The Western Interprovincial Scientific Studies Association (WISSA) is a not-for-profit organization, federally incorporated under the Canada Corporations Act as of February 2, 2001.

The objectives of the Association include planning, facilitating, overseeing and co-coordinating various scientific studies and research examining potential environmental impacts of release of substances into the environment ("emissions") on the environment and animal and human health.

Management of WISSA is provided by a Board of Directors composed of officials from the governments of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

A Science Advisory Panel, composed of 11 internationally renowned scientists with collective expertise in environmental and reproductive epidemiology, animal and human health and toxicology, has reviewed the designs and endorses the scientific integrity of the research. The Science Advisory Panel reviews and evaluates all proposals or reports relating to the Study in terms of objectives, design, methodology and other matter that may affect the scientific merit or quality of the Study.

Alberta Environment has taken a leadership position in providing funding for the Study. Other western Canadian provincial governments have contributed additional funding for the Study; the federal government through the Program for Energy Research and Development administered by Environment Canada, and the oil and natural gas and livestock industries. WISSA continues to seek funding from other sources. Costs for the Study are anticipated to be $17.0 million.

University and private sector researchers are conducting the research under supervision of the WISSA Board and scientific review by the WISSA Science Advisory Panel.

ID: 3795
Date Added: 2002-12-10
Date Modified: 2003-09-11