Latest news with #AndreaLadouceur
Winnipeg Free Press
31-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Building pharmaceutical sector strength
Manitoba's bioscience industry is inking collaboration commitments with other provinces as U.S. researchers increasingly look to move operations to Canada. Bioscience Association Manitoba signed a memorandum of understanding with BIOQuebec, its Quebec counterpart, in June. BAM is aiming for two more such agreements before Christmas. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Andrea Ladouceur, president of Bioscience Association Manitoba, at the group's Smart Park office on the University of Manitoba's Fort Garry campus. 'They are bigger provinces, they have more resources dedicated to the sector, they are more globally known,' said Andrea Ladouceur, BAM president. 'For Manitoba to be amongst those in a co-ordinated way, under an MOU, to help us collaborate — that's the fastest, most effective approach to bringing more opportunities to Manitoba.' Already, the pharmaceutical sector accounts for nearly seven per cent of Manitoba's GDP. Pfizer, Bausch Health and Dynacare have bases in the province. Ladouceur came into her role in January 2024; she's been seeking ways to grow interprovincial collaboration since. The election of U.S. President Donald Trump and resulting trade war tensions have helped bolster collaborative sentiment, she said. She's clocked a 'marked increase' in American companies enquiring about Manitoba. However, most queries are likely directed to larger provinces as U.S. research funds get slashed, she surmised. BIOQuebec confirmed it's fielded at least a dozen calls from Americans asking about relocating to the province since late spring. Life Sciences Ontario has discussed with a California-based business. The MOU with BIOQuebec — and, potentially soon, others — is meant to 'fill in the gaps in our ecosystem,' Ladouceur said. For example, if a Manitoba company needs a manufacturer for medicine it's creating, BAM might direct them to a BIOQuebec member. Quebec has also become 'the epicentre' of service providers able to find international manufacturers and ingredient makers that Canadian pharmaceutical companies need, Ladouceur said. She's hoping if U.S. companies land in Quebec, they'll be directed to Manitoba firms. BAM counts more than 200 members, including around 10 shared with BIOQuebec's pool of at least 300. Exposure to Manitoba might encourage Quebec companies to expand to the keystone province, Ladouceur said. 'This really is a limitless sector,' she added. 'There's more than enough for everybody.' BIOQuebec's interest in Manitoba stems from the province's 'dynamism,' said Benoît Larose, the organization's chief executive. 'In our experience, the smaller ecosystems are more willing to do business abroad,' he said. 'We don't have to convince them to do things with us — they want to do things with us.' BIOQuebec signed a memorandum of understanding with Life Sciences Ontario in March. Threats from the United States led to the MOUs, Larose said, noting BIOQuebec already had relationships with both associations. '(It) was a signal that we wanted to send to our own members,' he said. 'We should all be looking at the resources within Canada before considering doing business elsewhere. 'The 'elbows-up' attitude, that's what we decided to do.' Both Larose and Ladouceur noted U.S. tariffs and funding cuts have locked their members in uncertainty. Manitoba businesses import active pharmaceutical ingredients from the U.S. and export finished products south of the border. (Manitoba exported $211 million worth of packaged medicine in 2025's first quarter, a 70.5 per cent drop from the prior year. The Manitoba Bureau of Statistics pointed to a decline in U.S. imports.) Collaboration between provincial bioscience associations started growing pre-COVID-19 pandemic, said Jason Field, president of Life Sciences Ontario. The groups sit on the National Biotech Accord. Closeness emerged around 2017, when Ottawa sought to reform the patented medicine prices review board and drew industry pushback. It grew during the COVID-19 pandemic — while eyes were on pharmaceutical makers — and has continued during the Trump administration's latest reign, Field said. 'It's a real opportunity for Canada to differentiate itself on a global stage and be really competitive,' Field said. 'But … we have to make this an attractive business environment.' There's a gap in funding for bioscience companies who've reached the $2 million to $10 million range, and regulatory bodies tasked with approving Canadian health products have lacked speed, he asserted. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Inventions often start in Canada and end up commercialized by other countries, said Mary Argent-Katwala, senior director of stakeholder engagement for the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization. 'If a company left Vancouver, it's not that they're necessarily going to another province. They're probably going to Boston or San Diego,' Argent-Katwala said. OBIO is considering signing MOUs with peers in other provinces, Argent-Katwala added. Bioscience Association Manitoba aims to ink collaboration agreements across Canada. Such deals, including with BIOQuebec, could lead to more joint events and trade missions. Gabrielle PichéReporter Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the Free Press. She interned at the Free Press and worked for its sister outlet, Canstar Community News, before entering the business beat in 2021. Read more about Gabrielle. Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. 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National Post
03-07-2025
- Health
- National Post
Bioscience Association Manitoba Applauds Government Action to Advance Bioscience Research and Clinical Trials in Manitoba
Article content WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) welcomes the Manitoba government's latest announcement to launch a Clinical Trials Office, and the implementation of the Research Manitoba led project, Research Improvements Through Harmonization in Manitoba (RITHIM), both designed to accelerate and improve health research in the province. Article content 'For too long, the process of moving innovative research into real-world care has taken longer in Manitoba than in other jurisdictions,' said Andrea Ladouceur, President & CEO of BAM. 'Both the new Manitoba Clinical Trials Office and RITHIM are key pieces of the puzzle that will help connect research to our ecosystem and shorten timelines and enables research to get where it's needed, into the lives of Manitobans.' Article content Manitoba has led with action on the top 2 recommendations from the Manitoba Clinical Trials Working Group. The first is to create a Clinical Trials office to champion connections between researcher and resources and the second is to create a timebound standardized processes. Article content BAM was honoured to co-chair this Working Group over the past 10 months developing recommendations to improve how research is conducted in the province. Article content The new Manitoba Clinical Trials Office, announced by Honourable Jamie Moses, Minister of Business, Mining, Trade, and Job Creation, will help champion Manitoba as a destination for world-class clinical research. RITHIM will also help shorten process timelines. Learn more at Article content 'Clinical trials are essential to getting new, innovative medicines into our healthcare system,' noted Ladouceur. 'Canada uses only about 20 per cent of the innovative medicines available in other G7 countries. Manitoba can and should lead the way in changing that.' Article content The bioscience sector contributes approximately 7 per cent of Manitoba's GDP, with medicine ranked as the province's top export. Manitoba is home to a growing hub of companies like Bausch Health, Pfizer, Cytophage Technologies, Emergent, Kane Biotech, and Dynacare, which are developing solutions that help patients return to healthier lives. Article content 'Our members are leaders in how we heal, feed, and fuel the world,' said Ladouceur. 'But innovation only matters if it reaches people. Many patients can't wait for life-saving treatments. That's why we need to continuously improve how we move research from the lab into people's lives,' noted Andrea. Article content With this announcement, BAM sees Manitoba taking a strong step forward toward a more coordinated, responsive, and globally competitive research environment. Article content 'We're proud to support this important milestone,' added Ladouceur. 'Manitoba is the right place for research to thrive with strong values around inclusivity, a commitment to quality, and a collaborative mindset. We look forward to what comes next.' Article content Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) is a not-for-profit industry association that enables commercial success for bioscience companies in Manitoba by acting as a catalyst for innovation, leading with one unified voice for all bioscience advancement and growth, and supporting a future-focused workforce. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Business Wire
03-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Bioscience Association Manitoba Applauds Government Action to Advance Bioscience Research and Clinical Trials in Manitoba
WINNIPEG, Manitoba--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) welcomes the Manitoba government's latest announcement to launch a Clinical Trials Office, and the implementation of the Research Manitoba led project, Research Improvements Through Harmonization in Manitoba (RITHIM), both designed to accelerate and improve health research in the province. 'For too long, the process of moving innovative research into real-world care has taken longer in Manitoba than in other jurisdictions,' said Andrea Ladouceur, President & CEO of BAM. 'Both the new Manitoba Clinical Trials Office and RITHIM are key pieces of the puzzle that will help connect research to our ecosystem and shorten timelines and enables research to get where it's needed, into the lives of Manitobans.' Manitoba has led with action on the top 2 recommendations from the Manitoba Clinical Trials Working Group. The first is to create a Clinical Trials office to champion connections between researcher and resources and the second is to create a timebound standardized processes. BAM was honoured to co-chair this Working Group over the past 10 months developing recommendations to improve how research is conducted in the province. The new Manitoba Clinical Trials Office, announced by Honourable Jamie Moses, Minister of Business, Mining, Trade, and Job Creation, will help champion Manitoba as a destination for world-class clinical research. RITHIM will also help shorten process timelines. Learn more at 'Clinical trials are essential to getting new, innovative medicines into our healthcare system,' noted Ladouceur. 'Canada uses only about 20 per cent of the innovative medicines available in other G7 countries. Manitoba can and should lead the way in changing that.' The bioscience sector contributes approximately 7 per cent of Manitoba's GDP, with medicine ranked as the province's top export. Manitoba is home to a growing hub of companies like Bausch Health, Pfizer, Cytophage Technologies, Emergent, Kane Biotech, and Dynacare, which are developing solutions that help patients return to healthier lives. 'Our members are leaders in how we heal, feed, and fuel the world,' said Ladouceur. 'But innovation only matters if it reaches people. Many patients can't wait for life-saving treatments. That's why we need to continuously improve how we move research from the lab into people's lives,' noted Andrea. With this announcement, BAM sees Manitoba taking a strong step forward toward a more coordinated, responsive, and globally competitive research environment. 'We're proud to support this important milestone,' added Ladouceur. 'Manitoba is the right place for research to thrive with strong values around inclusivity, a commitment to quality, and a collaborative mindset. We look forward to what comes next.' For more information about this announcement, visit Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) is a not-for-profit industry association that enables commercial success for bioscience companies in Manitoba by acting as a catalyst for innovation, leading with one unified voice for all bioscience advancement and growth, and supporting a future-focused workforce. Learn more about Bioscience Association Manitoba:
Business Wire
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Driving Sector Growth Through Partnership: BIOQuébec and Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) Sign Memorandum of Understanding
LAVAL, Québec & WINNIPEG, Manitoba--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BIOQuébec and Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a partnership between two of Canada's leading life sciences organizations. This marks an important step toward a more integrated and competitive Canadian life sciences landscape, built on regional strengths and shared innovation goals. The MOU is intended to deepen ties between Quebec and Manitoba's vibrant life sciences sectors by leveraging complementary expertise and expanding opportunities in commercialization, business development, and sector growth. It establishes a framework to support joint efforts and foster new opportunities for success among member organizations in both provinces. BAM and BIOQuébec already share several member organizations, making this formal collaboration a natural continuation of existing connections and a mutually beneficial evolution. This partnership reflects a broader effort to strengthen interprovincial collaboration and better align provincial strengths. By enhancing connectivity across provincial ecosystems, BIOQuébec and BAM are contributing to the continued growth of Canada's life sciences sector. A pan-Canadian approach to innovation and growth 'A pan-Canadian approach is the way forward for our industry. This new MOU with BIOQuébec represents a shared commitment to supporting innovation, strengthening Manitoba and Québec's life sciences ecosystems, and creating new opportunities,' said Andrea Ladouceur, President and CEO of BAM. 'By working together, we can better align our resources, amplify our impact, and build a stronger future for life sciences in Canada. We're proud to take this step together and are excited for what lies ahead.' 'In today's rapidly evolving life sciences landscape, provincial boundaries should not be barriers to innovation. This MOU embodies the idea of pan-Canadian collaboration by uniting regional strengths to accelerate growth and amplify Canada's global competitiveness in life sciences,' said Benoît Larose, President and CEO of BIOQuébec. 'It's a concrete step that reflects our willingness to act, to create connections, and to support the growth of companies across both provinces.' Key Benefits for Association Members: Expanded networking and business development opportunities through joint activities and commercial missions Access to cross-association events focused on life sciences knowledge sharing, advocacy, and partnerships Preferential registration rates for all partnered events About BIOQuébec BIOQuébec is a non-profit association entirely funded by its members. It represents more than 290 companies and organizations active in Quebec's life sciences and health technologies industry. BIOQuébec serves as the industry's voice, fosters networking and economic development, and acts as a bridge between the private sector and key stakeholders. Learn more about BIOQuébec: About Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) is a not-for-profit industry association that enables commercial success for bioscience companies in Manitoba by acting as a catalyst for innovation, leading with one unified voice for all bioscience advancement and growth, and supporting a future-focused workforce. Learn more about Bioscience Association Manitoba:
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Driving Sector Growth Through Partnership: BIOQuébec and Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) Sign Memorandum of Understanding
LAVAL, Québec & WINNIPEG, Manitoba, June 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BIOQuébec and Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a partnership between two of Canada's leading life sciences organizations. This marks an important step toward a more integrated and competitive Canadian life sciences landscape, built on regional strengths and shared innovation goals. The MOU is intended to deepen ties between Quebec and Manitoba's vibrant life sciences sectors by leveraging complementary expertise and expanding opportunities in commercialization, business development, and sector growth. It establishes a framework to support joint efforts and foster new opportunities for success among member organizations in both provinces. BAM and BIOQuébec already share several member organizations, making this formal collaboration a natural continuation of existing connections and a mutually beneficial evolution. This partnership reflects a broader effort to strengthen interprovincial collaboration and better align provincial strengths. By enhancing connectivity across provincial ecosystems, BIOQuébec and BAM are contributing to the continued growth of Canada's life sciences sector. A pan-Canadian approach to innovation and growth "A pan-Canadian approach is the way forward for our industry. This new MOU with BIOQuébec represents a shared commitment to supporting innovation, strengthening Manitoba and Québec's life sciences ecosystems, and creating new opportunities," said Andrea Ladouceur, President and CEO of BAM. "By working together, we can better align our resources, amplify our impact, and build a stronger future for life sciences in Canada. We're proud to take this step together and are excited for what lies ahead." "In today's rapidly evolving life sciences landscape, provincial boundaries should not be barriers to innovation. This MOU embodies the idea of pan-Canadian collaboration by uniting regional strengths to accelerate growth and amplify Canada's global competitiveness in life sciences," said Benoît Larose, President and CEO of BIOQuébec. "It's a concrete step that reflects our willingness to act, to create connections, and to support the growth of companies across both provinces." Key Benefits for Association Members: Expanded networking and business development opportunities through joint activities and commercial missions Access to cross-association events focused on life sciences knowledge sharing, advocacy, and partnerships Preferential registration rates for all partnered events About BIOQuébec BIOQuébec is a non-profit association entirely funded by its members. It represents more than 290 companies and organizations active in Quebec's life sciences and health technologies industry. BIOQuébec serves as the industry's voice, fosters networking and economic development, and acts as a bridge between the private sector and key stakeholders. Learn more about BIOQuébec: About Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) is a not-for-profit industry association that enables commercial success for bioscience companies in Manitoba by acting as a catalyst for innovation, leading with one unified voice for all bioscience advancement and growth, and supporting a future-focused workforce. Learn more about Bioscience Association Manitoba: View source version on Contacts For additional details or media inquiries, please contact: Jeannine Burkhard – Public Affairs Advisor, BIOQuébec,Email: jburkhard@ orChloe Gerrard – Communications & Marketing Manager, BAMEmail: chloe@ Sign in to access your portfolio
