Toronto, ON – June 22, 2026 – Following years of advocacy, the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is proud to recognize the Government of Canada’s commitment to develop a comprehensive Radioisotope Strategy, announced today by the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
This commitment reflects a key recommendation advanced by the CNIC and our members through years of engagement with key decision-makers and partners at the Government of Canada.
The announcement was included in the Government’s new Nuclear Energy Strategy (NES) for Canada, which highlighted the important role that our nuclear energy sector plays in ensuring a reliable supply of several critical isotopes.
The development of this critical Radioisotope Strategy will be led by Natural Resources Canada, in collaboration with federal partners, and will aim to address Canada’s role in the rapidly growing global isotope market and identify opportunities to ensure Canada strengthens and expands its leadership in isotope innovation. Among the key objectives of this new strategy is the Government’s aim to grow Canada’s share of the global medical isotope market by at least 10 per cent. The CNIC looks forward to continuing its work alongside the federal government to support the development and implementation of this strategy to achieve this ambitious goal.
In addition to the critical medical isotopes that power diagnostics and innovative therapies, the new Radioisotope Strategy will address industrial, agricultural, and next-generation technology applications for isotopes. Non-medical isotopes already support industries representing over $770 billion CAD of Canada’s GDP, and are seeing steadily rising global demand alongside increasing clinical demand.
In outlining the need for a comprehensive Radioisotope Strategy, the new NES highlights that aging infrastructure, financing and regulatory barriers, and a lack of strategic focus have hindered the industry’s growth. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of investing in expanded processing and packaging capacity, much of which is currently located abroad, to bring the entire isotope value chain home to Canada.
As we work towards our Isotopes for Hope goal of doubling isotope production in Canada by 2030, a national Radioisotope Strategy will clearly demonstrate to stakeholders, at home and abroad, that Canada is committed to maintaining and expanding its global leadership in this important sector.
You can read the Government of Canada’s new Nuclear Energy Strategy at https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-sources/nuclear-energy-uranium/nuclear-energy-strategy-canada
Quotes:
“We are moving at speeds not seen in generations to get big things done, and leveraging pre-existing strengths to become a modern energy superpower. Canada has long been a nuclear leader – and will continue to lead, under our new Nuclear Energy Strategy. Together with all members of Team Canada, we are taking action to ensure we have a coordinated, strategic approach to diversifying nuclear industry exports and bringing economic growth and security and affordable, reliable power to all Canadians.”
– The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“I am thrilled to see the Government of Canada commit to the development of a comprehensive Radioisotope Strategy. This significant step, announced today in the new Nuclear Energy Strategy for Canada, recognizes the critical role that medical and non-medical isotopes play in supporting patients and industries from coast to coast. Thank you to Minister Hodgson and his team for their ongoing commitment to Canada’s isotope sector. The CNIC stands ready to support the development of the Radioisotope Strategy to build a stronger future for Canada’s isotope sector.”
– James Scongack, Chair of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC)
About the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council:
The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization. The CNIC supports over 120 members from across science, academia, healthcare, and nuclear-sector organizations dedicated to maintaining Canada’s position as a global leader in the production of life-saving isotopes. The CNIC raises awareness and advocates for long-term policies that support health-care innovation and will save countless lives for decades to come.
To learn more about the CNIC, visit www.CanadianIsotopes.ca and follow us on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn, or please contact:
Evan Cameron
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
evan.cameron@canadianisotopes.ca