The Ontario government has launched the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario (NIICO), a new expert advisory panel tasked with helping the province double its production of life-saving medical isotopes by 2030.
Announced July 30 in North York, the initiative supports Ontario’s integrated energy and life sciences strategies by leveraging the province’s nuclear fleet to drive health innovation, create jobs, and compete globally. NIICO brings together leaders from across the nuclear, medical, and research sectors and will work closely with partners such as the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council and health care providers.
“Ontario’s biomanufacturing economy will emerge as the global leader harnessing the power of nuclear innovation to save lives,” said Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce. The council will deliver its first set of recommendations by September.
Ontario already supplies about half of the world’s isotopes, which are used in cancer treatments and in sterilizing medical equipment. They are produced at Darlington, Bruce, Pickering, and McMaster University’s research reactor. With cancer rates rising, demand for isotopes is also expected to increase significantly.
Officials say this move will support advanced cancer care, improve supply chains and further cement Ontario’s position as a global leader in medical isotope production.
More than 40 million procedures using isotopes are performed globally each year, with Ontario’s contributions supporting care at home and around the world.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
