Clinical Trials British Columbia convened the inaugural Provincial Strategy Leadership Summit on October 19 to explore how BC can strengthen its position as a leading destination for clinical trials.

The summit focused on advancing BC’s clinical trials strategy, a plan to drive investment in BC’s growing life sciences sector while expanding opportunities for people to participate in research.

“The strategy gives BC a common direction, and today we work on turning that direction into action,” said Alison Orth, Executive Director, Clinical Trials British Columbia. “We need to be honest about the barriers, clear about the priorities, and practical about where each of us can help.”

Discussions explored what BC has done well thus far, including expanding early-stage trial capacity, expanding trial opportunities outside of major cities, and streamlining ethics reviews for proposed new trials.

Attendees also envisioned future success. They discussed more efficient ways of managing health data to encourage collaboration and better link research with care. Faster trial startup times and more efficient training pathways for careers in clinical trials are also key goals. Across the country, there is an urgent need to build Canada’s clinical research workforce. Clinical Trials British Columbia is at the forefront of the mission as a partner on Canada’s Clinical Research Workforce Strategy. BC also participates in national efforts to build a Canada-wide research ethics review system and accelerate the pace at which Canadian clinical trials are set up, conducted, and translated into healthcare practice.

Jim Mann, a researcher and educator living with Alzheimer’s disease, also spoke about how lived experience voices are essential to shaping the future of health research.

“We need to demystify research,” Jim said. “Research is a team sport. But often, researchers are not taught how to engage with community members. Collaboration may be new, and perhaps disarming, but the reality is people affected by something like dementia are the experts on it.”

BC already has a robust clinical trials ecosystem, with nearly 1,400 active studies, more than 100 active trial sites, and more than 7,000 jobs tied directly to trial delivery.

But the province has less clinical trial funding per person than Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta. Canada as a whole is also facing challenges attracting clinical trials, with the country as a whole reporting an 11% decline in trial activity in 2024. During her opening remarks, Alison framed the situation as an opportunity for BC to attract more clinical trials and investment by building on its strengths.

“British Columbia has many of the ingredients of a strong clinical trials ecosystem: outstanding researchers and clinicians, sophisticated institutions, established sites, growing early-phase capacity, a strong life sciences sector, and a diverse population,” Alison said. “The task now is to make those strengths work together with a more connected provincial approach.”

The summit brought together leaders from industry, healthcare, and research, strengthening connections that help to make trials more efficient and accessible across the province. Attendees discovered that challenges are intertwined, and that they share priorities for making health research more accessible. The day built momentum toward common goals of improving coordination, strengthening the clinical trials workforce, and making BC a world-class location for clinical trials.

“For some patients, a clinical trial may offer access to a promising treatment or specialized care. When that opportunity is not available locally, it can mean one fewer option for a patient,” Alison said. “A stronger, more connected system can help more people reach those opportunities. That is what is at stake. It is the purpose behind this strategy.”

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