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Biotechnology-based health innovations over the past century have contributed significantly to the remarkable improvements in the health of Canadians. Recent advances suggest that biotechnology may play an even more significant role in the future. Describes the potential role of biotechnology in relation to the various factors that influence health, discusses some of the social and ethical considerations involved in the applications of biotechnology, sets out a policy framework, and recommends actions necessary to equip our systems to meet the challenges that the unfolding era of modern biotechnology will present.

Our report describes particular aspects of Canada's intellectual property regime as they relate to human genetic material and discusses the issues and impacts of these aspects in three interconnected spheres of activity involved in making new HGM-based products and services available for in health care: research; development and commercialization; and health services.

This paper begins with an outline of major recent advances in stem cell biology and the public policy implications of these advances. It then reviews recent policy developments related to stem cell research in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, and discusses initiatives of the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Council related to stem cells. Finally, it makes recommendations regarding policy & research.

The Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee (CBAC) advises the Government of Canada on the policy issues associated with the ethical, social, regulatory, economic, scientific, environmental and health aspects of biotechnology. This annual report describes the Committee's activities during the year in the areas of monitoring and reporting developments, communications and outreach, and special projects. It also presents an overview of developments in biotechnology in such areas as: genomics, proteomics and related matters; stem cells, gene therapy and cloning; agricultural biotechnology; privacy and genetic information; gene patents and access to health care.