Biotech leaders welcome Smart Regulations Report and celebrate National Biotechnology Week

28-Sep-2004

Toronto. While celebrating Canada's inaugural National biotechnology Week, BIOTECanada commented on the release of the report from consultations on Smart Regulations presented to the federal government for action.

"This report carries many important recommendations to improve our regulatory system in Canada. As one of the world's leaders in biotechnology, Canadian regulatory bodies must have the ability to adapt to new technologies and the demands it places on them", offered Janet Lambert, President of BIOTECanada. "We need changes made to the regulatory system so Canadians can enjoy the benefits of Made in Canada innovations in healthcare, environmental remediation and our food supply."

BIOTECanada will be meeting with representatives of the federal government during National Biotechnology Week and will be encouraging them to familiarize themselves with the recommendations contained in the report and engage in consultations on implementation as soon as possible.

National Biotechnology Week kicked off at a special event on Thursday September 23, 2004 in partnership with the Toronto Board of Trade. Drs. Alan Bernstein, Wilf Keller, John Mendlein, and Cal Stiller met on stage with moderator Michael Vaughan of ROB TV, where they confirmed Canada has a lot at stake when it comes to biotechnology, our ability to innovate and compete in a global knowledge based society. With almost 200 people in attendance, the panelists participated in a unique discussion about the state of the Canadian biotech industry.

Highlights of the discussion included: Dr. Wilfred Keller, Research Director, the Plant Biotechnology Institute of the National Research Council "We are at a point in time where a seamless interface is developing between the plant and health biotech sectors, offering us new potential for a quality of life as never before." Dr. Cal Stiller, Chairman and CEO of the Canadian Medical Discoveries Fund (CMDF) "Shame on our political leadership if they do not continue to make long term, sustainable commitments to Canadian research. Shame on us if we become the hewers of wood and the drawers of water in the knowledge based innovative global marketplace. We have the beginnings of a real Canadian Biorevolution that contributes to Canada's wealth. We cannot, we will not, lose that opportunity" Dr. John Mendlein, Chairman and CEO of Affinium Pharmaceuticals "With a single blockbuster drug in a Canadian based company, we can ignite an entire industry in Canada."

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/39801/biotech-leaders-welcome-smart-regulations-report-and-celebrate-national-biotechnology-week.html