Minister Paradis and Minister of State Goodyear Recognize BIO 2013 as a Success for Canadian Industry

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS--(Marketwired - April 24, 2013) - The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), have wrapped up their participation at the 2013 BIO International Convention, along with members of Canada's delegation of biotechnology and pharmaceutical executives and scientific leaders.

"Each year there is a strong showing by Canadian companies at BIO, and this year was no exception," said Minister Paradis. "Our government will continue to give our world-leading biotechnology companies the tools they need to grow, compete and create high-quality jobs for Canadians."

"BIO 2013 gave us a chance to signal how our government is making Canada's life sciences sector even more globally competitive," added Minister of State Goodyear. "Canada's Economic Action Plan continues to improve the business climate in Canada, focusing resources on private sector needs through procurement opportunities, risk financing, and improved support for high-growth companies, research collaboration and applied research."

While in Chicago, the Minister and Minister of State met with key multinationals to promote Canada as a premier place to invest and held a round table with key Canadian companies to discuss their advantages and challenges. Minister Paradis also officially opened the Canada Café Pavilion, while Minister of State Goodyear underlined Canadian excellence at the Gold Leaf Awards.

BIO is acknowledged as the world's largest biotechnology conference and trade show, attracting biotechnology and pharmaceutical executives, scientific leaders, political representatives, senior government officials and media from around the world.