Canadian Nuclear Workers Council joins Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council to advocate for Canada’s role in production of the world’s supply of radioisotopes

As Canada strives to maintain a leadership position in science and technology, the Canadian Nuclear Workers Council, representing thousands of nuclear workers across Canada has partnered with the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) to ensure Canada remains at the forefront of medical isotope R&D and production.

The Canadian Nuclear Workers Council (CNWC) is pleased to announce that it has joined a growing list of Canadian organizations to become members of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC).

The CNWC is an organization of unions that represents workers in various areas of the Canadian nuclear industry including electric utilities, uranium mining and processing, radioisotope production and nuclear research.

Canada and its nuclear industry is a world leader in the fight against cancer and disease, and that’s the catalyst for a coalition of organizations to come together and establish the CNIC.

“Our workers contribute every day to ensure that Canada will have a secure supply of critical isotopes for years to come,” said David Shier, National Director, CNWC. “Canadian nuclear workers are proud to contribute to not only keeping the lights on across Ontario but ensuring that hospitals across this province have access to a secure supply of isotopes crucial to assist in the diagnosing and treatment of life-threatening illnesses, from prostate cancer to brain tumours.”

“If Canada is to maintain its standing as a leading force in global science – and enjoy the associated economic and societal benefits – the nation must invest in its radioisotope infrastructure,” added James Scongack, Chair, CNIC. “Investments that support Canada’s radioisotope research and production will have a lasting impact on the outlook and promise of a cure for cancer. These investments also demonstrate a commitment to Canada’s role as a leader in nuclear medicine, and dramatically bolster our capacity to innovate and deliver substantial economic and societal benefits to both Canadians and patients around the globe.”

With the recent closure of Canada’s National Research Universal reactor – a significant supplier of important isotopes for six decades – the CNIC says Canada risks falling behind other countries that are heavily investing in new, advanced radioisotope production to meet global demand

“With the rest of the world’s economies looking inward to protect themselves, Canada can maintain its role as a global health leader by taking a broader view,” Scongack said. “The world looks to Canada as a source of health care innovation and a dependable supply of radioisotopes to diagnose and treat some of the most serious medical conditions.

“It is here where organizations such as the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council can serve to protect our country’s status as a frontrunner in nuclear innovation and technology.”

About the Canadian Nuclear Workers Council

The Canadian Nuclear Workers’ Council is an organization of unions that represent workers in various areas of the Canadian nuclear industry, including electric utilities, uranium mining & processing, radioisotope production and nuclear research. The (CNWC, founded in 1993 is an umbrella organization of Unions representing workers in all sectors of the Canadian nuclear industry. Represented sectors include electric power utilities, uranium mining and processing, radioisotope production for medical and industrial purposes and nuclear research.

For more information, contact
David Shier
National Director
705 725 3903
dshier@cnwc-ca