Today’s announcement by the Ontario government of a $146 million investment in the next phase of the Life Sciences Strategy represents a significant step forward in solidifying the province’s position as a global leader in life sciences. Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) commends the Ontario government for its commitment to advancing research, innovation, and access to life-saving medicines and treatments that will improve patient outcomes and strengthen Ontario’s healthcare system.
“We are particularly thrilled and optimistic about the government’s focus on making Ontario a leader in clinical trials, biomanufacturing and the development of Ontario-made next-generation medicines. These much-needed efforts establish Ontario as a leader in life sciences and align with our industry’s goal of developing innovative therapies faster and making them more accessible to patients in Ontario and the world,” says IMC President, Bettina Hamelin.
IMC applauds Premier Ford’s commitment to advocating for life sciences and faster drug approvals so that Canadian patients can access life-saving medications in a timely manner. As the Premier noted, public drug plan patients in Canada wait almost two years to access new life-saving medications. We are thrilled that as the new Chair of the Council of the Federation, the Premier has committed to prioritizing the needs of Canadian patients.
By investing in research, much needed wet-lab infrastructure, company scale-up and skills training, as well as developing a dedicated Health Innovation Pathway, Ontario is fostering a climate that will not only attract global investment but also accelerate the development and availability of cutting-edge therapies for Ontarians. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Ontario government to ensure this strategy benefits patients, fuels economic growth, and positions Ontario as a leading hub for innovation in the life sciences sector.
About Innovative Medicines Canada
Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) is the national association representing Canada’s innovative pharmaceutical industry. The industry proudly supports over 100,000 high-value jobs, contributes a total of $16 billion to the economy, sponsors the majority of clinical trials in Canada, and invests close to $3 billion in research and development each year. IMC advocates for policies that enable the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve the lives of all Canadians. The association and its members are committed to being solutions-oriented partners in Canada’s healthcare system and have contributed over $30 million towards applied health systems research through the Health Research Foundation (HRF). Guided by the Code of Ethical Practices, all members work with governments, private payers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.
Media Enquiries
media@imc-mnc.ca
613-462-5367
