Canadian Biotechnology Strategy

In 1981, the federal government recognized the potential social and economic importance of biotechnology and identified this field as one of the priority technologies for the nation's economic and industrial development. As a result, in 1983, Parliament established the National Biotechnology Strategy (NBS) and allocated an annual fund of approximately $10 million to support the Strategy.

The original objectives of the NBS were to foster the development of a strong national capability in biotechnology in areas that are important to Canada's economic future; to enhance multisectoral collaboration and communication; to supply qualified personnel; and to encourage an economic climate that is conducive to investment.

The NBS evolved over the years, as new departments were added and allocations between departments shifted with priorities. The strategy underwent several reviews by the independent researchers Ernst and Young. The 1991 evaluation of the NBS determined that the strategy has successfully facilitated interaction among scientists in government, companies, and universities at the operational/research level. Based on these reports, successful areas were identified as well as those that required further support to grow.

For the period 1995 to 1998, based on collective input from 21 departments and agencies, NBS funds supported three themes: wealth and job creation (61% of funding); quality of life, including regulation (30%); and knowledge development (9%).

Canadian technology has grown continuously since 1981. In 1996, 224 companies spent $403  million on R&D;, generating revenues of about $1.1 billion with about 61% in exports.

The NBS fund was a catalyst in the biotechnology industry in two ways. First, by being the lead fund to initiate and accelerate research and regulatory work, it increased the capacity and recognition of biotechnology in the federal government. Second, the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) funded company projects in early stages of R&D.; Currently, 50% of Canadian biotechnology companies on the stock market were IRAP-NBS funded in their beginnings.

In many areas, NBS funds allowed federal departments to accelerate their biotechnology activities in the fields of biodiversity, sustainable development, human resources, regulations, and federal-provincial harmonization. For example, NBS-funded projects in NRCan/CFS facilitated the development of biotechnology that will provide alternative ways to control forest insect pests and produce genetically improved trees, while ensuring that potential environmental impacts are properly assessed.

In the spring of 1998, the federal government conducted a series of consultations on the renewal of the 1983 NBS. The work was coordinated by the Canadian Biotechnology Strategy Task Force. Natural Resources Canada, Industry Canada, Health Canada, Environment Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fisheries and Oceans, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade were involved in the process of revising the NBS as well as provincial officials, industry stakeholders, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), scientific and academic communities, and other partners.

A new Canadian Biotechnology Strategy (CBS) was approved by the federal government and announced on August 6, 1998. The renewed strategy creates a policy framework that integrates social, ethical, health, economic, environmental, and regulatory considerations, as well as addressing public information and participation. The new CBS improves the government's ability to manage horizontal issues by strengthening coordination at the ministerial and senior public servants levels. The Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee (CBAC), a balanced, broad-based, arms-length advisory committee, has been established, as well as a Canadian Biotechnology Secretariat. Ten actions were identified to implement the strategy's goals in partnership with the provinces, industry, academia, consumers, environmental groups, and other interested parties.

The vision of the CBS is to enhance the quality of life of Canadians in terms of health, safety, the environment, and social and economic development by positioning Canada as a responsible world leader in biotechnology.

The objectives of the renewed Strategy are to ensure that Canadians have access to, confidence in, and benefit from safe and effective biotechnology-based products and services and that they play a leadership role in the creation of national and international mechanisms to support stewardship and economic objectives.

Biotechnology is an increasingly important source of economic and employment opportunities for Canada. The sector is at a critical juncture, and investment in biotechnology is essential at this time to ensure that Canada can compete in the global marketplace.

The Canadian Forest Service funding allocation under the CBS for fiscal year 2004–2005 was $2.9 million, $3.1 million for 2003–2004, $3.4 million for 2002–2003, $3.7 million for 2001–2002, $3.7 million for 2000–2001, and $1.6 million for 1999–2000.