Wendy Hepburn

promote innovations in medical technologies (equipment, services and digital solutions) that support better care for more people across Canada. This includes mobile and virtual solutions which can improve access to care in rural and remote regions of the country, while reducing costs and environmental impacts.

Communications regarding funding from various Government funding programs, opportunities to improve government activity (funding, tax incentives, clinical trials infrastructure, etc) to encourage the innovation economy in Canada with a specific focus on biotech, and programs around procurement opportunities for the Government of Canada relating to biotechnology products.

Engage government regarding the need for sustainable manufacturing, procurement and stockpiling of medical countermeasures used to diagnose, prevent, or treat diseases related to chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats. Engage National Defence, Health, and Global Affairs Canada on national readiness in response to emerging global health threats. To work with government to make NARCAN® (Naloxone HCI) Nasal Spray more widely available across Canada to facilitate immediate treatment to individuals suffering from opioid overdose. Eligibility for Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax incentives. Discuss changes to take home naloxone program. Engage Health and National Defence concerning Emergent's Winnipeg facility for the production of medical countermeasures. Seek funding support from the Strategic Innovation Fund to expand Emergent's Winnipeg facility.

Engage National Defence, Health, and Global Affairs Canada on national readiness in response to emerging global health threats. Engage Health and National Defence concerning Emergent's Winnipeg facility for the production of medical countermeasures. To work with government to make NARCAN® (Naloxone HCI) Nasal Spray more widely available across Canada to facilitate immediate treatment to individuals suffering from opioid overdose. Seek funding support from the Strategic Innovation Fund to expand Emergent's Winnipeg facility. Discuss changes to take home naloxone program. Eligibility for Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax incentives. Engage government regarding the need for sustainable manufacturing, procurement and stockpiling of medical countermeasures used to diagnose, prevent, or treat diseases related to chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats.

To increase access to publicly funded nasal naloxone. To advocate for ongoing funding through for Indigenous groups the Emergency Treatment Fund. To discuss proposal to leverage medical countermeasure (biodefence) manufacturing in Canada as portion of NATO GDP commitment. Explore partnership and investment opportunities to support the growth of the life sciences sector in Manitoba.

Discussion regarding Indigenous policy, reconciliation, and government priorities Discussed student housing, and infrastructure opportunities for federal funding. Training and opportunities for First Nations Applied research, industry partnerships, artificial intelligence adoption, applied research funding, workforce development, and the role of polytechnics in supporting SMEs and skills training. Manitoba’s life sciences capabilities, workforce development, and opportunities to strengthen medical countermeasure capacity and domestic supply chains. Defence research and workforce opportunities in Manitoba. Language training programming that supports workforce integration, particularly for newcomers, and its alignment with federal priorities related to skills development, labour market participation, and program funding. Colleges and Community Innovation Program funding, applied research, workforce development initiatives Discussion on skilled trades training, apprenticeship capacity, and federal workforce development funding. Discussion of federal policies, programs, and funding that support foreign credential recognition, bridging programming, and workforce integration initiatives to accelerate labour market participation for internationally educated professionals. Applied Research and Workforce Development Funding and Policy Discussion of federal policies and funding that support applied research, industry partnerships, and workforce development initiatives delivered by the polytechnic, including investments in innovation and skills training to support economic growth. Discussion of language training programming that supports workforce integration, particularly for newcomers, and its alignment with federal priorities related to skills development, labour market participation, and program funding. Discussion of the role of applied research at Red River College Polytechnic in supporting economic development, innovation, and productivity, including collaboration with industry and government partners and potential alignment with federal programs and priorities.

Research Canada is a collaborative advocacy leader working to achieve policy impact by strengthening political and public support for a robust health research and innovation ecosystem in Canada.