26 March 2026 – In the frame of the ICPerMed Strategic Working Group on Internationalisation, a webinar will be organised on 28 May 2026 from 15:00 to 16:30 CEST. Dr Étienne Richer, Director of Genomics Programs at Genome Canada, will present the Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI).
The Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI) – “Delivering on the promise of precision health”
“What if your doctor could really see you? Not just the physical you, but the genetic you.”
Genome Canada’s latest genomics initiative is working to transform the future of healthcare. Announced in March 2025, the Canadian Precision Health Initiative will deliver the human genome sequencing data needed to fuel research and innovation aimed at developing more precise, preventive and cost-effective healthcare solutions. Genome Canada is designing this initiative to represent our diverse population diversity, ensuring the benefits of health solutions are applicable to as many communities as possible.
The CPHI will:
- Enhance healthcare options and support world-leading innovation – Enabling more precise, personalised, predictive, preventative and cost-effective healthcare options.
- Strengthen health and data security – Increasing access to the Canadian genomic data needed to combat major public health threats, including pandemics.
The initiative will sequence over 100,000 human genomes in the next four years through 12 different research projects. It represents a total investment of approximately CAD $200 million, including $81 million from the Government of Canada through Genome Canada, and additional co-funding from industry, academia and public sector partners. To drive meaningful impact, CPHI’s genomic and associated data will be unified as a national asset within the Pan-Canadian Genome Library. This will support researchers and industry with the data and AI (Artificial Intelligence)-powered tools needed to deliver life-saving solutions.
Étienne Richer
Dr Étienne Richer is Director of Genomics Programmes at Genome Canada, where he leads efforts to strengthen Canada’s genomics ecosystem and drive innovation in health research. Prior to this role, he spent over 14 years at the CIHR Institute of Genetics, helping to shape strategic direction and foster global partnerships to advance the genomics community. With a postdoctoral background in infectious disease genetics and experience in health consultancy, he brings more than a decade of leadership in national and international science policy. His collaborative approach has earned him leadership roles with ICPerMed, including previous service as Chair of its Health Economics Working Group and his current role as Chair of the consortium.
This is the fifth event of a series of webinars with the aim to overall increase the awareness about Personalised Medicine and to share information about activities and successes in the field.