British Columbia has a new provincial strategy for clinical trials.

This coordinated, province-wide strategy will strengthen BC’s position as a leading destination for clinical trials and investment.

By increasing coordination across BC’s clinical trials ecosystem, the strategy will help:

  • Reduce start-up times
  • Embed research in care
  • Expand the provincial clinical trials workforce
  • Increase the public’s access to and participation in clinical trials
Cover page of BC's clinical trials strategy

The three-year strategy has 5 objectives:

  1. Position BC as a leading destination in Canada for launching clinical trials
  2. Embed research as care through a coordinated, data-enabled environment
  3. Build an agile clinical trials workforce
  4. Align with national efforts to expand BC’s clinical trials leadership and capacity
  5. Advance in-person and community-centered clinical trials

Why does BC need a strategy? And why now?

British Columbia has a fast-growing life sciences sector and world-class clinical research expertise. However, fragmented and inconsistent processes are slowing clinical trials and limiting investment and patient access to innovation.

This provincial clinical trial strategy will change that. By addressing recognized barriers, the strategy will create a more coordinated, efficient system that can attract more trials, strengthen the life sciences sector, and benefit the economy.

How does the strategy benefit BC?

Over its three years, the provincial strategy will help:

  • Reduce start-up times and streamlining processes
  • Improve alignment with national clinical trials initiatives
  • Expand access to trials across more communities
  • Strengthen BC’s position as a destination for clinical trials and investment

The strategy prioritizes equitable access to clinical trials and stronger patient and community involvement. It upholds Indigenous self-determination and data sovereignty, ensuring research is conducted in ways that are respectful, inclusive, and reflective of BC’s diverse population.

How was this strategy created? Who was involved?

In 2025, Health Research BC convened a cross-sector working group (including leaders from academia, health care, government, and the life sciences sector) to co-develop a plan that reflects the priorities and expertise of partners across the clinical trials ecosystem.

From September 2025 to January 2026, the working group translated key findings from a recent situational analysis into a three-year implementation strategy. The strategy sets out a roadmap of coordinated actions that will position BC as a leader in clinical trials.

In spring 2026, Clinical Trials British Columbia, part of Health Research BC, took on the role as a lead convener for this work. It engaged with the broader clinical trials community to refine this strategy. Over 75 people engaged in discussions, including clinical trialists, industry representatives, research institutes, and patients.

The shared provincial strategy is a result of these engagements and work.

How does the strategy align with related provincial and national efforts?

This work builds on several foundational pillars, including BC’s vision for clinical trials, the B.C. Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy, the Look West Strategy, and national initiatives to modernize clinical trials.

What comes next?

Clinical Trials British Columbia, part of Health Research BC, will lead coordinated implementation of the strategy, ensuring accountability for results. This includes establishing governance and tracking progress against clear targets.

What can I do?

We want to hear from you on how the clinical trials community can come together to realize this strategy over the next three years.

Engage with us. We’re seeking your input. To discuss how we might work together to advance the strategy or let us know what you are doing to advance clinical trials capacity in BC, please contact info@clinicaltrialsbc.ca.

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