'Ontario is home to leading-edge research institutions, we have a top tier STEM workforce, and our life science and innovation sectors are amongst the best in the world'
The Ontario government welcomed the $500 million investment by pharmaceutical company Roche Canada over five years to establish a Global Pharma Technical Operations site to oversee its global supply chain in Mississauga.
The investment is expected to create 500 jobs – 200 by the end of 2020 and up to 300 more by the end of 2023 – and enhance Ontario's competitiveness and leadership in the life sciences sector.
“This investment is further proof that Ontario has the best environment for jobs and opportunity, and that we are leaders in the creation of life-saving medicines, treatments, and medical equipment,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Roche's new operation hub in Mississauga will further anchor Ontario's position as a titan in life sciences, creating good-paying jobs in the community, and ensuring Ontario's best and brightest minds advance the important work Roche does to transform health care here in our province and beyond.”
The Global Pharma Technical Operations site will be responsible for supporting Hoffmann-La Roche Limited's global manufacturing and supply chain operations, including monitoring safety, quality and distribution of pharmaceutical products shipped around the world.
The human health life sciences sector plays a critical role in the province's economy, providing 66,000 skilled, high-paying jobs and generating more than $53.2 billion annually in revenue. The government is working with life sciences partners to further unlock the potential of the sector through the development of a Life Sciences Strategy to harness initiatives and commitments, including health care procurement reform and data modernization.
In 2012, Roche Canada established Mississauga as a Product Development Site, overseeing clinical trials both in Canada and globally. The success of this site, along with Ontario's highly skilled science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce, world-class colleges and universities and competitive business environment, saw the province win out over 12 international locations and Roche sites to secure this new investment, while positioning the province for future opportunities, according to the government.
“Ontario is home to leading-edge research institutions, we have a top tier STEM workforce, and our life science and innovation sectors are amongst the best in the world,” said Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade. “We are proud that Roche has expressed confidence in our province and selected Ontario as the home for their new site. This will mean 500 new well-paying jobs and will further bolster Ontario's competitiveness in the life sciences sector.”
Recently, Ontario announced that it would be investing $75 million over the next two years to help apprentices cover living expenses during in-class training. On Oct. 16, the province suspended until further notice short-term and temporary absences for social or personal reasons at long-term care homes in areas of the province where there is a higher community spread of COVID-19.
