A promotional video on Ontario’s life sciences industry is playing at the Ontario pavilion throughout BIO’s three-day trade show.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) Conference, represents the world’s largest life sciences networking opportunity. It’s expected to draw some 18,000 biotech professionals from 46 states and 24 countries, 1,600 exhibitors and more than 500 members of the media.

BIO 2006 Conference Photos

---

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
April 9, 2006

PREMIER LEADS TOP RESEARCHERS, BUSINESS LEADERS TO BIO 2006

Creating Opportunities For Innovation Abroad Means More Prosperity For Families At Home

CHICAGO -- Ontario's top researchers and business leaders are joining Premier Dalton McGuinty to boost jobs and investment at home by promoting the province's biotechnology sector at BIO 2006, an international life sciences conference.

"We'll be taking every opportunity at BIO to drive home the message that Ontario is an emerging force in biotech — and that we have the people, the talent and the commitment to be a global leader," said Premier McGuinty, who is also Minister of Research and Innovation.

"By creating more opportunities for innovation abroad, we're creating more opportunities for jobs and prosperity back home, and that's building a better quality of life for families across Ontario."

BIO 2006 is the world's largest life sciences conference and brings together about 1,600 exhibitors and 18,000 biotech professionals from 46 states and 24 countries.  More than 500 members of the media are also expected to attend.

Ontario's delegation, led by the Premier and Economic Development and Trade Minister Joe Cordiano, includes more than 300 people representing private sector companies, universities and colleges, municipalities, agricultural organizations and research institutions.

"I'm proud that Ontario is recognized as a leading life-sciences sector and one of the most dynamic places to invest in North America," Cordiano said.  "We're home to the majority of biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device companies in the country.  In the past year alone, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi Pasteur announced new investments and high-value jobs in Ontario."

Ontario's pavilion will promote the province's thriving life-sciences sector.  This industry generates more than $10 billion US in annual revenues, and employs 40,000 people in more than 800 companies in Ontario.

An Industry Liaison Committee, co-chaired by Tony Wong, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Research and Innovation, and Dale Patterson, Chair of the Biotechonology Council of Ontario, has been working hard to ensure Ontario makes a lasting impression at the conference.

"We don't say it nearly enough — but Ontario can go toe-to-toe with any other place in the world," said Premier McGuinty.  "With a highly skilled, well-educated workforce, our commitment to creating a culture of innovation and some of the best and brightest minds working in our province, Ontario will be at the forefront of research and innovation for years to come."

-30-