THE BRAINS
Canada boasts a community of 30,000
researchers, 17 medical schools and over 100
teaching hospitals. Our universities collaborate
closely with life science industries; a relationship
that is further supported by public-private
partnerships and government incentives.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Canada is a world leader in life
sciences, from pharmaceutical
& biopharmaceutical research
and development, to the
design and production of
medical devices.
Canadian life science companies are extremely
cost competitive. Canada ranks fourth in
medical device manufacturing costs, after the
UK, Netherlands, and France but ahead of
major manufacturing locations such as the US,
Germany and Japan.
Canadian tax credits provide an attractive
incentive to life sciences companies that invest
heavily in R&D. Canada is now the eighth largest
pharmaceutical market in the world.
Between 2006 and 2010, it grew by an average
of 6.4 percent annually, making Canada the
fourth fastest growing market after Brazil, China
and Spain.
BIOTECH
Canada has the second-highest number of
biotechnology companies in the world, with the
majority focused on human health. In particular,
Canada boasts having expertise in clinical trials.
LIFE SCIENCES
BUSINESS EVENTS CANADA
LIFE SCIENCES
PHARMACEUTICALS
The largest pharmaceutical companies in the world have operations in Canada, often in R&D as
well as manufacturing. They’re attracted by Canadian infrastructure, talent, and ready access to
key markets.
MEDICAL DEVICES
The medical device industry is comprised of more than 1,000 firms with a total workforce
of 26,000. Canada’s strengths in medical device manufacturing include x-ray and radiation
equipment, electronic diagnostic systems and electro-medical devices.
SUCCESS STORIES
Dr. Chandrashekar at the University of Waterloo developed the world’s first knee-injury simulator.
Winnipeg-based IMRIS developed the world’s only movable, high-resolution, intra-operative
MRI system.
In 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. received the Prix Galien Canada Innovative
Product Award for its development of Praxada – a treatment for stroke prevention.
Imaging Dynamics in Calgary developed a digital-radiography-imaging system used in
nearly 40 countries.
Based in Montréal, Medtronic CryoCath designs, develops and manufactures catheter-based
products for cryotherapeutic treatment of cardiovascular disease, now used in more than
500 medical centres around the world.
Novadaq Technologies in Toronto created the SPY imaging system, which provides
clinically relevant images during surgical procedures.
A team at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute developed the world’s first
bioengineered cornea.
An engineer at the University of Alberta designed the C-Leg, microprocessor-controlled
knee prosthesis.
HOST YOUR NEXT MEETING IN CANADA
Not only are the following areas life science hot beds in Canada, but Montréal, Waterloo, Ottawa,
Toronto, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver boast beautiful scenery, stunning facilities and
wonderful culture.
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LIFE SCIENCES