BIOQuébec submitted its pre-budget briefing paper, “For a competitive and innovative Québec in life sciences and health technologies,” as part of Québec’s pre-budget consultations.
A demanding and changing environment
Quebec was the first province to adopt a Quebec Life Sciences Strategy, which was renewed in December 2025. Since the adoption of this first strategy, the national landscape has changed, particularly due to significant investments made by other jurisdictions to support the sector. Added to this are broader geopolitical dynamics, including certain international trade decisions that are likely to have a structural impact on the sector. In this context, Quebec must continue to adapt its policies to support the sector’s growth and attract investment, while taking into account current budgetary constraints.
A sector at the heart of health and the economy
Life sciences and health technologies bring together more than 750 companies and organizations in Quebec and employ more than 39,000 highly skilled people. As the second largest industry in terms of private research and development spending, the sector contributes directly to improving the quality of life of Quebecers through the development of innovative drugs, vaccines, and medical technologies.
BIOQuébec’s proposals
The report focuses on 3 main objectives, broken down into 7 recommendations and 13 concrete measures, which aim to strengthen the entire innovation chain, from research to commercialization.
Objective 1 – Strengthen Quebec as a major hub for life sciences and health technologies
BIOQuébec proposes improving access to financing at various stages of business development, particularly in the early and growth phases.
Objective 2 – Provide Quebecers with advances in research, innovation, and medicine
BIOQuébec emphasizes the need to better integrate innovation into the healthcare system by promoting more efficient and predictable evaluation and market access processes.
Objective 3 – Maximize the economic benefits of the sector
BIOQuébec aims to strengthen the sector’s economic foundation by supporting the commercialization of innovations, the retention of intellectual property, the development of local manufacturing, and the recognition of value created in Quebec.
Read the full brief!
** This document is available in French only
