B.C. Aims to Expand Clinical Trials

Why this is here: Clinical trials attract investment and partnerships, giving sponsors confidence B.C. can support responsible innovation within its public health system.

Dr. Gavin Stuart of Vancouver Coastal Health argues that British Columbia patients deserve access to innovative medical therapies within the province.

He notes that patients currently may need to travel elsewhere in Canada or abroad to access leading-edge care. Stuart explains that clinical trials are not separate from healthcare, but integral to improving it for everyone by testing safety and effectiveness.

B.C. is positioned to strengthen its clinical trial infrastructure given its existing clinical and research expertise. Trials range from later-stage treatments delivered in communities to early-phase studies requiring hospital-level care. Vancouver General Hospital and the University of British Columbia collaborate on research embedded within areas like oncology and cardiology.

Stuart emphasizes the importance of inclusive research, noting B.C.’s diverse population—including large Asian, South Asian, and Indigenous communities—offers a chance to study therapies across different groups. While B.C. has existing strengths, building a fully integrated system requires continued collaboration across regions and institutions.