The real perils of biotech
The public discussion about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) almost invariably focuses on bitter disputes about the safety of GMO crops. While many argue that the technology poses threats to natural systems and to human health, most research suggests that this is not the case. Still, peer-reviewed studies fall on both sides of the question. Given the […]
‘The conditions are ripe’: industry says it’s time for feds to consider a national bioeconomy strategy
With Canada’s biotechnology sector showing signs of new growth, industry advocates say it’s time the federal government consider a national biotech strategy, more than a decade after one created in 1998 was nixed by the Conservative government. In January 2018, the Public Policy Forum released a report recommending the creation of a national life sciences […]
One health: the translational medicine
GUELPH, ONT.—Who doesn’t love puppies and kittens? For some, this is the attraction to veterinary medicine. But its impact goes beyond cute animals. Advances in veterinary medicine improve human health, and research in human health in turn helps animal patients. Veterinarians, physicians, and researchers can work to improve the lives of all creatures under a concept called “One Health.” One […]
If government strategy isn’t coherent, it’s a complete waste of money
When it comes to science and technology, government involvement is key. Let’s take the pharmaceutical industry as an example. From 1969 to 1987, the mandatory licensing regime offered little patent protection, driving up the production of generics in Ontario. Ontario was pleased with this policy that provided little innovation but ensured a high economic turnout. […]
Too much tax hurts tech sector
Canada is on the cusp of the Fourth Industrial Revolution with the emergence of the biotechnology industry. This revolution, where digital processes and artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the way products are made, is also coming at a time when Canada is experiencing a brain drain in our tech sector. A study published earlier this […]
Biotechnology
Biotech industry is a pillar of growth for Canada
As our economy continues to evolve against a backdrop of rapid technological change and increased global competition, the Canadian biotech industry remains a pillar of growth for this country. It is responsible for more than 20,000 high-quality jobs and contributes more than $6-billion to the economy, while filling the role of innovation leader and destination […]
Canada needs to step up to fight TB
Children are back in school, MPs are back in Ottawa, and United Nations member states are preparing to set the agenda for the upcoming year at the UN General Assembly in New York. Just as teachers are needed to educate the next generation, a meaningful UN gathering needs the highest levels of leadership to attend—heads […]
It’s time for Canada to reassess Taiwan and the one-China policy
Taiwan has faced a steadily deteriorating security situation, especially following the election of the more independence-oriented Tsai Ing-wen government in 2016. Since then, China has undertaken provocative military actions—from live fire exercises to “Island Encirclement Patrols” by its missile-armed bombers around Taiwan. The United States has taken these threats quite seriously. Indeed, under the Trump […]
Measles outbreak is bad, but let’s not forget about TB tragedy too
News agencies in Canada, the United States, and United Kingdom recently reported that there were more than 41,000 cases of measles in Europe in the first half of 2018, and 37 were fatal. This is particularly tragic because vaccines have been available for measles since the 1960s. That said, I wonder why we are not hearing […]
