OTTAWA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BIOTECanada and over 50 representatives from companies in every riding across Canada are set to visit Parliament Hill on Tuesday for meetings with their elected representatives. Together they will discuss key issues of support for Canada’s growing bio-economy as part of National Biotechnology Week Advocacy Day 2011.
“Canada’s strong bio-economy puts Canada in the position of taking a truly global leadership role in the field of biotechnology,” said Dr. T. Nathan Yoganathan, President and CEO, KalGene. “In order to accomplish this lead, we require a strong federal commitment to our industry operating environment coupled with a financing strategy addressing the unique characteristics of the biotechnology industry in Canada.”
The business of science in Canada is booming. The bio-economy has an $86.5 billion dollar value – more than 7% of our national GDP. BIOTECanada and its members are committed to seeing that we fully realize the potential of Canada’s bio-economy by ensuring that we create a dynamic economic base by supporting three key drivers of our bio-economy: people, capital and operating environment.
“Through our advocacy efforts we are asking the government to align public policy to maximize the opportunity to commercialize new biotechnology and pharmaceutical products here in Canada and bring them to the global marketplace,” commented Dr. Allan Mandelzys, CEO, Thallion.
This multi-billion economic impact together with Canada’s large natural resource supply and innovative and entrepreneurial population has made Canada into one of the top five global biotechnology markets. Now in its eighth year, National Biotechnology Week running September 16 – 23 is a celebration of imagenenation by Canada’s biotechnology scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs. From coast to coast, Canada has a strong network of companies and individuals working to make ensure we stay among the world’s best in biotechnology. National Biotechnology Week is an important part of making sure we take the time to celebrate all we have achieved, knowing we have much more to accomplish in the future.
ABOUT BIOTECanada
BIOTECanada is dedicated to the sustainable commercial development of biotechnology innovation in Canada. It is the national industry-funded association with over 250 member companies representing the broad spectrum of biotech constituents including emerging and established firms in the health, industrial, and agricultural sectors, as well as academic and research institutions and other related organizations.