Policy Priorities

What it takes to build the Innovation Economy in Canada – the key questions

 How do we attract investment for the industry?
Long and short term solutions are needed: To meet the immediate cash crunch, BIOTECanada urges the government to create a time-limited loan program of $350 million over the next two years. Over the long term, our industrial strategy Beyond Moose and Mountains, proposes measures to increase investment by Canadians, by companies, international investors and government- who could create a dedicated $20 billion BIOPARTNER fund.

How do we ensure Canadian public health remains one of the best in the world?

Renew the National Immunization Strategy (NIS) Program as a permanent fund of a minimum $100 million per year to ensure newly recommended vaccines can reach all Canadians.   Together with the provinces and territories, establish a sustainable funding mechanism to ensure adoption of new, recommended vaccines in public health programs within six months of their approval by Health Canada.

 How do we create the next generation of renewable energy sources?

Secure Canada’s place in the bio-economy by providing a minimum of $100 million per year to the SDTC to continue support for the next generation of biofuel and cleantech innovation.

How do we make sure Canadians with rare disease have access to treatment?

 Pass legislation to establish the legal groundwork for a Canadian Orphan Product Policy within the Food and Drugs Act to ensure all Canadians with rare conditions can receive treatment.

How do we maintain the global competitiveness of Canadian farms and agricultural communities?

Urge the CFIA clearly define a regulatory process for novel crops within the next 6 moths to ensure Canadian innovation is not stifled, global competitiveness of our industry not hampered, and Canadian farmers not left out of new markets