Advocacy at OBIO®

Since 2009, OBIO® has brought the voices of early-stage life sciences and health tech companies to decision makers in government to advocate for policies and actions to support our sector. OBIO’s President and CEO, Dr. Maura Campbell, is also the Vice-Chair of Ontario’s Life Sciences Council, supporting a plan to make Ontario a top hub for innovation growth and life sciences investment.

We engage regularly with elected officials and public servants in both the provincial and federal governments through formal responses to consultations, ad hoc letters, published articles, events and private meetings.

If you would like to learn more about OBIO’s advocacy efforts, please reach out to us at:
membership@obio.ca

Current Calls to Action

  • Defence and Dual-Use Applications

    OBIO® is actively reaching out and engaging with both the provincial and federal governments to advocate for the need to invest in domestic life sciences and health tech innovations with dual-use applications. Our sector is critical to biodefence, biosecurity, and health emergency response and preparedness.

    > Read about OBIO’s work in defence
    > Read this article in the Toronto Star featuring Dr. Maura Campbell

  • Canada has the science to shape the future

    Canada has a unique opportunity to shape the future of its life sciences sector. Now is the time to advance a more integrated approach that supports innovation, commercialization, investment, and sustainable access to medicines. We are proud to partner with organizations across Canada's life sciences ecosystem on an op-ed offering recommendations to strengthen Canada's long-term competitiveness and position our country for future growth.

  • Life Sciences Future

    We’re thrilled to be part of A Joint Call To Action For Canada’s Life Sciences Future, a unified message from all provincial signatories of the National Biotech Accord sharing their commitment to advancing Canada’s life sciences sector.

  • Trade War

    Support early-stage life sciences and health tech companies during the trade war. Check out our Tariff Relief Resources page.



  • Government Investment

    We’re proud to contribute to a report, urging government support for early-stage companies through seed funding, tax incentives, and fund matching.

  • Private Sector Investment

    Increase private sector investment in early-stage companies using Angel investor tax credits and engagement with pension funds.

  • Procurement

    Implement value-based procurement of healthcare innovations. Learn about the Supply Ontario and OBIO® partnership driving procurement of innovative technologies in Ontario.

  • Invest in Canadian Innovation

    Read the Op-Ed on the importance of fostering homegrown innovation and supporting Canadian businesses.

Examples of Past Advocacy Successes

  • SR&ED

    OBIO® advocated for reforms to SR&ED that came into effect in April 2026, including the introduction of a pre-claim approval process, streamlined administration, and expanded eligibility.


  • Ontario Wet Labs Coalition


    OBIO’s President and CEO, Dr. Maura Campbell, co-chaired the Ontario Wet Labs Coalition, whose work led to the creation of the Ontario Wet Labs Program.

  • Support during Covid-19


    OBIO® advocated for urgent support for our sector during the Covid-19 pandemic and informed Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy and Ontario’s “Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level, Ontario’s sector strategy”.

  • Addressing Key Issues


    OBIO® led the Ontario Bioscience Economic Strategy Team (OBEST®) in developing a province-wide strategic vision for addressing key issues such as capital access, capabilities/people, innovation adoption, market receptivity and export.

If you would like to learn more about OBIO’s advocacy efforts, please reach out to us at: membership@obio.ca