Monday June 5, 2023 | VICTORIA, BC [Updated 2 pm]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
To attract more investment to B.C.’s life-sciences sector so that more global health-care challenges can be solved locally, Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, is leading a trade mission to the BIO International Convention in Boston.
BIO runs from June 5-8, 2023. The BIO International Convention attracts 14,000+ biotechnology and pharma leaders for one week of intensive networking to discover new opportunities and promising partnerships.
This is Bailey’s third trade mission since being sworn into the role. She is now in the USA after taking part last week in BC’s Indo-Pacific trade mission in Japan and South Korea with Premier Eby, Minister Osborne, and Minister of State Brar.
“In B.C., our competitive advantage is our people and our accomplishments are remarkable. That’s why our life-sciences and biomanufacturing sector is world renowned and growing faster than anywhere else in the country,” Bailey said.
“The BIO International Convention is the world’s premier life-sciences event and I’m there to let everyone know that British Columbia is rapidly becoming a global powerhouse for innovation in health-care solutions.”
This comes on the heels of an announcement in Vancouver on May 24 about BC’s further funding B.C.’s new Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy, the Province of B.C. is contributing $75 million toward AbCellera’s expansion in Vancouver. The Government of Canada is contributing $225 million toward the project, which has a total value of $701 million.
Boston speeches:
In Boston, Bailey will showcase B.C.’s new Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy, which makes investments in people and infrastructure, creating partnerships that see developments through, from discovery to clinical trials, to manufacturing.
“We are proud to join Minister Bailey and fellow B.C. life sciences companies as part of the Province’s largest-ever delegation at BIO,” said Tamer Mohamed, chief executive officer, Aspect Biosystems. “Attending this annual event is key to fostering global partnerships that propel the growth of our entire ecosystem, and having government support sends a strong signal about the importance of B.C.’s life-sciences sector.”
Today June 5, Bailey delivered remarks at the official opening of the Canada Pavilion at BIO, and at Life Sciences BC’s opening reception where B.C. delegates will promote common goals and a Team B.C. approach at the convention.
Canadian provincial panel:
Bailey also took part today in a panel discussion with four other provincial economic development ministers to discuss new ways to grow the sector.
“Today, I was honoured to participate in a panel with my ministerial colleagues across Canada on the critical work happening in the Canadian #LifeSciences sector. Proud of our government’s work to make BC the fastest-growing market for life science companies in the country!,” said Bailey on Twitter.
Minister Bailey’s co-panelists were Jeff Wharton, Manitoba Minister of Economic Development, Investment and Trade; Victor Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade; Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy; and Susan Corkum-Greek, Nova Scotia Minister of Economic Development.
Meeting with pharmaceutical giants:
The trade mission also includes meetings between Bailey and private-sector companies like Moderna, Merck, AstraZeneca, Glaxo-Smith-Kline and Roche Canada to advance further investment into B.C.
“B.C. will have its largest-ever delegation at this year’s BIO,” said Wendy Hurlburt, president and chief executive officer, Life Sciences BC. “Minister Bailey’s leadership at this globally pre-eminent biotech conference underscores the Province’s ongoing commitment to the sector and its ability to diversify the economy, create jobs and advance patient care. Provincial engagement is pivotal for attracting investment and fostering a competitive life-sciences ecosystem, benefiting all British Columbians.”
Bailey will also promote the province to leading venture-capital investors with an interest in B.C., with the Consul General of Canada overseeing the New England states to explore opportunities to promote the province in the region.
Supporting B.C.’s life-sciences and biomanufacturing sector’s growth is part of the StrongerBC Economic Plan, which is moving British Columbia forward by tackling the challenges of today, while growing an innovative and sustainable economy that works for everyone.
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Island Social Trends (and the previous publications MapleLine Magazine 2008-2010, Sooke Voice News 2011-2013, and West Shore Voice News 2014-2020) delivers socioeconomic news insights about life on the west shore of south Vancouver Island. All news is posted at IslandSocialTrends.ca . Editor Mary P Brooke. Published by Brookeline Publishing House Inc. | Never miss a story: PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION SIGNUP