Industry Associations

Information about the industry associations representing specific sectors of the life sciences is listed below:

Overview
Biotechnology
Pharmaceuticals
Medical Devices
Health Informatics
Technology

Overview

The role of industry associations is to support and promote their industry through public education campaigns, government lobbying, and partnerships between companies. Several of these associations sponsor industry-specific tradeshows. The Biotechnology Industry Organization, for example, sponsors BIO - the premier biotechnology tradeshow in the world. Commercializing firms can take advantage of the resources these associations provide to members in order to help with the process of breaking into their respective market(s).

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Biotechnology

BioteCanada

As the primary industry association for biotechnology in Canada, BioteCanada provides resources and exposure for biotechnology firms, and works to promote a better understanding of biotechnology among government and consumers.

Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)

BIO is a U.S.-based advocate for firms in the biotechnology industry. The most visible function of the association is the BIO International Biotechnology Convention & Exhibition -- the largest biotechnology tradeshow in the world. They are also responsible for lobbying government and promoting biotechnology to consumers.

Provincial

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Pharmaceuticals

Rx&D

Rx&D represents Canadian pharmaceutical companies undertaking research and development. They aim to foster the discovery, development, and availability of new medicines through the promotion of health research in Canada. Part of their mandate is to educate Canadians about the role of pharmaceutical companies in improving the health care system. Rx&D works with government to ensure appropriate intellectual property protection.

Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA)

The CGPA represents the Canadian-based pharmaceutical industry: a dynamic group of companies which specialize in the production of high quality, affordable generic drugs, fine chemicals and new chemical entities.

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Medical Devices

Medical Devices Canada (MEDEC)

MEDEC works with both domestic and international governments to present the Canadian medical device industry's stance on regulatory and trade policy issues. As part of its mandate, MEDEC publishes reports throughout the year, and provides extensive information services and educational seminars to member companies and other stakeholders.

Alberta Health Industry Alliance (AHIA)
AITS - Association of Health Technologies Industry
Trillium Medical Technology Association
BC MedTech - British Columbia Medical Technology Industry Association
BioNova
BIOTECanada
Health Care Products Association of Manitoba (HCPAM)
OCRI Life Sciences

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Health Informatics

Canadian Organization for the Advancement of Computers in Health (COACH)

COACH's mandate is to promote the emerging e-health industry in Canada by providing member firms with educational workshops and seminars, information resources, networking opportunities, and facilitate communication between stakeholder groups. One of its principle events is the E-Health tradeshow organized in collaboration with the Canadian Institute for Health Information).

Canadian Society for Telehealth (CST)

CST promotes cooperation among organizations involved in telehealth. They advocate for telehealth's integration into the Canadian health care system, and assist member firms in locating funding and information about the telehealth industry.

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Technology

Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA)

CATA represents the technology industry. They are identified as the traditional champion of Canadian research and development.

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