Toronto, Ontario – September 10, 2026 – Ahead of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is proud to formally announce Canada’s first official contribution to the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative.
Rays of Hope is a global initiative led by the IAEA that supports projects to expand access to cancer care and critical radiotherapy infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the impact of cancer is the highest. Since the initiative began in 2022, over 20 countries have provided financial support and in-kind contributions of equipment, imaging machines, and expert training and resources. Until now, Canada has yet to contribute. In the interim, the private sector has convened under the CNIC’s umbrella to step up.
In February 2026, the CNIC’s leadership travelled to Vienna to meet with Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director-General (DG) of the IAEA, and Ambassador Alison Grant, Canada’s Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna, and discuss the planned set of initial contributions to Rays of Hope. Today, the CNIC is proud to announce that it is delivering on this commitment to DG Grossi.
The CNIC, as the representative voice of the isotope and radiopharmaceutical sector in Canada, is mobilizing efforts and bringing together Canadian leaders to deliver a specially designed Rays of Hope training program to enhance professional capacity in LMICs.
This course on the production of medical radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals will be hosted in Ontario, Canada between November 8-14, 2026, and will welcome 26 leaders from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico to participate in training on the production, quality control, and regulatory compliance of medical radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals. Training will be hosted by Bruce Power and McMaster University to provide participants with both theoretical and technical knowledge across the value chain.
This training would not be possible without the financial support of four title sponsors, Bruce Power, BWXT Medical, CANDU Energy Inc., and Laurentis Energy Partners, and additional financial support from Nordion, as well as in-kind training facility support from McMaster University and AtomVie Global Radiopharma Inc.
Full remarks from the CNIC’s Chair, James Scongack, regarding today’s announcement are available on the CNIC’s YouTube channel.
Quotes:
“Cross border collaboration, partnerships with the private sector, and training lie at the heart of Rays of Hope. The course on the production of medical radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals being hosted in Canada will share knowledge that will go directly to saving lives in Latin America. This is a great example of Atoms for Peace in action, and I commend everyone who has been part of making it happen.”
– Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director General
“Nuclear saves lives, and Ontario is leading the way with its CANDU fleet delivering life-saving isotope and cancer treatments to people at home and around the world. Our plan is building big here at home leveraging made-in-Canada nuclear energy, while sharing our leadership and expertise abroad — with support on the way across South America and beyond. This is Ontario nuclear at its best: creating jobs at home, powering our economy, and helping families stay healthy and combat cancer around the world.”
– Hon. Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines
“Canada is a global leader in medical isotopes, helping millions of patients around the world benefit from the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Through the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, and with the leadership of organizations such as Bruce Power and McMaster University, I am proud that Canada is sharing that expertise to help expand access to life-saving nuclear medicine.”
– Alison Grant, Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the IAEA
“Canada has a tremendous opportunity to share its expertise in medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals with countries working to expand access to cancer care. This contribution to Rays of Hope is an important step in demonstrating how the Canadian industry, academia, and government can work together to build capacity around the world and ensure that patients have access to the life-saving benefits of nuclear medicine. The CNIC looks forward to this program being the first of many contributions from Canada.”
– James Scongack, Chair of the 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 130 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