Biotechnology in Canada

Virtually every aspect of our lives is touched in some way by the use of products and processes that have been created from living organisms--from methods of purifying our drinking water to the production of new vaccines. Already worth more than $3 billion and employing some 25,000 people, Canada's biotechnology industry is poised for expansion in the coming century.

Over the past 15 years more than 500 biotechnology companies have taken root across Canada--most of them in the health care and agricultural sectors. About 80 companies are exploring the use of biological technology for environmental purposes in such key areas as:

• bioremediation--the use of microorganisms, the products of microorganisms, and plant-based products and processes to remediate, stabilize, and restore contaminated ecosystems;
• the development of biological methods of controlling diseases, pests and weeds to protect crops and trees and reduce the need for pesticides;
• the detoxification and reduction of waste streams and their conversion into new products (e.g., the production of specialty chemicals from food processing wastes);
• the production of chemicals and materials from biomass (e.g., bioethanol from pulp and paper wastewater) to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources and their contributions to climate change; and
• the development of biosensors, which can determine the presence of, identify and monitor different contaminants under a variety of conditions in the air, soil, and water.

A recent survey conducted by a group of federal departments involved in biotechnology issues revealed that Canadians are not very familiar with biotechnology or its environmental implications, and therefore insist on a rigorous regulatory evaluation before new technologies are used. The vast majority also feel that such technologies must be pursued to maintain our current quality of life. The results of the survey are available on the World Wide Web at www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/bh00239e.html.

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