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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

$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 Greater Montréal serve as research and innovation hubs, bringing together hospitals, business incubators, research organizations and post-secondary institutions.  

U.K. based AstraZeneca announced a $500-million investment in Mississauga, Ontario in 2023. Switzerland-based Roche is establishing a global pharma tech operations centre, also in Mississauga. France’s Sanofi Pasteur has built a vaccine facility in Toronto as part of a $925 million investment, and U.S.-based Moderna has built a state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine facility in Laval, Québec. 

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 support 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.

AstraZeneca chooses to expand in Canada

Canada’s life sciences advantage

How Roche is strengthening global pharmaceutical supply chains from Canada

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.

Discover our services

3M Canada

Type of investment
N95 respirator production facility
Total invested
$91.1 million
Total jobs
30
Source country
United States
Location
Brockville, ON

Piramal Pharma Solutions

Type of investment
Manufacturing facilities expansion
Total invested
$30 million
Total jobs
26
Source country
India
Location
Aurora, ON

Moderna

Type of investment
New mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility
Total invested
$180 million
Total jobs
200 to 300
Source country
United States
Location
Laval, QC

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada

Type of investment
Digital innovation hub
Total invested
$47.2 million
Total jobs
94
Source country
Switzerland
Location
Montréal, QC

Sanofi

Type of investment
Influenza vaccine production facility
Total invested
$927.9 million
Total jobs
300
Source country
France
Location
Toronto, ON

Roche

Type of investment
New global pharma technical operations at its Canadian headquarters
Total invested
$500 million
Total jobs
500
Source country
Switzerland
Location
Mississauga, ON