Health care has gone ‘beyond the minister,’ Cabinet must move forward on policy changes, say experts
Health care is not at the top of the federal government’s agenda and the Conservatives are not showing leadership on tackling the important issues Canadians face when it comes to the healthcare system by being silent on the renewal of the 2004 health accord, say opposition MPs and stakeholders. “I don’t believe there’s any leadership […]
Time to build next generation of health care for Canadians
Canada’s universal public health-care system has been the pride of our country for many years. Since its introduction in Saskatchewan by former NDP leader Tommy Douglas, it has become the most important component of our social support network. It is the tool with which we look after one another, and is the great equalizer. However, […]
Canada needs a National Pharmaceuticals Strategy and a Family Care Plan to support home caregivers
Stephen Harper is continuing his attack on our health-care system. In a recent interview with Postmedia News, he once again made it clear that he believes that “the provinces are responsible for the management of our health-care system.” On Monday, Jan. 31, during Question Period, Mr. Harper stated that “We operate in a federal system […]
If Sidney Crosby isn’t immune, neither are Canada’s youth
Our nation has a storied history of amateur sporting achievements, with the record breaking gold medal performance by Canada’s athletes at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics serving as a unifying force in fostering the Canadian national identity. For years to come, Canadians across the country will remember where they were when Sidney Crosby scored the “Golden […]
Innovation lagging, but feds promise comprehensive review of R&D support, says Clement
The Canadian biotechnology industry has a competitive advantage but organizations such as the Council of Canadian Academies and the Science, Technology and Innovation Council recognize that business innovation is also lagging behind other comparable countries. It’s why the government will conduct a comprehensive review of its support for research and development, says Industry Minister Tony […]
Biotechnology agriculture industry lobbies hard against Atamanenko’s private member’s bill
An NDP private member’s bill had the biotechnology industry lobbying Parliamentarians last week that if they pass it into law, it could stifle future Canadian innovation of new crop varieties and cause the agricultural biotechnology industry to stagnate. Meanwhile, organic growers, the National Farmers Union and others are urging Parliamentarians to support the bill to […]
Biotech companies downsizing, blame a lack of capital funding
Performance Plants Inc. was seen as the star of Kingston, Ont.-based budding knowledge-based economy. With 29 employees there and another six in New York State, the 15-year-old company spent years developing genetically modified crops that are more tolerant to drought. “Kingston firm sows the seeds of success,” read a headline in The Kingston Whig Standard […]
A grand innovative challenge with Africa: Africa research chairs
A grand challenge, according to the newly-launched Grand Challenges Canada, is a barrier that, if overcome, would help solve an urgent development-related problem in the developing world with the likelihood of global impact through widespread implementation. There have been a number of examples of this over the past decade, including the Gates Foundation Grand Challenges […]
It’s time to lay the bricks for a biotech future
Over the past few decades, biotechnology has emerged as a key sector in the Canadian economy. It is estimated that the “bio-economy” has an $84.7-billion share of Canada’s GDP, or 6.9 per cent of Canada’s overall economy. Through environmental applications to climate change, improved health outcomes, and feeding global populations with better crops, nutrients and […]
‘We’re the outlier of developed healthcare economies’ in Canada
Gordon McCauley is set to start the final study on his pharmaceutical company Allon Therapeutics Inc.’s drug to fight a rare brain disorder, before seeking regulatory approval. But although the company is based in Vancouver, B.C., he will seek to get his drug approved first in the United States. “We’re proud to be a Canadian […]
