Provincial Speech from the Throne Bodes Well for BC’s Biotech Industry

In the February 14th speech from the throne, the British Columbia Government referenced several initiatives expected to be positive for British Columbia’s biotech sector.

Notably, Premier Campbell pledged to work to improve and ensure the sustainability of British Columbia's healthcare system. BC Biotech believes that there is currently tremendous potential to be realized by better aligning British Columbia’s healthcare system with the biotech and greater industrial health innovation sector. By enhancing market access for biotech’s innovative products, the province will ultimately achieve significant economic development benefits and improved health outcomes. 

Related initiatives announced include the creation of a Foundation for Health Care Innovation and Renewal which will examine successful health models around the world.  Premier Campbell and Health Minister George Abbott will personally travel to Sweden, Norway, France and the United Kingdom to see first-hand, aspects of effective healthcare systems in these countries.

Also referenced in the speech, were the BC Government plans to invest in new research via Genome BC and the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Foundation, and also establish a Research Chair in cancer prevention with the Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon Division. Basic research such as this is the foundation of the biotech sector in BC, and BC Biotech applauds British Columbia's continued support and investment in these areas.