Characterization of Quebec population structure

Quebec has a unique demographic history shaped by Indigenous peoples, founding populations primarily from France and the British Isles, and more recent waves of migration. This project aims to improve understanding of the genetic diversity of Quebec’s population and how different ancestral contributions are distributed across the province. Using genetic data from CARTaGENE together with genealogical and historical records, the research team is investigating how migration patterns, founder effects, and geographic features have shaped the genetic structure of the population over time.

Research conducted to date has shown that present-day genetic variation closely reflects Quebec’s settlement history and historical migration patterns. The analyses have highlighted the influence of river networks, regional colonization processes, and founder events on the distribution of genetic diversity across the province. The project has also led to the development of new methods for studying genetic diversity in large biobanks and for better understanding how population structure can affect the estimation of genetic risk for complex diseases. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of Quebec’s genetic history and supports the development of more accurate and equitable precision medicine approaches for diverse populations.

• Genetics and genomics

• Biochemical and hematological data
• Genetic data
• Physical and cognitive measures
• Questionnaire data