The guidelines would provide the regulatory framework under which Canadian researchers would conduct research into stem cells and be eligible for funding by CIHR.

"Stem cell research holds great potential for the treatment of a number of serious conditions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, diabetes and spinal cord injuries," said Dr. Bernstein. "Guidelines would reassure the public and scientists that embryonic stem cell research will be undertaken in a well-defined ethical and legal context in Canada."

Currently, Canada has no regulations specifically designed to deal with human embryonic stem cell research, although there are general ethical guidelines with regard to the use of embryonic and fetal tissue in research. There is also a voluntary moratorium on certain new and genetic reproductive technologies. Other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, have recently enacted regulations, providing researchers the legal and ethical framework they need to explore this growing field of health research.

The discussion paper released today was developed by an Ad hoc Working Group established by the CIHR President and chaired by Dr. Janet Rossant of the Mount Sinai Hospital Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute. The Group welcomes comments from individuals and organizations and will present their final recommendations to CIHR's Governing Council in June 2001. The list of Working Group members is attached.

Comments can be sent through the CIHR Web site (www.cihr.ca), by e-mail at (mchartrand@cihr.ca) or by correspondence at 410 Laurier Avenue West, 9th Floor, Address Locator 4209A, Ottawa ON K1A 0W9.

The discussion paper is available for download in Adobe Acrobat format:
English Version
French Version

For information:
Marcel Chartrand, CIHR (613) 954-1812
Barbara Beckett, Working Group (613) 739-6627