BIOTECanada welcomes the launch of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, and the recognition of life sciences as part of Canada’s broader security, innovation, and economic agenda by Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier today.
The strategy’s emphasis on strengthening the generation and sovereign control of Canadian IP, securing supply chains, investing in defence and dual-use technologies, and ensuring a secure supply of Canadian-sourced medical countermeasures reinforces the important role life sciences innovation plays in Canada’s economic resilience, as well as its national security.
Advancing stronger support for Canadian IP has been a sustained focus of BIOTECanada’s advocacy efforts over many years. It’s encouraging to see this approach recognized as foundational to sovereign capability and key to enabling Canadian companies to scale, compete globally, and become national champions.
The commitment of $656.9 million to support the development and commercialization of defence and dual-use technologies, including through the Life Sciences Fund, is a timely and important step in strengthening Canada’s role as a leader in life sciences. BIOTECanada members are already shaping this space, delivering innovations that strengthen Canada’s preparedness, resilience, and translate into real benefits for patients.
We applaud the federal government’s continued investment in the Canadian life sciences sector and its recognition that the industry’s innovation is central to Canada’s health security, economic resilience, national security, and long-term prosperity. We look forward to working together to ensure these initiatives help companies scale, commercialize, and create high-quality jobs in Canada.
Read Security, Sovereignty and Prosperity: Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy here: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/reports-publications/industrial-strategy.html