Martin Godbout, CEO and President of Genome Canada says that for the first time in more than 9 years, they will not be able to continue many important studies and projects that were in the works as a result of the federal government slashing its' budget entirely.
Genome Canada provides research grants to many different organizations that research the genetic links between cancers and other illnesses and the numbers of persons employed through this agency directly or indirectly reaches into the thousands. At present they are responsible for providing grants for researching several very important areas of medicine like stem cell research, genomics and agricultural research.(GMO's)
A representative from Industry Canada said that they had identified more than $87 million in cost savings in their department and as a result, the Genome project had its' financing removed.(This probably has more to do with stem cell research which many fundies are against.)
Although Industry Canada has chopped all of its' funding of this progam, the Industry ministry still claims that the scientists have not lost any access to funds for research.(which seems difficult to believe considering they are all bitching about having lost their funding?)
"Martin Godbout, CEO and President of Genome Canada says that for the first time in more than 9 years, they will not be able to continue many important studies and projects that were in the works as a result of the federal government slashing its' budget entirely." That's not what he said.
ReplyDeleteThis is what he said. "Godbout said the lack of funding won't affect projects already underway and funded through previous budgets, but it will limit Canada's ability to contribute to new, large-scale genetics research projects."
The CPCs retreat from funding serious scientific research is a giant step backward but misrepresenting the facts to make it appear more outrageous than it really is does no one any favours.
The real story is available from CBC news....
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/01/29/genome-funding.html?ref=rss
You are correct. It says that it may not affect ongoing stuff, but no doubt all plans for further and future studies of serious matters will come to a complete halt. I would think that medical R & D should be of national importance...compared to the silly money they are spending on prison drug enforcement!(which is an equal amount to the amount that was cut from Genome Canada...it's all about those darned priorities you know!)
ReplyDeleteIt certainly should be of national importance. When I called it a giant step backward I meant it. I'm damned sure we could find hundreds of millions in their not-so-conservative budget that would be better spent on genome research than going to the pockets it's targeted for.
ReplyDeleteResearch money is a stimulus for the future. It transforms economies by opening up new technologies and creating whole new industries and jobs ...in the future. These guys aren't looking ahead. They are more concerned about their own personal political fortunes in the here and now than they are about the future of this country and its people.
That's the real horror story. There's no need to exaggerate. The truth is more than horrifying enough.
Agreed...100%
ReplyDeleteJim