Biotechnology important to Canada’s environmental and economic success—but it needs to be a focus of government policy

October 18, 2006, Ottawa – Biotechnology can help Canada achieve its environmental objectives and grow the economy, according to a study released today by the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee (CBAC).

BioPromise? Biotechnology, Sustainable Development and Canada’s Future Economy is the first comprehensive effort in Canada to examine biotechnology in relation to sustainable development. Prepared for CBAC by an expert working party, BioPromise? urges the federal government to build a productive, safe and long-term relationship between biotechnology and sustainable development—a new relationship that would support both Canada’s economic competitiveness and the quality of Canada’s environment.

From ecological monitoring to rural economic development and international cooperation —from public dialogue to sustainability assessment and federal governance— BioPromise? knits together the most current thinking. Biofuels and other emerging applications of biotechnology such as “biorefineries” are given detailed consideration.

“Imagine in 2020 a flourishing rural economy that supplies one-quarter of Canada’s fuel, chemical and synthetic product needs from renewable biomass sources; a 50 percent reduction in the use of harmful chemicals that accumulate in the environment and in peoples’ bodies. We could do this and more, including putting an end to contaminated industrial sites and involving Canadians in a biowaste-to-bioproducts strategy,” says Dr. Arthur Hanson, Chair of the Expert Working Party and an internationally renowned expert on sustainable development. “If we put strong policy and governance instruments in place, biotechnology could contribute in a major way to these outcomes. It is a tool that—when appropriately deployed—can help Canada achieve its environmental and economic objectives.”

Dr. Arnold Naimark, Chair of CBAC, commends Dr. Hanson and the Expert Working Party members for their landmark efforts. “BioPromise? provides a sound base on which to develop the policies needed for Canada to realize these new opportunities. There are no quick fixes; policy-makers must take a long-term view of Canada’s impact in this area.”

CBAC is inviting comments on the report via its website as well as traditional channels, and will use a web-based discussion forum to generate further conversation on ideas stimulated by BioPromise?

CBAC is a body of external experts established in 1999 by the Government of Canada. CBAC provides advice to government on current policy issues associated with the ethical, social, regulatory, scientific, environmental, health, and economic aspects of biotechnology.

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Note to Editors and News Directors: A more detailed backgrounder or a copy of the study reports may be obtained from the CBAC website at http://www.cbac-cccb.ca.

Media Enquiries:

Dale Synnett-Caron
Telephone: (613) 946-8928
Email: info@cbac-cccb.ca