget says nothing about the government's intentions regarding Genome Canada.
    I have here a CP wire story that came out at noon today reporting that Genome Canada has announced to its European partners that, for lack of federal funding, it must withdraw from some of this year's projects. The question is simple. Will the government continue to fund Genome Canada this year and in years to come, yes or no?

Hon. Gary Goodyear (Minister of State (Science and Technology), CPC):
    Mr. Speaker, as I have already mentioned, Genome Canada has two five year contracts. It is in year three of those five year contracts. It is receiving $106 million this year and $108 million next year. In fact, it has the funding to carry it through to March 2013. The member needs to get his facts correct.