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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
Biotechnology
