Ontarians Value Biotechnology and Want More Federal Government Support for the Industry

BIOTECanada presents results of poll to Minister Milloy at National
Biotechnology Week launch
LONDON, Ontario--(Business Wire)--
Ontarians overwhelmingly value biotechnology`s contribution to their lives and
the economy, BIOTECanada told Minister Milloy and an audience of over 150
business leaders at the launch of the sixth annual National Biotechnology Week.
The results, part of an annual poll, conducted by Nanos Research, found
Ontarians to be strong supporters of biotechnology and of government support to
the industry:

* 58 per cent of Ontarians stated biotechnology was very important to Canada`s
future economic prosperity, and 77 percent, above the national average, were
concerned about our country`s global competitiveness in science and technology.
* 86 per cent strongly supported research involving biotechnology
* 88 per cent supported grants for research and product development from the
federal government to emerging firms.

"These results show that for a sixth year in a row, Ontarians value the success
of our biotechnology industry - and support government initiatives to aid the
industry," said Peter Brenders, President and CEO of BIOTECanada. "The
biotechnology industry faces challenges of access to capital and market
introduction of biotechnological health advances, so it is it is especially
positive to hear Canadians voice support for government action."

"The results exemplify the strong support we have always seen from the local
community and business," said Marilyn Sinclair, president and CEO of launch
partner TechAlliance. "Whether for students or business leaders, understanding
the synergies between traditional industries, and between high tech, health
technologies and biotech is the first step to building a strong economy and we
are extremely pleased to have the minister and our other elected officials here
today to begin this dialogue."

The launch event also featured a speech by Adam Bly, Canadian media and
entrepreneur, Editor and Founder of Seed Magazine, who spoke to firms on the
need to bridge science and culture to effectively communicate biotechnology`s
value to the public.

The event officially launched the sixth annual National Biotechnology Week,
during which the industry carries out a series of seminars, experiments, tours
and events to showcase the value biotechnology brings to Canadians today, and
its growing role in the knowledge economy of the future.

For complete polling results, visit: www.biotech.ca or www.imaGENEnation.ca

ABOUT BIOTECanada www.biotech.ca

BIOTECanada is dedicated to the sustainable commercial development of
biotechnology innovation in Canada. It is the national industry-funded
association with over 250 member companies representing the broad spectrum of
biotech constituents including emerging and established firms in the health,
industrial, and agricultural sectors, as well as academic and research
institutions and other related organizations.

ABOUT NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY WEEK www.imagenenation.ca

Now in its sixth year, National Biotechnology Week involves every region of the
country participating in this national program designed to inform Canadians and
showcase Canadian excellence. Participants will take part in advocacy programs,
public awareness campaigns, educational forums, career fairs, tour Canadian
biotech companies, and showcase the value of biotechnology and how it is vital
to our future. National Biotechnology Week is possible thanks to the support of
Amgen, Abbott, Council for Biotechnology Information, Genzyme, Janssen-Ortho,
Pioneer, Pfizer, Roche and Schering-Plough.

BIOTECanada
Kasia Majewski, 613-230-5585 x 257
Cell: 613-219-2770
kasia.majewski@biotech.ca

Copyright Business Wire 2009