Overview of the Biotechnology & Life Sciences Industry
British Columbia has one of the largest biotechnology and life sciences sectors in Canada. The province plays an important role in the growing global life sciences industry.
Sectors of the Biotechnology and Life Sciences Industry
Chart from BioTalent.ca
British Columbia is home to more than 1,150 companies involved in the biotechnology and life sciences sector. The sector employs over 17,000 people and contributes $14.4 billion to the Province’s GDP.
The life sciences sector in British Columbia includes a broad range of companies, government agencies, healthcare research organizations and academic partners.
Some of the more prominent companies and organizations in B.C. include:
- Stemcell Technologies
- Zymeworks Inc
- Kardium Inc
- AbCellera
- Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc
- Amgen British Columbia Inc.
- Verathon Medical Canada
- Burrard Pharmaceuticals
- Genome British Columbia
- Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
- BC Cancer Agency
Studies report that hiring and retaining workers has become a serious issue for employers. Across Canada 33% of biotechnology and life sciences employers report skills shortages and 20% have job vacancies in their companies. In addition, many more workers are soon to retire.
Newcomers to Canada are seen as a key source of talent as employers seek to meet their hiring needs. The industry has responded by creating a number of programs to attract new workers.
One such initiative is the Facilitating Access to Skilled Talent (FAST) Program. This program helps you learn more about your industry, understand Canadian workplace culture, and know what skills you need in your profession to help you succeed in the Canadian workplace.
BioTalent Canada has a BioSkills Recognition Program* that helps newcomers to Canada and others gain recognition of education, skills and experience. You can showcase your abilities to employers in Canada’s growing biotech sector by being recognized as BioReady. Being BioReady lets employers know you have the skills to work in certain biotech jobs in Canada’s bio-economy.
*Clients of the Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC), participating in the FAST Program might qualify to submit a BioSkills Recognition Portfolio for free.
For more information on the Biotechnology and Life Sciences sector see: