Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Canada is home to the 2nd largest per capita number of biotechnology companies in the world.
- There are over 600 biotechnology companies in Canada that contribute $4 billion in revenue and $2 billion in research and development expenditures annually.
- The country's biotechnology industry alone employs over 1 million Canadians, and generates approximately 7 percent of Canadian GDP.
- Canada's bio-based economy is valued at $84.1 billion dollars.
- Canadian research is responsible for many important medical milestones including:
- Discovery of the T-Cell receptor
- Identification of the gene that causes Cystic Fibrosis
- Applications of photo-dynamic therapy to cancer treatment and
- Discovery of the genetic link between apolipoprotein and the most common form of Alzheimer's
Western Canada and Saskatchewan
- Saskatchewan is recognized as one of the top agricultural biotechnology research centres in the world and is home to almost one-third of Canada's industry.
- In the last decade, the number of life sciences companies in Saskatchewan has tripled and employment in the field has more than doubled.
- Saskatchewan's largest city, Saskatoon, specializes in agricultural biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and environmental research.
- Saskatoon is also home to the Canadian Light Source, one of the world's most advanced synchrotrons.
- The province's largest research organization, The University of Saskatchewan, has the most comprehensive range of life science colleges in Canada, generating annual research revenue of more than $100 million.
- Saskatchewan researchers have created the world's first genetically modified commercial canola variety and the first genetically engineered animal vaccine.
- The province is home to North America's largest legume and cereal microbial inoculant manufacturing centre – with ongoing research and development of new products.
Information Communications Technology
- Canada has given rise in recent years to global champions such as Research In Motion (creators of the acclaimed BlackBerry technology), and Sierra Wireless.
- Canada's 31,500 information and communications technology firms generate over $155 billion in revenues annually.
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