Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project

Unlocking the secrets of what causes cancer and other chronic diseases

With a rigorous design and broad scope, the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project is establishing a large, high-quality “population laboratory” of a size and scale not previously seen in Canada that will help researchers unlock the secrets of what causes cancer and other chronic diseases. The project is made up of five regional studies — the Alberta Tomorrow Project, Atlantic PATH, the BC Generations Project, the Ontario Health Study and Quebec’s CARTaGENE — aiming to recruit tens of thousands of Canadians and track them over decades.

Because the majority of research grants available are awarded for a specific activity and time period, funding to create a long-term resource able to support many different future questions can be more difficult to secure. With support from the Partnership and regional partners this project is building a legacy for future generations of Canadians. There is remarkable potential for this long-term, large-scale study to answer fundamental questions about the causes of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Data from the project is aligned with information collected in population studies from around the world through the Public Population Project in Genomics (P³G), a consortium that provides the international population genomics community with access to expertise, innovative tools and up-to-date information on harmonization of large data sets across different cohort studies. The collection of baseline and ongoing data and biological samples will result in a database and bio-repository that will serve as rich resources for researchers and provide an unprecedented platform to detect patterns in cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses. It will also support new research that will enhance the richness and international scientific value of the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project.

Progress to date

• Governance and organizational structures similar to those of other projects around the world have been established to oversee all aspects of the study’s conduct and allow for effective and efficient operations through clear lines of responsibility and accountability. They are regularly reviewed to ensure that the highest standards are maintained and that evolving best practices are incorporated into the management of the project. Among other things, such structures help to ensure the privacy of study participants, who are sharing their health information.
• An International Scientific Advisory Board was established in collaboration with key stakeholders. It comprises world-renowned experts in relevant areas of research to help guide the project over the long term.
• In Quebec initial recruitment is complete. Recruitment is ongoing in all other regions.

Tools and materials, including the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project website, have been established to support recruitment in the regional studies.

Learn more about the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project’s regional initiatives:

	Alberta The Tomorrow Project >Learn more
	Atlantic Provinces Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (The Atlantic PATH)  > Learn more
	British Columbia BC Generations Project > Learn more
	Quebec CARTaGENE  > Learn more
	Ontario Ontario Health Study  > Learn more