Earlier this June, the Province of Quebec introduced Bill 2, which allows adults adopted in Quebec to now access the names of their birth parents, regardless of whether their biological parents opted to conceal their own identities or not.
The loosened rules around children finding their birth parents opens questions about the implications and ethics around DNA testing. Dr. Dean Hildebrand, BCIT Forensic DNA expert and Dean for BCIT School of Computing and Academic Studies, shared his expertise on the science behind DNA testing with CBC Journalist Ian Hanomansing on CBC: Cross Country Check-up.
LISTEN FROM ~36m00s: Dr. Dean Hildebrand discussing the science behind DNA testing on CBC: Cross Country Check-up.
Dean is a recognized forensic DNA expert with a passion for using technologies for humanitarian efforts. For the last 10 years, Dean has worked with the BC Coroners Service (Special Investigations Unit) as a subject matter expert to develop and now maintain the unidentified remains and missing person DNA database for the province of BC.
The most comprehensive Forensic Science and Technology program in Canada
Forensic investigation is a diverse profession which combines science and technology with the legal system. The curriculum behind the BCIT Forensic Science and Technology programs is intellectually rigorous while leveraging cutting-edge technologies used by investigators and other professionals working in justice, public safety, and many kinds of public and private organizations.
BCIT offers four broad areas of forensic study: Forensic Science, Forensic Health Science, Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity, and Crime and Intelligence Analysis, which includes areas such as Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation.
BCIT graduates become professionals in areas of science, digital technology, public service, and business, equipped in detecting, collecting, evaluating, and preparing evidence for use in civil and criminal courts of law.
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The BCIT Forensic DNA Lab
BCIT is home to the accredited BCIT Forensics DNA Lab – the only academic institution in Canada to hold this distinction. Founded by Dean in 1999, the faculty here are specialized experts who provide integral support to communities and law enforcement agencies across Canada and globally.
For over 20 years, the BCIT Forensics DNA Lab has been at the forefront of leading forensic science techniques and technology. The Lab collaborates with the BC Coroners Service to help solve unidentified human remains cases and conducts analysis for police agencies.
More than 250 cases have been solved with support from the Lab in the past year.
WATCH: Behind the scenes at the BCIT Forensic DNA Lab on Global BC Curious Minds.
Interested in learning more about Forensic Science and Technology?
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