$1.26-billion Strategic Innovation Fund questioned by industry groups
The Liberal government’s billion-dollar Strategic Innovation Fund, a pool of funding companies can tap for business-related investments, is an “acceptable vehicle” of spurring innovation, but it’s “washed out” by contradictions in tax policy and the “failure to manage programs effectively,” according to an advocacy group for high-tech businesses. John Reid, president and CEO of Canadian […]
Superclusters initiative attracting interest from range of industries
With the initial application process for the federal government’s highly-anticipated “superclusters” initiative now closed, a clearer picture is forming of the bidders vying for the billions in funding offered through the program. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada said it received 50 bids for the superclusters initiatives, exceeding its initial expectations. A shortlist of finalists […]
Innovation
Most Canadian farmers thrive without supply management; what’s so special about dairy?
CALGARY—With negotiators butting heads on most major elements of NAFTA, the second round of talks wound down with no real breakthroughs, and we’ve yet to see the results of the ongoing third round. One major sticking point for the Americans remains largely unresolved: Canada’s supply management system. While the Americans have called for action on […]
How reworking NAFTA will affect intellectual property in Canada
Whatever changes made to intellectual property policy through the ongoing reworking of NAFTA will certainly affect biotechnology companies. Some Canadian analysts say Canada should take an offensive approach to the IP chapter because it already complies with global standards. The third round of North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiations is set to take place in […]
With key tax credit under microscope, biotech firms say it should stay, be improved
As the federal government starts reviewing a tax credit key to the biotechnology sector, some industry representatives say they’re happy with it but would like to see its eligibility expanded, whereas others think documentation standards are too high. The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED, pronounced “shred”) program allows companies in Canada to get a […]
How government can spark venture capital for biotech success
As the government looks to shape its venture capital policy, biotechnology industry representatives say it’s important to minimize direct government intervention, instead letting the private sector decide what companies to invest in. The Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI), as announced in the 2017 budget, is set to provide $400-million to help ease the way for […]
Government putting money where its mouth is on innovation: Bains
As the world celebrates Global Biotech Week, it’s high time for our companies and researchers to do something that most would consider rather un-Canadian: pat themselves on the back. After all, it’s Canada that has led the way in the global biotech industry for so many years with advances in areas like genomics, stem cell […]
Investments in discovery have never been more important to Canada
Recently, I joined Science Minister Kirsty Duncan for an announcement of a major investment in cutting-edge research and hundreds of post-graduate scholarships, both funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). What NSERC does best, year in and year out, is invest in ideas and talent for the benefit of Canada. […]
Liberals must prioritize growing research and development sector
As the Conservative shadow minister for science, I think it’s important to recognize that we have some of the best and brightest minds in research labs across Canada. To support our researchers, the federal government must continue to foster an environment where their ideas can be used to improve the lives of Canadians, and exported […]
