Toronto, Ontario – Ontario Genomics applauds the Ontario government for taking an important step to bring life sciences to the forefront of Ontario’s economic and innovation agenda. The strategy, Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level, seeks to make Ontario a global biomanufacturing and life sciences hub that leads in the development, commercialization and early adoption of innovative health products and services.
Ontario Genomics supports the strategy’s ambitious goals to grow Ontario’s biomanufacturing and life sciences sector and ensure Ontario claims its share of the jobs of the future. While the focus on medicine, vaccines and health technologies outlined in this strategy is critical, we encourage the Ontario government to consider the broader life sciences as a larger, more diverse opportunity that includes agriculture and food production, as well as bioproducts and the environment. By identifying and nurturing Ontario\’s full biomanufacturing and life sciences potential, we have an opportunity for exponential investment, job growth and export demand.
We were encouraged that priming Ontario’s small and medium-sized businesses for homegrown success is a key “pillar of action” in Phase 1 of the strategy. As part of our organization’s strategic mission and mandate, Ontario Genomics prioritizes catalyzing and growing made-in-Ontario companies while supporting an environment that facilitates the return of our homegrown successes to Ontario.
Ontario Genomics would welcome the opportunity to engage and continue our long-standing partnership with government through the proposed Life Sciences Council. This forum presents an excellent opportunity for government to work together with the life sciences community to advance a comprehensive strategy that ensures long-term growth and competitiveness within this sector.
“Genomics and engineering biology play a foundational role in life sciences and biomanufacturing technology development. Ontario Genomics works with an incredible community of world-class researchers, innovative start-ups and global enterprises that are the driving force behind Ontario’s economic potential and global competitiveness. We look forward to working together with the Ontario government to ensure we advance a life sciences strategy that is inclusive, multi-sectoral and brings economic growth and jobs to every corner of this province.”
Bettina Hamelin, President and CEO, Ontario Genomics
Relevant Publications from Ontario Genomics
- : A platform technology to fuel multi-sector economic recovery and modernize biomanufacturing in Canada
- : Canada\’s $12.5 Billion Opportunity in Food Innovation
