Author: Ted McDonald, Rachelle Entz, Laurence Lambert Côté, Priya Bhakat, Timipere Allison, Samuel Cookson, Nidhi Kamath
Year: 2026
Category:
Health Publications
Genomic data can help researchers understand how genetics and other factors shape health. In Atlantic Canada, some communities have unique genetic histories because of founder effects – that is, situations where isolated populations descend from a small number of ancestors and inherit genetic patterns that differ from the general population. These include populations in Newfoundland and Labrador and Acadian communities in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Because many individuals in the region have a distinct genetic makeup, their representation in genomic datasets is important for health research. To support this work, genomic data need to be findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR).
This study looks at what genomic data have been collected across the region and how easy these datasets are to find and use. By reviewing published studies and speaking with researchers who work with genomic data, the research team found that many genomic datasets exist in Atlantic Canada, but they are often stored by individual researchers rather than in shared systems. Some large datasets include raw genomic information, especially in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, clinical genomic data are harder to access because of limited consent for secondary use and differences in how health systems store information.
The study also noted that people of non‑European ancestry are underrepresented in Maritime genomic data. As new initiatives expand data collection and improve access, more genomic information may become available for research and clinical use.
