Annie Rosenberg

February 2009 A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER OF ONTARIO On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I am delighted to extend warm greetings to the leaders and stakeholders of the international biotechnology industry. I believe that innovation is the foundation of today’s knowledge-based economy. Our province’s ability to innovate — to be first out of the gate with new ideas — is what will make Ontario a leader in the 21st century global economy. And the future belongs to the countries and jurisdictions that can harness the creativity, skills and knowledge of their people. Every day, across our province, people are redefining our future. They are discovering new ways to treat disease, finding cleaner ways to generate power, and creating new technologies that will change the way we live and do business. Ontario is on the leading edge of some of the most exciting and significant research that is being undertaken today — research that will help save lives and improve our quality of life. Drawing on a strong history of innovation discovery — from the identification of stem cells to the invention of the Canadarm — our world-class researchers continue to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. As Premier, I recognize that research and innovation are crucial to our economic future, and to the health and well-being of Ontario families. Encouraging innovative companies to do more of their research and development here is an important element of Ontario’s innovation agenda — one which builds on the strength of Ontario’s creative environment, diverse culture and internationally recognized research community. It is an agenda aimed at igniting growth in the industries that will shape our future, create Ontario’s next generation of jobs and ensure our continued prosperity. Ontario boasts some of the world's best and brightest scientists and world-class research institutions. And we are committed to building a strong environment for innovation by supporting those companies. Our province is home to over 140 biotechnology companies and 40 research institutions — and has North America’s thirdlargest regional concentration of biotechnology firms, including sanofi-pasteur, Canada’s largest vaccine company, global companies such as Amgen and Genzyme, and such technology and product development companies as Microbix and Agri-therm. 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 — helping to secure the biotechnology sector’s prosperity and competitiveness. I invite you to learn more about pursuing research and development in our province by contacting some of the firms in this guide, by exploring our investment service website (www.investandtradeontario.com) or, better still, by coming to visit us. Together, we are moving toward an economy that is built on ideas — and we are working to make Ontario the best place in the world to innovate. We are ready to work with potential investors to develop and deliver winning ideas to the world — and invest in a future ripe with possibilities. Dalton McGuinty Premier