Get your booster dose   |   Rapid antigen testing kits are free at pharmacies
Government of B.C. Government of B.C.
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to main navigation
  • Skip to site search
  • Skip to side bar
  • Skip to footer

BC Gov News

  • Home
  • Ministries
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast
  • Office of the Premier
  • Advanced Education and Skills Training
  • Agriculture and Food
  • Attorney General
  • Children and Family Development
  • Citizens' Services
  • Education and Child Care
  • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
  • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
  • Finance
  • Forests
  • Health
  • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
  • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
  • Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
  • Labour
  • Land, Water and Resource Stewardship
  • Mental Health and Addictions
  • Municipal Affairs
  • Public Safety and Solicitor General
  • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
  • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
  • Transportation and Infrastructure

close menu Office of the Premier

Province stops museum plan, will consult public on museum’s future

June 22, 2022 12:45 PM
Royal BC Museum project is stopped
The Province is halting plans announced last month to rebuild the Royal British Columbia Museum.
  Read More

Vancouver named FIFA World Cup 2026 official host city

June 16, 2022 2:37 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THE PREMIER
More from the Premier
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Premier's Bio

close menu Advanced Education and Skills Training

Expanded physical therapy program coming to Surrey

June 23, 2022 10:15 AM
Expanded physical therapy program coming to Surrey
More people in Surrey and the Fraser Valley will be able to pursue careers in physical therapy at a new training space coming to Surrey.
  Read More

Investing in biomedical engineering will bolster British Columbians’ health

June 13, 2022 11:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Agriculture and Food

B.C. ramps up support for agritech

June 24, 2022 8:30 AM
Two Vancouver-based agritech businesses are paving the way for stronger food security through B.C.’s Agritech Ramp-Up Pilot Program (Ramp-Up) with robotics and technology to support B.C.’s agriculture sector.
  Read More

Agriculture advisory group to help create more resilient food supply

June 14, 2022 8:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Attorney General

Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages

June 29, 2022 9:08 AM
Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma (Canada) (Purdue Canada) has agreed to a first of its kind settlement in Canada resulting from B.C.-led efforts to recover health-care costs related to the sale and marketing of opioid-based pain medicines.
  Read More

Province seeks people to join anti-racism committee, help dismantle systemic racism

June 24, 2022 10:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Children and Family Development

Province seeks public input on supports for children, youth

April 20, 2022 11:15 AM
A survey about B.C’s new service approach for children and youth with support needs is now open to the public.
  Read More

Process begins to select family connections centres

May 10, 2022 4:08 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Citizens' Services

More Cariboo communities connected to high-speed internet

June 23, 2022 9:00 AM
More than 1,200 households in 15 communities, including four First Nations communities, have access to high-speed internet services in the Cariboo, thanks to the installation of new fibre to the home.
  Read More

Province seeks people to join anti-racism committee, help dismantle systemic racism

June 24, 2022 10:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Education and Child Care

Expansion of $10 a day child care to benefit thousands more B.C. families

June 20, 2022 12:02 PM
Expansion of $10 a day child care to benefit thousands more B.C. families
Applications are being accepted from child care providers to join the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program this year, which will enable them to offer low-cost child care, making life more affordable for thousands more families in B.C.
  Read More

Nisga’a students will benefit from new gymnasium

June 20, 2022 2:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

British Columbians can access more in EV charger rebates

May 18, 2022 10:05 AM
Better rebates for EV chargers
The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses and communities.
  Read More

B.C. supports EV adoption from purchase through repair

June 1, 2022 12:55 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C. strengthens actions to prepare for climate change with new strategy

June 20, 2022 1:15 PM
B.C. strengthens actions to prepare for climate change with new strategy
People in British Columbia will be better protected from the impacts of wildfires, flooding and extreme heat through the actions included in the new Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.
  Read More

Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act

June 6, 2022 10:38 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Finance

Heat pump demand heats up in northern B.C.

June 20, 2022 11:52 AM
Heat pumps are more affordable than ever in B.C. with a provincial sales tax (PST) exemption and the launch of a new incentive to help people switch to the cleaner, energy-efficient technology that works in warm and cold climates.
  Read More

Rating agencies validate B.C.’s financial plan to support people, businesses

June 10, 2022 11:23 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Forests

Historic investments help B.C. prepare for wildfire season

June 3, 2022 9:15 AM
Historic investments help B.C. prepare for wildfire season
British Columbians can expect cooler and wetter conditions in June, which means the fire hazard is anticipated to remain low through the early summer, as shown in the BC Wildfire Service’s latest seasonal outlook.
  Read More

Province launches public engagement on strengthening Great Bear Rainforest

June 9, 2022 9:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Health

Construction begins on redeveloped Burnaby Hospital

May 30, 2022 11:10 AM
Construction begins on redeveloped Burnaby Hospital
People in one of the fastest-growing communities in B.C. are one step closer to expanded patient care as construction begins on the redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital.
  Read More

BC Cancer launches lung-screening program

May 25, 2022 11:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act

June 6, 2022 10:38 AM
Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act
Tahltan Central Government and the Province have entered into the first consent-based decision-making agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
  Read More

B.C. invests in First Nations language, arts, culture and heritage revitalization

June 14, 2022 1:15 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour

January 20, 2022 8:00 AM
Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour
Nominations are being accepted for the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest honour.
  Read More

Outstanding people recognized for service during the pandemic

March 22, 2022 2:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News

close menu Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation

Significant partnership with Japan to better support transportation infrastructure

June 16, 2022 1:30 PM
Significant partnership with Japan to better support transportation infrastructure
A new agreement signed between the Province of B.C. and the group Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN) will help deliver innovative and clean solutions for future transportation projects and priorities.
  Read More

Tŝilhqot’in Nation will benefit from forest-to-frame project

June 22, 2022 10:46 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Labour

B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest paid workers

May 31, 2022 8:30 AM
B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest paid workers
As of June 1, 2022, B.C.’s lowest paid workers will get a pay boost as the minimum wage increases from $15.20 to $15.65 per hour, which is the highest of any province.
  Read More

B.C. expands cancer coverage for firefighters

April 22, 2022 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Land, Water and Resource Stewardship

Watershed restoration creates a healthier future for B.C.

April 21, 2022 11:15 AM
Watershed restoration creates a healthier future for B.C.
An ongoing effort to restore watersheds and wetlands in the province is creating a healthier future for British Columbians by mitigating the impacts of climate change on communities, strengthening ecosystems and securing quality drinking water.
  Read More

Minister’s and parliamentary secretary’s statement on federal decision about salmon farms

June 22, 2022 4:20 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Mental Health and Addictions

Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages

June 29, 2022 9:08 AM
Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma (Canada) (Purdue Canada) has agreed to a first of its kind settlement in Canada resulting from B.C.-led efforts to recover health-care costs related to the sale and marketing of opioid-based pain medicines.
  Read More

New Foundry will provide services to youth in northeastern B.C.

June 14, 2022 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Municipal Affairs

B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians

June 29, 2022 10:15 AM
B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians
Ukrainian citizens arriving in B.C. under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can now apply for hardship assistance from the B.C. government.
  Read More

Summer Reading Club will keep kids and families reading

June 27, 2022 12:15 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Joint statement on the first anniversary of the Lytton wildfire

June 30, 2022 8:00 AM
First anniversary of the Lytton wildfire
Premier John Horgan and Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, have released the following statement marking one year since the Lytton wildfire:
  Read More

Toxic drug supply continues to devastate communities throughout B.C.

June 9, 2022 10:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians

June 29, 2022 10:15 AM
B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians
Ukrainian citizens arriving in B.C. under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can now apply for hardship assistance from the B.C. government.
  Read More

Network helps people with disabilities focus on mental, physical wellness

June 3, 2022 8:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Vancouver named FIFA World Cup 2026 official host city

June 16, 2022 2:37 PM
Vancouver named FIFA World Cup 2026 official host city
FIFA has confirmed that Vancouver has been chosen as an official host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
  Read More

Grants help youth in and from government care get in the game

May 30, 2022 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Permanent repairs begin soon to Coquihalla and Highway 1

June 16, 2022 8:00 AM
Permanent repairs begin soon to Coquihalla and Highway 1
Permanent repairs to flood-damaged sections of the Coquihalla (Highway 5) and Highway 1 will soon be underway, protecting the safe movement of people and goods in British Columbia.
  Read More

Major progress on Kicking Horse Canyon Project in first year of construction

June 8, 2022 9:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Home
  • Ministries
    • Office of the Premier
    • Advanced Education and Skills Training
    • Agriculture and Food
    • Attorney General
    • Children and Family Development
    • Citizens' Services
    • Education and Child Care
    • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
    • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
    • Finance
    • Forests
    • Health
    • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
    • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
    • Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
    • Labour
    • Land, Water and Resource Stewardship
    • Mental Health and Addictions
    • Municipal Affairs
    • Public Safety and Solicitor General
    • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
    • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
    • Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast

Health

B.C. invests $39 million in life sciences

Share

More from this Ministry
Honourable Adrian Dix

Honourable Adrian Dix

Minister of Health and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs

Read Bio

Contact

Email: HLTH.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Health

Construction begins on redeveloped Burnaby Hospital

May 30, 2022 11:10 AM
Construction begins on redeveloped Burnaby Hospital
People in one of the fastest-growing communities in B.C. are one step closer to expanded patient care as construction begins on the redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital.
  Read More

BC Cancer launches lung-screening program

May 25, 2022 11:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Print

Health

British Columbia News

B.C. invests $39 million in life sciences

https://news.gov.bc.ca/02249

Share

News Release

Vancouver
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 8:45 AM

Share

News Release

Vancouver

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 8:45 AM

More from this Ministry

  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Visit Ministry Website

Featured Topics

  • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Health & Drug Coverage
  • Accessing Health Care
  • Health Forms
  • Office of the Provincial Health Officer
  • Office of Indigenous Health

Featured Services

  • Medical Services Plan
  • PharmaCare
  • HealthLink BC
  • Vital Statistics
  • Health Care Complaints

BOSTON/British Columbia will invest $39 million in life science that will improve the lives of British Columbia families and support jobs in the life science sector.

"British Columbia is recognized as a leader in life sciences research in part because of our government's support," said Health Minister Michael de Jong. "$29 million will be invested at The Centre for Drug Research and Development to make a difference to British Columbians and beyond as development in drug therapies can have worldwide benefits. As well, $10 million will go toward Genome British Columbia to support cutting-edge genomics research right here at home."

De Jong made the announcement while attending the BIO International Convention in Boston. This convention is regarded as a highlight on the biotechnology community calendar, bringing together more than 15,000 biotechnology companies and academic institutions from Canada, the United States and around the globe.

The funding includes $29 million for The Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), which builds on a previous investment of $25 million in the centre. The funding will support the centre's five-year plan and its goal of bringing new drug therapies to the market, benefiting patients and families.

It also includes $10 million for Genome BC, which will be directed specifically to health-related research projects. Specific projects will be determined by an internationally peer-reviewed competitive process - only the best applications get funded. The B.C. government has provided a total of $187.5 million to Genome BC since 2001 including the funding announced today.

"The provincial government has always been a critical and very supportive partner for us, and this investment will further help us advance the work we do in translating academic health research into viable investment opportunities for the private sector, and ultimately into new therapies for patients," said Karimah Es Sabar, CDRD president and CEO. "On behalf of CDRD, I would like to thank the B.C. government for their continued support."

"Research is crucial in making health advances and moving health care forward, and this funding will make a major impact," said Alan E. Winter, president and CEO of Genome BC. "I'm pleased that we are able to continue our positive relationship with the Province, and am excited to see what additional discoveries are made as a result of this funding."

The funding for Genome British Columbia will go to genomics projects that will demonstrate health applications, support B.C.'s scientific community and benefit people here in British Columbia and all over the world.

"Investments in research and development are necessary to keep on the cutting-edge of life sciences here in British Columbia. The funding we are announcing today will ensure that these two organizations continue to innovate and add value to health care in the province," said Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid, MLA for Vancouver-Fairview and Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government.

"These one-time grants are great news for the future of B.C.'s economy," said Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister Pat Bell. "Not only do government investments in health research and innovation create jobs and attract foreign investment, but much more importantly, they help medical professionals save lives."

The B.C. government is committed to investing in health research which will benefit future generations. Since 2001, the provincial government has demonstrated this commitment with an investment of more than $850 million in organizations such as the Vancouver Prostate Centre, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, six Leading Edge Endowment Fund chairs, Genome BC, and the Centre for Drug Research and Development.

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)

Barry Gee
Director, Communications
The Centre for Drug Research and Development
604 619-4805 (cell)
bgee@cdrd.ca

Sally Greenwood
Vice President, Communications
Genome BC
604 512-5118
sgreenwood@genomebc.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Province announces $39 million for life sciences

The Centre for Drug Research and Development

CDRD plays a critical role as a bridge between academia and the private sector.

This includes attracting foreign investment, greater commercialization of B.C. and Canadian innovation, as well as an increase in the number of national and international technologies that are brought to the province.

Since being founded in 2006, the centre has created about 2,209 direct and indirect jobs in the health-research sector and over the next five years expects to create an additional 2,300 jobs.

To date, the CDRD has undertaken over 100 drug development projects stemming from the work of approximately 75 principal investigators from across Canada.

These projects aim to find new therapies for a broad range of diseases.

An example is the work being done around methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA). Dr. Neil Reiner at the University of British Columbia and Dr. Robert Young at Simon Fraser University are working in collaboration with CDRD and have identified a possible MSRA drug target which could give health-care professionals another treatment option against infection.

Genome BC

Genome BC is a research organization that invests in and manages large-scale genomics and proteomics research projects focused on areas such as human health, forestry, bioenergy and the environment.

Previous projects have included an internationally recognized tuberculosis study and a drinking water safety study which have already demonstrated very positive results.

Both studies were initiated with previous funding provided by the Ministry of Health. Since 2001, the provincial government has contributed $187.5 million to Genome BC.

Funding from the provincial government is leveraged four-to-one to enable cutting-edge genomics research that aims to solve challenges in these areas.

Other health-related projects undertaken by Genome BC include using biomarkers to assist in organ transplants, an investigation into the genomics of childhood brain cancer and the use of clinical biomarkers to prevent severe adverse drug reactions.

Genomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the study of organisms' genomes. This field of molecular biology includes efforts to determine the entire DNA sequence of organisms and how genes interact with each other and the environment.

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)

Barry Gee
Director, Communications
The Centre for Drug Research and Development
604 619-4805 (cell)
bgee@cdrd.ca

Sally Greenwood
Vice President, Communications
Genome BC
604 512-5118
sgreenwood@genomebc.ca


https://news.gov.bc.ca/02249

Related Articles

Construction begins on redeveloped Burnaby Hospital

May 30, 2022 11:10 AM

BC Cancer launches lung-screening program

May 25, 2022 11:15 AM

South, central Island housekeeping, food service workers in-house

June 29, 2022 1:50 PM
BC Gov News

Connect with the Ministry

Photos

View the Ministry's latest photos on Flickr.

Videos

Watch the Ministry's latest videos on YouTube.

Sound Bites

Listen to the Ministry's latest audio clips on SoundCloud.

Connect with Us:

  • BC Gov
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds

  • Home
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
  • Contact Us
  • Connect
View all Social Media