Genomic Monitoring of Pathogens in Water (GeMPaW)

Genomic Monitoring of Pathogens in Water (GeMPaW)

Funding Overview

Ontario Genomics is pleased to announce that Genome Canada has launched the $10 million targeted genomic initiative, Genomic Monitoring of Pathogens in Water (GeMPaW) to strengthen, complement and add value to existing pathogen monitoring efforts in Canada and use applied genomics surveillance data to inform public policy decisions in Canada.

Significant challenges related to genomic monitoring of water include a siloed approach to detecting and reporting on pathogens, a lack of data standards and harmonization, a lack of national coordination, and a critical need to advance data-sharing and genomic monitoring to inform policy decisions.

Genome Canada’s GeMPaW initiative will put Canada in a ready state for future pandemics by developing and adopting high-quality, actionable, standardized genomic testing for Emerging Pathogens (EPs) and Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) in water using a “One Health” lens.

The initiative will be launched in three parts with a combined total investment of $10 million. The three funding opportunities that will make up the portfolio are:

  • The Community Coordination and Collaboration Hub (C3 Hub) (Launched)
  • Regional EP/AMR monitoring teams (Winter 2024 launch)
  • Indigenous-led monitoring in northern and remote communities (Timeline to be determined with Indigenous communities)

Resources