In addition, Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the TSX Venture Exchange are among the largest sources for life sciences capital markets in the world.
Canada's leading investment, legal and accounting firms, most of which have their head offices in Toronto, can provide expertise and international connections to help life sciences companies grow.
Ontario is a major life sciences hub that is closely connected with international researchers and markets. World markets welcome made-in-Ontario pharmaceuticals and medical devices. That's one of the reasons why so many Ontario operations have global product mandates. Every year between 1994 and 2004, Ontario biomedical exports grew by 18%.
What's our secret? We provide all the ingredients needed to grow strong, healthy life sciences companies:
- a smart, skilled workforce – scientists for research, technicians for quality control, business managers with experience in global markets
- world-leading research institutes
- strong government support for R&D, innovation and commercialization
- internationally competitive business costs
- access to NAFTA and global markets.
Leading-edge medical research converges with international business expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities in Ontario. The result?
A thriving biomedical sector that includes world leading pharmaceutical companies, innovative medical device developers and a wealth of biotechnology firms.
Ontario's life sciences industry employs more than 43,000 people at more than 815 companies which generate more than $14 billion annually.
Pharmaceuticals
- 16,000+ employees
- includes global giants such as AstraZeneca, Bayer, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer
- sales of $7.5 billion
Medical and assistive devices
- 22,000 employees
- 675+ companies including global giants such as GE Medical Systems and Johnson & Johnson Medical Products
- revenues of $4 billion
Biotech
- 5,000+ employees
- 140+ companies – more than any U.S. state except California or Massachusetts – including global giants such as Amgen, Genzyme and sanofi pasteur
- revenues of $2.8 billion
Insulin, the pacemaker, the artificial kidney, advances in 3-D imaging techniques and the discovery of genes for cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, breast cancer and Alzheimer's – Ontario researchers have made discoveries that have saved lives around the world.
And new breakthroughs are happening in our labs everyday. More than $2 billion is invested in health research in Ontario annually.
Smart, skilled employees who understand science, business and international markets – that's what successful biomedical companies need and that's what they find in Ontario.
Our talent pool is one of the best educated in the world. A higher percentage of the Ontario workforce has completed their post-secondary education than in any industrialized country.
