History
The Canadian node was established under the management of an informal group of Federal departments and agencies responsible for biodiversity information known as the Federal Biodiversity Information Partnership. The node is entitled the Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility and is hosted by the Agriculture and Agri-Food department. Three other Canadian institutions have developed national resources that complement the node. These are the Canadian Barcode of Life that serves vouchered DNA barcode information, Canadensys that aggregates specimen, observation, and checklist data predominantly from academic sources, and the Canadian Museum of Nature with the longest-serving and broadest national natural history collection in Canada.
Mission
As a GBIF Participant, Canada is exploring new ways to improve the organization, exchange, correlation, and availability of primary data on biological species of interest to Canadians. By enhancing access to these data, CBIF provides a valuable resource that acts as a foundation for academic investigations, that supports a wide range of social and economic decisions including efforts to conserve our biodiversity in healthy ecosystems, use our biological resources in sustainable ways, and monitor and control pests and diseases.
Structure
The federal department of Agriculture and Agri-Food is responsible for the operation of the node and seeks guidance, support and decisions through a federal governing body of science departments and agencies, the Federal Biodiversity Information Partnership. A network of Canadian biodiversity-invested departments, agencies, museums, academic institutions, and not-for-profit groups maintain a loose affiliation through various meetings and workshops based around mutual projects and opportunistic funding.
Key driving institutions currently include Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Université de Montréal through Canadensys, the University of Guelph through the Canadian Barcode of Life, and the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Funding
CBIF is hosted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The Federal Biodiversity Information Partnership funds node meetings and workshops. Members include Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Environment Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and The Canadian Museum of Nature.
