About Our Industry

Employs over 35,000 Canadians
Close to 1,500 corporate facilities
Almost $6 billion in national sales per annum
Annual sales in Ontario are $3 billion, $2 billion in Quebec and $500 million in British Columbia
Ahead of industry, MEDEC members in mid-size facilities are growing at a 7% growth rate in employment
MEDEC small and medium sized facilities are leading growth
Average number of R&D workers in MEDEC facilties is 17

THE MEDICAL DEVICE INDUSTRY IN CANADA

New study results indicate that the medical device industry in Canada is larger than previously thought.
Across Canada, the medical device industry – not taking into account medical imaging and assistive devices - employs over 35,000 people in close to 1,500 corporate facilities. The industry is comprised of small, medium and large sized facilities with the bulk of the industry represented by small and mid sized companies. Large companies however, represent 43% of industry’s employment (100+ employees).
MEDEC members account for almost 25% of the total national industry employment.
The medical device industry in Canada has approximately $6 billion in sales, with 52% of those sales in Ontario, 37% in Quebec, and 8% occurring in British Columbia.
From a total industry sales perspective, MEDEC manufacturing and distribution members account for almost 50% of the national industry sales. MEDEC members in Ontario account for close to $1.3 billion in sales.
MEDEC members are leading the total industry’s growth rate. Members who operate mid-size facilities (25-99 employees) are growing faster, at a 7% growth rate in employment, as compared to their industry counterparts whose employment levels declined in the same period.
With anticipated employment growth of 3% in 2005-2006, MEDEC members intend to invest in the coming year. Data indicates that small and medium size facilities will lead this growth.
In terms of geographic concentration, the medical device industry is primarily based in the three largest provinces – Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia – with over 80% of the medical device industry located in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
MEDEC members are committed to R&D. Almost three times the industry average, the average number of R&D workers in MEDEC facilities is 17.
Member companies represent general medical devices such operating room devices and hospital equipment as well as medical specialties such as cardiovascular, orthopaedic, ophthalmic, diabetes, and in-vitro diagnostics.