Message from Canada’s minister of innovation, science and industry

INVESTING TODAY TO PREPARE FOR THE NEXT HEALTH CRISIS

Canada is taking action to become a global life sciences leader

FRANÇOIS-PHILLIPPE CHAMPAGNE

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has witnessed a new era of health innovation, with countries re-evaluating the importance of their domestic capabilities so they can be more resilient in the face of future health emergencies. While Canada has a solid life sciences sector, including world leading science and research capabilities, the pandemic has reinforced our need to be ready for future global health crises. From the outset of the crisis, we have worked tirelessly to rebuild Canada’s domestic biomanufacturing sector by focusing on both short-term strategic solutions and a long-term vision. We have already invested over $1.2 billion to rebuild Canada’s vaccine, therapeutics and biomanufacturing capacity here at home. On July 28, we launched the Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, with more than $2.2 billion over seven years from Budget 2021 to continue growing a strong and competitive sector, and to ensure our country is prepared for future pandemics.

I want to applaud the efforts of the life sciences sector in British Columbia during this challenging period. Companies, big and small, acted nimbly – switching production and re-focusing research towards vaccines, therapeutics and health initiatives. This resiliency and hard work have benefited not only the province’s residents, but Canada and the world. It is Canadian science, especially coming from B.C., which has contributed to the advancements of the leading messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines we see today saving lives around the world.

Here in B.C. so far, we have provided more than $220 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund and the National Research Council to develop vaccine technologies and treatments for COVID-19 and make sure we are prepared for the next health crisis.

These investments are having a real impact. I had the opportunity to visit a number of biotech companies in late July during my tour in B.C. and meet with some of the world-class talent that is at the heart of their success. The work they are doing is crucial to the diversification of our life sciences sector. For example, Vancouver’s AbCellera Biologics has secured a site in Vancouver for a facility to produce therapeutic antibodies. As well, Precision NanoSystems is building a facility that will allow them to produce RNA vaccines and future genetic medicines. Investments in Bold Therapeutics, Symvivo and Qu Biologics are also delivering results.

These investments are guided by Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, which I announced in Vancouver last month. The strategy is driven by two objectives: to grow a strong, competitive life sciences sector with cutting-edge biomanufacturing capabilities, and to make certain that Canada is prepared for pandemics and other health emergencies. This will grow our capabilities and position Canada as a world leader in the discovery, development and deployment of the next generation of medicines that will benefit the world and generate new economic opportunities for Canada. This will also make Canada a desirable destination for investment and, with its strong life sciences sector and exceptional talent base, British Columbia is in a prime position to contribute and lead.

Through targeted investments and thoughtful policies, Canada is taking decisive action to beat COVID-19 and become a global leader in biomanufacturing and life sciences. As we continue to battle through the pandemic into recovery, I am heartened to be working with our friends and partners in British Columbia’s life sciences sector. I know that together, we will make our shared goals a reality.

The Honourable François-Phillippe Champagne is Canada’s minister of innovation, science and industry.

THE PANDEMIC HAS REINFORCED OUR NEED TO BE READY FOR FUTURE GLOBAL HEALTH CRISES