CBAC is examining how biotechnology will affect the future relationship of the environment and the economy in Canada.

Biotechnology, Sustainable Development and Canada's Future Economy

In 2002, the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee (CBAC) adopted the theme, Biotechnology in Canadian Society in which health, environment and the economy are recognized as key areas for examination. As part of this effort, in fiscal 2005-2006, CBAC is examining how biotechnology will affect the future relationship of the environment and the economy in Canada.

Broadly, this project will consider both present and future biotechnology innovations (including those labelled bio-IT and bio-nanotechnology) in relation to objectives for, and assessments of, both environmental and economic sustainability. By its nature, this project requires looking into the future to 2020 and beyond, given it is investments today that will impact the economy of 10 to 20 years from now.

Innovation is embedded in Canada's public policy, with major investments directed to the development of new technologies and their applications for Canada's long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability. Information technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology will play an ever-increasing role in the innovation strategies of our future. Canada needs to make wise choices when it comes to linking today's R&D investments to desired future outcomes. Likewise, we can't afford to miss out on opportunities as our economy is transformed in the coming years.

CBAC formed an Expert Working Party (EWP) to address Biotechnology, Sustainable Development and Canada's Future Economy. Specifically, the EWP will:

• identify, to the extent possible, those areas where new applications of biotechnology can contribute to achieving sustainable development goals both domestically and internationally;
• identify the opportunities for, and challenges posed by, new biotechnology applications in the future development of the Canadian economy in all relevant sectors as well as the appropriate governance systems new applications may require;
• identify policy initiatives in all branches of government that will encourage further development of biotechnology applications in areas most likely to contribute to achieving sustainable development objectives, including investment and incentive policies; and
• develop a sustainable development framework for applications of biotechnology.
  
  

The EWP will report to CBAC on its findings in early 2006.