Toronto, Ontario – The Ontario government has established its Life Sciences Council, a new advisory body aimed at promoting and supporting the growth of Ontario’s life sciences sector. Dr. Jason Field, President and CEO of Life Sciences Ontario, has been appointed as the inaugural Chair of the Council.
The Life Sciences Council will bring together leaders from industry and academia to advise the government on policies and strategies to foster innovation, talent development, commercialization, and investment in the province’s life sciences sector.
The Life Sciences Council will serve as an important next step in phase two of Ontario’s Life Sciences Strategy: Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level, which was announced in March 2022. The Council will support the work of the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade in identifying sector challenges and opportunities for long-term growth.
As Chair of the Council, Dr. Jason Field brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the life sciences sector. He has led Life Sciences Ontario since 2011 and has been a key advocate for the sector in Ontario and across Canada.
“I am honoured to serve as the inaugural Chair of the Life Sciences Council, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and government to support the growth and success of Ontario’s life sciences sector,” said Dr. Field. “With our collective expertise, we will work collaboratively to build a more innovative and inclusive life sciences sector that will generate economic growth, create high-quality jobs, and improve the wellbeing of people across the province and beyond.
Life Sciences Ontario would like to congratulate other members of the Life Sciences Council:
- Jane Philpott, Dean of Faculty of Health Sciences at Queen’s University
- Dr. Maura Campbell, CEO of Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization
- Pamela Fralick, President of Innovative Medicines Canada
- Nicole Dekort, President & CEO of Medtech Canada
- Derek Newton, Assistant VP of Innovation, Partnerships and Entrepreneurship at University of Toronto
- Cameron Love, President & CEO of The Ottawa Hospital
- Dozie Amuzie, Head of Johnson & Johnson Innovation at JLabs Canada
- David O’Neill, President of FACIT
- Michael May, President & CEO of Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine
- Jim Keon, President of Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association, and
- Elliot Fung, Executive Director of Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX)
We believe their appointment to this council is a testament to their outstanding contributions to the life sciences sector and have no doubt that their expertise will be instrumental in shaping the future of this vital sector.
The Life Sciences Council will hold its first meeting in the coming months, where it will establish its priorities and work plan.
About Life Sciences Ontario
Life Sciences Ontario (LSO) is a member-driven organization that represents and promotes the province’s vibrant and diverse life sciences sector. LSO collaborates with governments, academia, industry, and other stakeholders to create a supportive environment for research, development, and commercialization of life sciences innovations in Ontario.
Media Contact:
lotanna@lifesciencesontario.ca
