Access to capital, government red tape among top barriers cited by biotech firms, survey finds
Access to capital remains the biggest challenge for Canada’s biotechnology sector, even as most of its companies have tapped into federal programs offered to startup companies, according to a new report released on Sept. 24. While the industry has shown signs of promising growth, a survey polling 208 biotechnology companies in Canada found 57 per […]
Now’s no time to slow support for health research, innovation
Over the last three years, it is clear that the Canadian government has shifted its focus to investments in innovation and technology development for the future—dubbing Canada as a “nation of innovators.” Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada has prioritized investment in supporting business growth, creating jobs, and supporting research that will inform policy directly […]
Should genetic privacy exist in agriculture?
OTTAWA—As of last year, Canada has a genetic privacy law. It sets rules for the privacy of our personal genomes and non-discrimination based on genetic information. This law has become necessary because decoding our personal genomes—and those of other people—had become increasingly quick and cheap. All species have genomes, of course, and since the same […]
‘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 […]
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 […]
Canadian biotech at a glance
4%—Canada’s health and biosciences sector’s historical growth rate 9%—the annual growth target Minister Bains’ Economic Strategy Table on Health/Biosciences has set for the sector by 2025 $17-billion—the annual value of exports predicted for 2025 on the current trajectory $26-billion—the annual exports value target set by the Economic Strategy Table on Health/Biosciences by 2025 900—the number […]
Use biotech to spur a real energy transition
While federal action on climate change has been slow and stilted, many provinces understand that we need to turn towards renewable energy sources. They are taking bold steps to create ways of life that better respect the environment and are fairer for future generations. This August, our party’s leader, Jagmeet Singh, toured Quebec to meet […]
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 […]
Biotechnology
