Ontario Launches Advisory Panel to Help Double Medical Nuclear Isotope Production by 2030
July 31, 2025
New nuclear isotope innovation council will boost Ontario’s nuclear advantage to support cancer care, create jobs and stay competitive in the global economy
July 30, 2025
Energy and Mines
Table of Contents
- Content
- Quick Facts
- Quotes
- Additional Resources
NORTH YORK – Today, the Ontario government announced it has launched the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario (NIICO), a new expert advisory panel that will help leverage Ontario’s world-class nuclear fleet to double the number of medical isotopes produced in the province over the next four years. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the integrated energy plan lays the groundwork to expand the province’s nuclear advantage as an essential part of the province’s life sciences strategy to drive innovations in health care, create good-paying jobs and strengthen supply chains to stay resilient in an increasingly competitive global market.
“More than 247,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer this year, a devastating reality that hits home as my late-mother and father have been afflicted by this disease,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “One of the most consequential tools doctors have available to diagnose and treat this disease will come from Ontario’s nuclear generating stations: life-saving medical isotopes. By doubling production by 2030, Ontario’s biomanufacturing economy will emerge as the global leader harnessing the power of nuclear innovation to save lives.”
Comprised of leading experts from across the medical, nuclear, and research sectors, NIICO will work with the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC), health care providers, hospitals and industry partners to guide and provide recommendations on how to double the amount of isotopes Ontario produces by 2030. Their focus will be on identifying new opportunities to expand isotope production to meet the growing demand for precision cancer therapies, strengthen supply chains and cement Ontario’s global competitiveness. The council will report back with initial findings by September 2025.
“Ontario’s world-class nuclear sector is not only producing clean energy — it’s helping save lives here at home and around the world,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Through the new Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario, we’re strengthening our global leadership in the production of life-saving medical isotopes, supporting advanced cancer care and protecting Ontario’s communities by ensuring patients have access to cutting-edge treatments when they need them. This is how we build a stronger, healthier Ontario and drive innovation that benefits people across the globe.”
With more than 247,000 Canadians diagnosed with cancer each year, and two of every five Canadians developing cancer during their lifetime, the demand for precision radiopharmaceuticals is increasing, and so is the need for large-scale production of key isotopes. Ontario’s nuclear reactors already produce approximately 50 per cent of the world’s isotopes that are used to treat head, neck and cervical cancers and sterilize medical equipment. The province is also a global leader in producing isotopes that are used in targeted prostate and neuroendocrine cancer therapy, as well as isotopes critical for diagnostic imaging of the heart, bones, lungs and kidneys.
“Through the launch of the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario, our government continues to build on the bold vision set out in our Life Sciences Strategy and reinforce Ontario’s leadership in radioisotope production and innovation,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By expanding Ontario’s nuclear medicine advantage and harnessing the strength of our biomanufacturing sector, we are ensuring that cancer patients of all ages can benefit from reliable access to cutting-edge treatments and positioning our province at the heart of the competitive isotope economy.”
Supporting Ontario’s isotope industry delivers on the government’s promise made in Energy for Generations, as well as its life sciences strategy, Taking Sciences to the Next Level. The plan features the importance of exporting Ontario’s nuclear expertise, supply chain and skilled workforce to help position the province as a global superpower by supplying life-saving materials to health care systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Medical isotopes are currently produced in all three nuclear generating stations in Ontario – at Bruce, Pickering and Darlington nuclear stations – as well as in the nuclear research reactor at McMaster University.
- The production, processing and distribution of medical isotopes currently supports 8,500 jobs in Canada and includes Ontario’s power and research reactors, as well as a network of specialized nuclear supply chain companies and healthcare entities, most of which are located in Ontario.
- With major refurbishments underway at the Darlington, Bruce and potentially Pickering nuclear generating stations – and the first of its kind small modular reactor being built at Darlington – Ontario is uniquely positioned to grow its share of the fast-expanding isotope market that is projected to support thousands of jobs and save millions of lives globally.
- Life-saving medical isotopes have continued to be one of the most consequential tools doctors have available to diagnose and treat cancer over the past century, and many of these isotopes are now coming from Ontario’s nuclear generating stations.
- Every year, there are more than 40 million medical procedures performed globally using isotopes, with approximately 36 million for diagnostic nuclear medicine and four million for radiation therapy.
Quotes
“I couldn’t be more thrilled about the launch of the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario. This bold step will not only create thousands of high-skilled jobs across our province, but it will also help save millions of lives around the world. By strengthening Ontario’s leadership in the production of life-saving medical isotopes, we’re turning our nuclear expertise into global impact.”
– Michelle Cooper
MPP, Eglinton-Lawrence
“The creation of NIICO marks a significant step forward in strengthening Ontario’s role in the supply of life-saving medical isotopes. By bringing together experts from the medical, nuclear, and research sectors and working with the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC), NIICO will solidify Ontario’s standing as a world leader in the research, production and export of medical isotopes. The Canadian Nuclear Association was pleased to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the CNIC in April of 2025 and looks forward to upcoming collaboration between NIICO and CNIC which will ultimately improve the lives of patients in Canada and beyond.”
– George Christidis
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Nuclear Association
“Ontario’s doctors and healthcare workers are global leaders in life-saving medical isotopes. This interdisciplinary collaboration will further strengthen Ontario’s leadership in front-line care, research, and innovation – building a reliable foundation for patients and health professionals alike.”
– Dr. Dominik Nowak
Past President, Ontario Medical Association
“Women in Nuclear Canada proudly supports Ontario’s leadership in the global isotope industry. The life-saving medical applications of isotopes – from cancer therapies to diagnostic imaging – are a powerful reminder of the vital role nuclear science plays in public health. As our industry continues to evolve through innovation and major refurbishments, women across the nuclear sector are driving progress, delivering impact, and ensuring Canada remains at the forefront of isotope production. This is not only a story of technology – it’s a story of lives saved, careers empowered, and a future made stronger by nuclear.”
– Aiman Khan
President, Women in Nuclear Canada
“The formation of the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario (NIICO) represents an important milestone in Ontario’s nuclear isotope leadership. Together, the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council, the NIICO, and Ontario’s Ministry of Energy and Mines will work to identify strategic opportunities to support our goal of doubling Canada’s isotope production by 2030. By building on the CNIC’s broad network of partners and the momentum of the Isotopes for Hope campaign, the NIICO will help drive innovation, expand Ontario’s impact on global health, and ensure that Ontario-made isotopes continue to improve and save lives worldwide.”
– Melody Greaves
Executive Director and Vice President of Government Relations, Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
“We applaud the Ontario government’s launch of the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario (NIICO). This is an important step that truly showcases Ontario’s leadership in building a robust foundation for nuclear medicine. Collaborative efforts like this, bringing together experts from across sectors, are crucial as emerging nuclear medicines, such as radioligand therapies (RLTs), take on an increasing role in the cancer care pathway for patients.”
– Mark Vineis
Country President at Novartis Canada
“Ontario has long been a global leader in medical isotope innovation, and the establishment of the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario (NIICO) marks a step forward in strengthening that leadership. With a robust, fully integrated supply chain and world-class nuclear capabilities, Ontario is uniquely positioned to meet the growing global demand for life-saving medical isotopes. I am honoured to Chair this Council with an outstanding group of leaders. We are proud to support the Ontario Government’s vision and look forward to delivering bold, strategic recommendations to help Ontario seize this historic moment and leverage its global leadership position in this critical sector.”
– James Scongack
Chair of the NIICO; Chair of the CNIC; COO and EVP, Bruce Power
“It is a privilege to be a physician member of NIICO, as we have to plan the global expansion of medical isotopes in the treatment of multiple cancer types. It is critical and challenging to lay the path forward so that all cancer patients in Ontario have access to these life prolonging therapies, and their voices heard. We are privileged in Ontario to have world leading nuclear isotope facilities and doctors committed to advancing cancer care with medical isotopes.”
– Dr. Arjun Sahgal M.D.
Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto; Chief of the Department of Radiation Oncology and the Radiation Treatment Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; President of the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society Senior Scientist, Sunnybrook Research Institute
“At the Nuclear Innovation Institute, we’ve seen firsthand the power of collaboration to drive progress in the isotope ecosystem. This expert panel will bring together the best of Ontario’s isotope community to share knowledge, spark new ideas and accelerate innovation. Congratulations on this significant step in strengthening the province’s global leadership in life-saving medical isotopes.”
– Jessica Linthorne
President and CEO, Nuclear Innovation Institute
“Nordion has been a global pioneer in medical isotopes for almost eight decades. We are very proud of Ontario’s government and Minister Lecce’s tremendous support to grow the world-class medical isotope ecosystem in the province to help Safeguard Global Health.”
– Riaz Bandali
President of Nordion
“Radioligand theranostics represent a groundbreaking advancement in cancer care. Ensuring a reliable supply of radioisotopes is critical to delivering this innovative treatment to patients in a timely manner. At University Health Network, we commend the initiatives underway across Ontario and Canada that are making this possible. We also recognize the significant business potential in this sector – not only in driving innovation but also in creating jobs and supporting economic growth.”
– Luke Brzozowski
Executive Director, Theranostics, UHN
“Ontario’s bold vision to support Ontario’s isotope industry will breakdown silos, improve cost effectiveness and grow talent, translating into sustainable and equitable access to life saving radiopharmaceuticals and solutions, not only for Ontario but patients in need on a global scale.”
– Dr. Rebecca Wong
Professor, Dept. Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto; Director, Education, Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, UHN; Director, Radiotheranostics, Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, UHN; Co-Director, Silber Family Theranostics Center, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, UHN
“McMaster is a world-leader in medical isotope research and production, supplying cancer treatments for over 70,000 patients every year. We’re excited to be part of this province-wide initiative to collectively enhance our isotope production capacity, identify new treatments and ensure people in Ontario and beyond have improved access to life-saving medical isotopes. Medical isotopes are more than scientific innovation – they are life-saving tools that touch families and communities. It is an honour to join the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario and help advance Ontario’s leadership in delivering hope and healing to millions here in Ontario and around the world.”
– Karin Stephenson
Director Nuclear Research and Education Support, Nuclear Operations and Facilities; Adjunct Asst. Professor, Department of Physics; McMaster’s representative for NIICO
“Ontario’s creation of the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council (NIICO) marks a bold and strategic step toward establishing Canada as a global leader in the medical isotope sector. We are proud to support this vision by delivering Actinium-225 (Ac-225) to hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and patients across Ontario, Canada, and internationally. Through close collaboration with NIICO and industry partners, we aim to accelerate innovation, strengthen supply chains, and improve patient outcomes worldwide.”
– Joseph Oliverio
President and Chief Executive Officer, Actineer
“We are at a pivotal moment for radiopharmaceutical innovation. With increasing global demand for targeted diagnostics and therapies, Ontario’s robust isotope infrastructure, skilled workforce, and strategic vision create fertile ground for rapid growth. As a leading Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), AtomVie Global Radiopharma sees firsthand how this momentum is driving advances across the entire development and manufacturing pipeline. The Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario (NIICO) is a timely and important step to harness that momentum and strengthen Ontario’s global leadership in this space.”
– Bruno Paquin
CEO, AtomVie Global Radiopharma Inc.
“The establishment of the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario (NIICO) is exactly what Ontario needs at this time to ensure that the incredible research and medical advancements that have taken place in Ontario are supported and our ecosystem continues to grow. With Ontario being uniquely positioned to build on its robust and secure supply chain of medical isotopes, CPDC is excited about the opportunity this provides us to continue creating global radiopharmaceutical companies like Fusion Pharmaceuticals and AtomVie Global Radiopharma. Working with the NIICO, we can continue to build a reliable and local supply of medical isotopes ensuring that Ontarians will always be able to access state-of the-art radiopharmaceutical based diagnostics and therapies – key tools in the fight against cancer.”
– Owen Roberts
Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization (CPDC)
“Ontario’s leadership in medical isotopes is a powerful example of how the nuclear supply chain supports both economic growth and global health. The launch of the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario is a welcome step to strengthen collaboration between industry, healthcare, and government, and to position Ontario at the forefront of a life-saving sector. Our member companies are proud to be part of the innovation, production, and global reach of this critical industry.”
– Ivette Vera-Perez
President and CEO, Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries
“Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) nuclear fleet is helping power Ontario’s clean energy needs while advancing the future of cancer care through production of a growing list of life-saving medical isotopes, harvested from CANDU reactors. With demand for isotopes growing around the world, we are pleased to join NIICO to explore and advance nuclear innovation with such global impact.”
– Kim Lauritsen
OPG’s Senior Vice President, Enterprise Strategy and Growth
“The launch of the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario is a powerful step forward for Ontario and Canada in advancing our leadership in the global isotope supply chain. With North America’s largest isotope production system, Laurentis supports this mission by delivering cancer-fighting and diagnostic isotopes to patients around the world. We applaud the collaborative efforts of NIICO, the CNIC, and partners across the medical, research, and nuclear sectors, and are proud to be working with them to strengthen Canada’s role in this critical field.”
– Laura Van Soelen
Interim President and CEO, Laurentis Energy Partners
“BWXT is proud to support Ontario’s nuclear industry and, specifically, the growing medical isotope market through our state-of-the-art facilities and innovative research. Initiatives like the Innovation Council will serve to strengthen our regional leadership in this life-saving endeavour. We look forward to being a part of this effort.”
– John MacQuarrie
President, BWXT Commercial Operations
“The formation of the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario is another great example of the continued efforts of our provincial government to position Ontario and Canada as a global leader in the medical isotope industry. At Kinectrics, we’re proud to collaborate with industry, government and academic partners to continue advancing innovation to expand our reliable, homegrown supply of medical isotopes right here in Ontario, helping to save lives around the world.”
– David Harris
President & CEO of Kinectrics Inc.
“Ontario will need to boost its production and processing capacity of medical isotopes in the face of increasing domestic and overseas demand. As the original equipment manufacturer of the only operating commercial nuclear power reactor technology in the world that can efficiently produce medical isotopes, we will continue to offer our support toward doubling isotope production in Canada by 2030 while stewarding CANDU® reactors as a Canadian-owned and controlled technology that can ensure Ontario’s war on cancer is fought on the footing of a domestic medical and pharmaceutical ecosystem.”
– Sandy Taylor
CEO of Candu Energy Inc., an AtkinsRéalis company
Additional Resources
Energy for Generations
Ontario Leads the G7 by Building First Small Modular Reactor
Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future: The Pressing Case for More Power
Powering Ontario’s Growth
Ontario Welcomes GE Vernova Hitachi’s $70 Million Investment to Build World’s First Small Modular Reactor Engineering & Service Centre