Innovation Policy Briefing
There’s another pipeline we need to talk about
There’s only one word running through my mind these days: pipeline. I’m not referring to Kinder Morgan, oil development or Canada’s latest acquisition. The pipeline I am referring to is the one that we must continually replenish in our health sciences sector. Given Canada’s considerable investments in research and development and in health care, why […]
Stakeholders divided on need for renewable targets in new clean fuel standard
Some stakeholders say the current rules around renewable fuel have a place in Canada’s anticipated clean fuel standard, while others say that the government should stick to mandating reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, but allow producers to reach those targets their own way. “[The government] should not in any way, shape or form dictate how […]
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 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. […]
