AmCham Canada Launches New National Policy Committee for Life Sciences

AmCham Canada has officially launched a new National Policy Committee for Life Sciences under the leadership of Inaugural Committee Chair Lesia M. Babiak, BScPharm, PharmD, MBA, ICD.DHead, Worldwide Government Affairs & Policy (Canada) Johnson & Johnson.

The Committee launch was hosted by Katherine Brucker, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa and included representation from major U.S. companies operating in Canada and officials from both the U.S. and Canadian governments.

The event also featured a presentation by Eric Costen, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Industry Sector,Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Canada's Biomanufacturing and Life Science Strategy and a roundtable discussion with industry leaders.

Participating companies included Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Lilly, GE, 3M and AbbVie.  According to AmCham Canada's President, Rick Tachuk, this new Life Sciences Committee formalizes work which has been on-going for some time on behalf of Amcham member companies.

"We have long been active with advocacy in this sector" says Tachuk, "however the establishment of this new committee signals the critical and growing importance of the sector and the opportunities for U.S. companies.

Inaugural Committee Chair, Lesia Babiak applauded the establishment of the Committee and support received from key players in the sector.  “Working with policy makers to maximize opportunities to strengthen our sector in Canada will benefit patients and the economy. It will be our highest priority.” said Babiak.