Life sciences
Research &
innovation
As a global life sciences hub, Canada attracts leading biosciences, pharmaceutical and medical technology companies. The top reasons companies choose Canada? A strong R&D environment, highly skilled professionals, first-rate academic institutions, vast research networks, and opportunities for collaboration in research and skills development.
Canadian life sciences leadership
$89.6
billion
contributed by pharmaceuticals and medical manufacturing to Canada’s GDP in 2022
$2.2
billion
in federal funding committed for Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Science Strategy
#1
among G7 countries in the number of clinical trials per population
Pharmaceuticals
The world’s top pharmaceutical companies call Canada home. With a responsive and efficient regulatory environment, Canada offers a welcoming climate for pharmaceutical operations.
In Ontario and Québec, large life sciences centres like Toronto, Mississauga and the Montréal area serve as research and innovation hubs, bringing together hospitals, business incubators, research organizations and post-secondary institutions.
Switzerland-based Roche is investing $500 million to establish a global pharma tech operations centre, France’s Sanofi Pasteur is building a vaccine facility as part of a $925 million investment, and Moderna announced it will build a state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine facility.
Medtech
Canada has a world-class medical technologies industry with more than 2,000 medtech companies developing and manufacturing solutions for better health. Canada has strengths in medical and diagnostic imaging, cardiovascular devices, robotic surgery, wearables and assistive and rehabilitative devices.
Industry-leading medtech companies investing in Canada include Abbott, 3M, BD, Boston Scientific, Eli Lilly, GE, Johnson & Johnson, Philips and Siemens. GE Healthcare launched an artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator program aimed at mature Canadian start-ups with innovative solutions in healthcare.
Clinical trials
Global companies choose Canada as an ideal testing ground for life sciences and clinical trials. Strong interest in Canada as a clinical trials location is based on our high-quality education system, internationally recognized networks dedicated to clinical trials, and government investment in public research infrastructure.
Canada also has a world-class contract research sector with strong capabilities in phase I to IV clinical trials. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has invested $1 billion in health research funding, including $250 million for a new CIHR Clinical Trial Fund.
How we help
Invest in Canada provides personalized services to global life sciences companies. We help identify opportunities and incentives, and connect you with the right people to support your growth plans.