As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, the University of Toronto is joining with health and pharmaceutical industry leaders to stress the need for increased Canadian support of bio-innovation and bio-pharmaceutical research, development and infrastructure.
Christine Allen, U of T’s associate vice-president and vice-provost, strategic initiatives, recently joined executives from Pfizer Canada, Telus Health and Sun Life at a virtual summit hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to discuss the importance of health technology and infrastructure in Canada.
Allen, an internationally recognized expert in the research and development of novel technologies for cancer detection and treatment, said growing the country’s capacity to produce life-saving treatments will require investing in a “pipeline of bio-medical innovations” and highly qualified personnel to support everything from scientific discovery to product development.
“We absolutely need investment in high-risk, high-reward research and pivotal studies that raise the readiness levels of new therapeutics and technologies that are emerging from academic institutions and hospital research institutes,” said Allen, who is also a professor at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy.
Christine Allen, U of T’s associate vice-president and vice-provost, strategic initiatives, says growing the country’s capacity to produce life-saving treatments will require investing in a “pipeline of bio-medical innovations” (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)
Allen stressed the role of research and innovation at universities like U of T, whose bio-innovation ecosystem is at the centre of the country’s largest hospital and life sciences cluster – a critical contributor to Canada’s health security.
Yet, public investment in health research has waned in recent years. Allen noted that Canada spent about two per cent of its GDP on research and development in 2004, but the figure has since fallen to about 1.5 per cent.
She said Canada’s universities, including U of T, are calling for a return to the level of R&D spending of two decades ago.
“We need policies that strengthen our biomedical and pharmaceutical industries in Canada and encourage and enable collaboration between academia, our strong hospital network and industry,” Allen said.
“This will foster innovation, close the translation and commercialization gaps in our country, create and retain IP and retain talent in our country.”
One area she said is in “dire” need of investment is Canada’s network of specialized research and bio-manufacturing facilities, including containment level three (CL3) labs that have supported critical research into COVID-19.
Scott Gray-Owen, a professor of molecular genetics in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, used a containment level three lab to validate a Quebec company’s findings that its coated mask can deactivate 99 per cent of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)
Allen said Canada is lagging behind other countries and regions, including China and the European Union, that have built dozens of containment level three labs to respond to disease outbreaks.
In addition to universities’ role in supporting critical health research, they also train the health professionals who see to Canadians’ medical needs, Allen said. U of T, for example, graduates about 2,500 students in the health fields each year, and nearly a third of people working in the Ontario health sector have a U of T degree.
The speedy development of an effective COVID-19 vaccine last year by Pfizer and BioNTech offers lessons in the value of supporting research and collaboration across the biomedical sphere – and of taking risks, said fellow panelist Cole Winnow, president of Pfizer Canada.
“We invested $2 billion to scale up our manufacturing processes before we knew the efficacious and safety profile of the vaccine,” he said.
“So, taking those key risks and planning for success was critical [for] us to be able to deliver this vaccine in record time.”
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was higher in late-morning trading, helped by strength in energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also moved up.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 34.91 points at 23,736.98.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 178.05 points at 41,800.13. The S&P 500 index was up 28.38 points at 5,661.47, while the Nasdaq composite was up 133.17 points at 17,725.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.56 cents US compared with 73.57 cents US on Monday.
The November crude oil contract was up 68 cents at US$69.70 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up three cents at US$2.40 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$7.80 at US$2,601.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.28 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
