Sentinel Intelligence for a Safer Canada.
Threats to human and environmental health, from infectious disease to biodiversity loss, often go undetected until it is too late.
Genomics now gives us the power to detect these risks early through environmental DNA left behind in water, soil, and air. Without coordinated capacity and standards, this powerful surveillance tool cannot be used consistently or at scale.
The eDNA Surveillance program is the national solution: we are turning genomic signals from the environment into actionable intelligence for decision makers. By investing in applied tools and Indigenous-led partnerships, we are building the secure, sovereign genomics capacity Canada needs to protect public safety when it matters most.
Mission At A Glance
DNA collected from water, soil and air
Capturing biological information without direct sampling of organisms.
Signals identified early
Detecting pathogens, species shifts and resistance before visible impact.
From wastewater to ecosystems
Applied in urban infrastructure, natural systems and remote regions.
Built for public health and security
Supporting coordinated response across environmental and health systems.
This mission focuses on moving Canada from reactive response to proactive readiness through integrated environmental intelligence.
Early Detection and Biosecurity
Show how eDNA enables faster, proactive responses to health, environmental, and national security threats.
Standardized Surveillance
Developing the coordinated capacity and national standards required to use eDNA tools consistently across the country.
Equitable Community Access
Building surveillance capacity for northern, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities to ensure equitable protection.
Dual-Use Innovation
Positioning eDNA as core infrastructure that serves both civilian public health and national security objectives.
National Strategy. Regional Excellence.
We leverage the unique expertise of our regional Genome Centres to mobilize surveillance capabilities nationwide. This strategic orchestration ensures that genomic signals from every corner of Canada, from Arctic waters to urban centers, are connected to a unified national preparedness strategy. We turn distributed environmental data into a collective national advantage.
British Columbia
Clinical implementation and sequencing programs contributing to national dataset.
Alberta
Clinical implementation and sequencing programs contributing to national dataset.
Manitoba Canada
Clinical implementation and sequencing programs contributing to national dataset.
Ontario
Clinical implementation and sequencing programs contributing to national dataset.
Quebec
Clinical implementation and sequencing programs contributing to national dataset.
New Brunswick
Clinical implementation and sequencing programs contributing to national dataset.
Positioning Genomics as Strategic National Infrastructure.
Genomics-enabled surveillance is critical national infrastructure for biosecurity and public safety.
By building sovereign capacity in biological data analytics, we move Canada from reactive response to proactive preparedness.
This program functions as a national security asset, enabling the early detection of emerging biological threats and a more resilient public health system.
Missions in Action: Real-World Sentinel Intelligence.
Current Project
Community driven microbe sequencing and naming in Pictou Landing First Nation
- Competition: Indigenous Genomics Training and Capacity Program
- Genome Centre(s): Genome Atlantic
Current Project
Indigenous-Led Genomics Curriculum for One Health and Climate Resilience in the North
- Competition: Indigenous Genomics Training and Capacity Program
- Genome Centre(s): Genome British Columbia
A National Coalition for Biosecurity.
Mission success depends on the integration of public health, environmental monitoring, and national security partners.
Strategic Partners
Mission Control: Join the Bio-Revolution.
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