British Columbia has a strong foundation for clinical trials, built on world-class clinical research infrastructure and scientific expertise.
But the clinical trials system is not keeping pace with the province’s growing life sciences sector. A recent situational analysis identified barriers that limit BC’s ability to attract and conduct clinical trials. Without coordinated action, BC risks losing opportunities that directly benefit patients, the health system, and the economy.
In response, the provincial government asked Health Research BC to advance actions to increase BC’s clinical trials capacity and competitiveness. In 2025, Health Research BC convened a working group of experts from academia, life sciences, health care, and government to align BC’s clinical trials ecosystem around shared goals and measurable outcomes.
From September 2025 to January 2026, the working group translated key findings from the situational analysis into a three-year implementation strategy. This strategy sets out a roadmap of coordinated actions that will position BC as a leader in clinical trials.
Specifically, the working group focused on actions that:
- Reduce trial start-up timelines by streamlining ethics, contracts, and approval processes
- Strengthen coordination across institutions and sectors
- Expand workforce capacity
- Improve access to trials by increasing participation and reducing barriers
- Enhance BC’s ability to attract clinical trials investment and activity
This work builds on several foundational pillars, including BC’s vision for clinical trials, the B.C. Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy, the Look West Strategy, and national initiatives to modernize clinical trials.
We thank all working group members for their leadership, expertise, and commitment to strengthening BC’s clinical trials ecosystem. Their contributions reflect a shared responsibility across sectors to advance this work.
Next steps
This spring, Clinical Trials British Columbia, part of Health Research BC, will take on the role of a lead convener and engage with the broader clinical trials community to refine this strategy. This phase supports a unified, province-wide approach with clear accountability and measurable results. The completed strategy will be released later this year.
Working Group members
- Dr. Federica Di Palma, Chief Scientific Officer, Genome BC
- Maija Duffy, Executive Director, Ministry of Jobs & Economic Growth
- Wendy Hurlburt, President & CEO, Life Sciences BC
- Dr. Danielle Lavallee, Chief Scientific Officer & Senior Vice President, Research & Innovation, Health Research BC (host/facilitator)
- Julia McFarlane, Director of Research, Ministry of Health
- Dr. Maureen O’Donnell, Executive Vice-President, Provincial Clinical Policy, Planning & Partnerships, PHSA
- Alison Orth, Director, Clinical Trials British Columbia
- Anne Stevens, Vice President, Business Development, AbCellera
- Dr. Wyeth Wasserman, Vice Dean, Research, UBC Faculty of Medicine
