Manitoba Bioscience Association Backs Government Plan to Boost Research and Clinical Trials
Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) has voiced strong support for a major new initiative from the Manitoba government aimed at advancing health research and clinical trials across the province. The announcement includes the creation of a dedicated Manitoba Clinical Trials Office and the implementation of Research Improvements Through Harmonization in Manitoba (RITHIM), a project led by Research Manitoba that is designed to streamline and accelerate the research process.
“For too long, the process of moving innovative research into real-world care has taken longer in Manitoba than in other jurisdictions,” said Andrea Ladouceur, President and CEO of BAM. “Both the new Manitoba Clinical Trials Office and RITHIM are key pieces of the puzzle that will help connect research to our ecosystem. These initiatives will shorten timelines and get research where it’s needed most—into the lives of Manitobans.”
The announcement marks the government’s commitment to implementing the two top recommendations from the Manitoba Clinical Trials Working Group: the establishment of a centralized Clinical Trials Office to improve coordination among researchers and stakeholders, and the development of standardized, timebound processes that ensure efficiency and predictability in clinical research timelines.
BAM played a central role in shaping these recommendations, having co-chaired the Manitoba Clinical Trials Working Group over the past ten months. The association brought together experts and stakeholders across the bioscience and healthcare sectors to identify systemic issues and propose practical solutions for strengthening Manitoba’s research infrastructure.
The Manitoba Clinical Trials Office, announced by the Honourable Jamie Moses, Minister of Business, Mining, Trade, and Job Creation, is envisioned as a central hub for clinical research activity in the province. The office will be tasked with championing Manitoba as a destination for world-class clinical trials, helping connect researchers with the necessary tools, partners, and regulatory support to move from idea to implementation more efficiently.
In tandem, the RITHIM initiative is expected to significantly reduce the bureaucratic barriers that can slow research progress. By harmonizing and simplifying approval processes across institutions and regulatory bodies, RITHIM will enable faster study start-ups and ensure that innovations reach patients sooner.
“Clinical trials are essential to getting new, innovative medicines into our healthcare system,” Ladouceur emphasized. “Canada currently utilizes only about 20 percent of the innovative medicines available in other G7 countries. Manitoba can and should lead the way in changing that.”
The bioscience industry is a critical part of Manitoba’s economic and healthcare landscape, contributing roughly 7 percent to the province’s GDP. Pharmaceuticals remain Manitoba’s top export category. The province is home to an expanding network of bioscience companies—including Bausch Health, Pfizer, Cytophage Technologies, Emergent BioSolutions, Kane Biotech, and Dynacare—each playing a vital role in developing treatments that improve and save lives.
“Our members are global leaders in healing, feeding, and fueling the world,” said Ladouceur. “But innovation only matters if it reaches people. Many patients simply don’t have the luxury of time. That’s why we need to continuously improve how we move research from the lab into everyday care.”
According to BAM, the government’s recent measures represent a foundational shift toward building a research environment that is not only more coordinated and responsive but also globally competitive. The association views this moment as an inflection point that could position Manitoba as a leader in health research innovation.
“We’re proud to support this important milestone,” Ladouceur added. “Manitoba is the right place for research to thrive. We have a strong culture of collaboration, values rooted in inclusivity and quality, and a community eager to see scientific innovation make a tangible difference.”
BAM says it is optimistic about what lies ahead and looks forward to continuing its partnership with government and industry to ensure Manitoba reaches its full potential as a hub for bioscience excellence.
