Is it true that the mission of TCPS 2 is to protect Canadian research participants?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. It depends

Answer: (B)

The idea behind TCPS 2 is to provide a framework for conducting research involving humans in Canada in an ethical way. Its mission is to guide researchers and institutions on how to design, review, and conduct studies so that respect for persons, concern for welfare, and justice are upheld, while also ensuring accountability and the societal value of the research. Protecting participants is a fundamental part of this framework, but the mission isn’t limited to protection alone; it encompasses promoting ethical governance, responsible conduct, and the integrity of the research enterprise. So, stating that the mission is solely to protect Canadian research participants is incomplete—the policy aims for ethical conduct that protects participants while also enabling valuable, trustworthy research.