Canadian Biotechnology Strategy
The scientific revolution in the late 20th century spawned thousands of biotechnology companies globally – including hundreds in Canada – that are developing a broad spectrum of products and services which are transforming everything from the foods people eat, to the quality of health care they receive, to the integrity of the physical environment.
These revolutionary technologies have the potential to improve the quality of Canadians' health and environment, maintain our high standard of living and build the knowledge-based economy required for continued prosperity. Understanding the pervasive nature of these technologies – whose impacts will be as dramatic and far-reaching, in this century, as that of computers and telecommunications in the last – the Government of Canada has developed a comprehensive strategy to both manage the potential risks and maximize the benefits.
The 1998 Canadian Biotechnology Strategy (CBS) promotes the scientifically-sound development, application and export of biotechnology through strategic investments that:
The CBS guides federal activities, both domestically and internationally, to ensure these transformative technologies do not pose a danger to human, wildlife or environmental health, and to address the social and ethical challenges they raise. The Strategy consists of a range of initiatives and incentives to create the conditions conducive to continued innovation and the sector's responsible growth.
Through the CBS, the Government of Canada works in close partnership with provincial governments, industry, consumer, environmental and other non-governmental organizations, as well as individual Canadians, to identify and respond to emerging issues. Collectively, these partners are working to capture the benefits of biotechnology while managing its real and potential hazards.
As we move into the 21st century, Canadians can be proud of our continuing success as a nation. Canada's Innovation Strategy outlines the skills and innovation factors that will drive economic growth and social development for Canada over the next decade. The Strategy examines the role of innovation in the Canadian economy and outlines a series of actions to address specific challenges, and calls for a renewed effort by all sectors of Canadian society to ensure our citizens have the tools they need to participate in both Canada's workplace and society.