ADVOCACY AWARENESS

Given the diverse nature of the industry, it is not entirely surprising government policy has grown equally fragmented in response. Depending on the process or the product, biotech companies can be subject to a number of overlapping and duplicative policy regimes. With so many industries and sectors depending on biotech, it is imperative industry and government work together to develop a strategic and coordinated public policy framework in support of the industry, its products and investments.

SPECIFIC DEPARTMENTAL ASKS

At Health Canada, establish the long awaited Orphan Drug strategy for rare diseases.

At Industry Canada, coordinate government support for attracting financing to our industry with venture capital, to create regulatory regimes to enable products into commercialization and to provide competitive intellectual property for companies to keep growing their operations in Canada.

At Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, create a regulatory process for plant- made industrial products and ensure market access promotion for bioproducts.

At Finance Canada, sustain SR&ED to continue attracting foreign risk capital and grow commercialization capacity in Canada.

At Health Canada, secure universal access and funding for innovative vaccines for all Canadians and shorten delays in the approval process.

At Natural Resources Canada, support funding to clean technology programs.

At Public Works and National Defense, bring bio-based products into the Canadian marketplace via procurement strategies with the Government of Canada (Public Works and Department of Defense).

At Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, establish a domestic policy in Canada aligned with international standards for low-level presence for GM plant materials.

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