Quick Facts

• The Golden Horseshoe region is growing. Between 1996 and 2006 our population increased by 16.2% to 1,407,455 persons.
• During the same time, our employment base increased by over 27% to 767,743 persons.
• Almost 44,000 people in the region are employed in natural and applied sciences and related occupations.
• A further 39,000 people hold occupations in the health sector.
• Manufacturing in the region accounts for more than 61,000 jobs.
• The Golden Horseshoe’s biosciences sector includes businesses involved in:
• Medical Equipment/Instruments and Supplies Manufacturing
• Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
• Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing
• Scientific Research and Development Services
• Chemical Manufacturing
• Machinery/Equipment and Pharmaceutical Wholesale and Distribution Operations
• Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.

• The region is home to three universities and three colleges of applied arts and technology.
• World class research is being conducted by our universities and through our healthcare network, including:
• The creation and implementation of state of the art gene transfer therapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases
• The screening of compounds against bacterial targets as well as anti-AIDS and anti-cancer targets
• The creation of genetic material for use as enzymes to detect damaged genes or destroy cancer cells
• Ways to prevent diabetes and dysglycemia that includes ongoing clinical trials and epidemiological studies
• A groundbreaking Inter Heart study that examines the risk factors for heart disease.

• McMaster University was ranked 3rd in Canada in 2004 in research intensity behind McGill University and University of Montreal.
• The Golden Horseshoe Biosciences Network is one of 11 provincial regional commercialization networks designed to bring commercialization services closer to the clients that need them - small firms, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors.