Biotechnology
The biotechnology sector has grown dramatically in Québec over the last ten years, and now includes 380 companies employing 24 500 people. The Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation groups these companies into three main categories:
- biopharmaceuticals;
- medical equipment;
- natural health products.
Biopharmaceuticals
The biopharmaceutical industry is made up of companies that research, develop, produce and market medications for human or animal health. Over 146 companies employed around 20 925 people in 2007. Workers in the biopharmaceutical industry are highly specialized and have higher rates of pay than the cross-industry average.
For more information on the biopharmaceutical industry…
See the section on the website of the Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation.
Medical equipment
The medical equipment industry is made up of companies involved in researching and developing, manufacturing or marketing medical products used to
- diagnose, treat or prevent illness;
- restore or correct organic functions;
- correct body structures.
The industry also includes manufacturers of hospital supplies and paramedical products such as medical fabrics and hospital garments and furniture.
For more information on the medical equipment industry …
See the section on the website of the Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation.
Natural health products
The natural health products industry is made up of companies that research and develop, manufacture or market alternative medicine products. The growing interest of the population in natural health products has prompted the development of the industry that, since 1998, has seen a 15% increase in its workforce each year.
For more information on the natural health products industry …
See the section on the website of the Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation.
(French only)
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