Atlantic Canada’s biosciences sector engages with international partners in San Diego

News release

Delegation of Atlantic Canadian biosciences companies, researchers and organizations will attend events related to BIO International Convention in San Diego June 13-16, 2022

June 13, 2022 · Moncton, New Brunswick

Helping the Atlantic Canadian biosciences sector contribute to a more resilient, diversified, and inclusive economic recovery is a priority of the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces and is key to creating good jobs and generating growth.

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), wished success to the Atlantic Canadian delegation attending the BIO International Convention (BIO 2022). The Prince Edward Island BioAlliance Inc., under the umbrella of the Atlantic Canada BioIndustries Alliance (ACBA), is leading a group of 27 Atlantic biosciences companies, research, health and education institutions and business accelerators to BIO 2022. The mission is possible thanks in part to a non-repayable contribution of up to $180,435 from the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement.

While in San Diego, delegates from Atlantic Canada will be featured exhibitors in the Canada Pavilion, participate in a Canada Industry Round Table and be represented in discussion panels hosted by BIOTECanada. The group of Atlantic Canadian delegates will also meet with staff of Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service and the Consul General who are participating in a Canada Café in the Canada Pavilion. Throughout the week, BIO 2022's multi-faceted program will offer invaluable opportunities for Atlantic Canada's biosciences sector to globally promote itself, to strengthen its networks and make market connections. 

By supporting Canada’s biosciences exporters and researchers on the global stage, the Government of Canada continues to champion Canadian entrepreneurs, companies, and organizations of all sizes, helping them scale up and reach new markets around the world.

The mission to BIO 2022 supports the Trade and Investment priority of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which coordinates federal and provincial government resources and activities to support Atlantic Canadian companies, researchers and organizations looking to sell or commercialize their products and services in markets around the world.

Quotes

“Atlantic Canada has a burgeoning and diversified biosciences sector that is poised for growth in the coming years. I am pleased that ACOA is supporting the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance to promote world-class biosciences products, services and research from Atlantic Canada around international events like the BIO International Convention. We are committed to supporting this thriving sector that will create good jobs, drive innovation and build a better future for all Canadians.”

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Atlantic Canada BioIndustries Alliance (ACBA) is committed to accelerating the growth of the biosciences sector in the region. With the support of ATIGS, global events like BIO 2022 connect our companies to new customers, collaborators, technologies, and investors, making it possible to contribute in a major way to the economic prosperity of Atlantic Canada.”

Rory Francis, CEO of Prince Edward Island BioAlliance, on behalf of the Atlantic Canada BioIndustries Alliance

Quick facts

  • Atlantic Canada’s biosciences sector consists of about 900 establishments in four sub-sectors – bioenergy, bio-health, bio-industrial and agri-bio – that together employed some 10,800 people in 2019.

  • Biosciences companies in Atlantic Canada are mainly small or medium-sized businesses: 60 percent have 20 employees or less, and 53 percent generate annual revenues of less than $1 million.

  • In the last five years, ACOA has invested more than $76 million in over 200 projects to support growth in the Atlantic Canada biosciences sector.

  • Employment in Atlantic Canada’s bioeconomy is highly concentrated in bio-health. Nearly half (49 percent) of all employees work in this sub-sector, with a further third (31 percent) in the agri-bio sub-sector.

Associated links

Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Chelsey Rogerson
Director of Communications and Marketing
Prince Edward Island BioAlliance
chelsey@peibioalliance.com
Tel: (902) 213-7351

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