Canadian Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Industry Mike Lake took part in the 2014 BIO International Convention in San Diego. The annual convention is the world’s largest gathering of scientific leaders and representatives from biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms, with representatives from 80 Canadian companies.

Parliamentary Secretary Lake promoted the pharmaceutical industry in Canada during his opening remarks at the convention. He emphasized the various advantages of investing in Canada, including high-quality research and partnership opportunities. He also mentioned that Canada’s lowest debt-to-GDP ratio and business operating costs in the G7.

Canada’s life sciences industry contributed more than 65,000 jobs and $40 billion in 2010. Additionally, the country’s economy is regarded as one of the world’s strongest, leading the G7 in economic growth for one decade.

“Our government’s top priority is creating jobs and economic growth,” said Parliamentary Secretary Lake. “The competition for countries to lead the bioeconomy is intense. That’s why we have worked to position Canada as the best place in the world to do business.”

Parliamentary Secretary Lake is also set to take place in the BIOTECanada Gold Leafs Awards Ceremony, which celebrates Canada’s success in life sciences.