Exhibit 23.4


     We hereby consent to the use of our name under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the prospectus forming a part of this Registration Statement on
Form F-3 of Visible Genetics Inc. In giving such consent, we do not thereby
concede that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required
under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), or the
rules and regulations thereunder, or that we are "experts" within the meaning
of the Act or such rules and regulations.


Dated: January 14, 2000

                                     Very truly yours,



                                     /s/ Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C.