Issue link: http://tourismwpg.uberflip.com/i/1221195
Life Sciences The Winnipeg CMA's life sciences sector includes 523 companies, employing at least 5,000 workers 1 . Manitoba boasts the best R&D tax environment in Canada, among the lowest hydroelectric rates in North America, along with competitive federal and provincial support programs focused on innovation and value-added processing. Cannabis edibles became available for sale in December 2019. This brings more opportunity for expansion to both cannabis and food and beverage manufacturers, as well as secondary services (analysis, labs and packaging). Subsector focus Cannabis, along with further analysis of the following: pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, medical equipment and supplies manufacturing, grain and oilseed milling, pesticide, fertilizer and other agricultural chemical manufacturing Target markets/audiences Businesses, site selectors and CEOs in the life sciences sector Primary Canada and United States Secondary Europe Industry collaboration YES! Winnipeg (YW) will continue to be an active supporter and collaborator with key industry partners such as: Cannabis Association There are several new cannabis associations. More research is needed to understand which brings more value (e.g., quality of members). Economic Development and Training (ED&T) Continue building relationships, share and collaborate on projects. Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA)/ Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) Continue to foster relationships, share, learn and collaborate regularly with the cannabis industry as it unfolds, paying particularly close attention to the regulations and opportunities which may arise. Global Affairs Canada/Trade Commissioner Service and Invest in Canada Identify leads in life science businesses considering locating to Canada and then presenting the Winnipeg option to these companies in a timely fashion. City of Winnipeg Continue to foster relationships, share and collaborate with City of Winnipeg. Collaborate on projects effectively with a two-way information sharing program. Biosciences Association of Manitoba (BAM) Continue to foster relationships, share, network and collaborate on projects and business development activities with BAM staff. Engage in events, delegations, and working groups, specifically when linked to our sector's mandate and/or other Team MB initiatives. World Trade Centre Winnipeg (WTCW) Continue to foster relationships, share and collaborate with WTCW. Leverage their services for Business InfoCentre, as well as francophone business development opportunities. Business development activities YW's business development activities include prospecting, in-person meetings, follow-up calls, relationship building, presentations, proposals and pitches, tracking, customized site inspections and servicing. Business retention and expansion Fifty-three local companies have been identified for business retention and expansion (BRE) interviews and intelligence gathering, for actionable insights and services offered. For 2020, three BRE interviews are slated to take place. Sector activities Prior to proactively looking to attract cannabis companies, discussions are required with Manitoba Agriculture & Resource Development and LGCA/MBLL to ensure a clear understanding of the legislation piece (e.g., what a U.S. company needs in order to open a facility here with regard to federal and provincial requirements). Events in 2019/2020 will be included on a tentative basis given this knowledge base needs to be enhanced before proactively looking for opportunities. Sales initiatives BAM events throughout the year Supporting subscriptions/memberships BAM Photo courtesy MJardin Group 26 2020 Business development & communications plan SECONDARY SECTORS