TORONTO, ON — September 9, 2024 – James Scongack, Chair of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC), was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal last week, in recognition of his significant contributions to Ontario and Canada.
In his role as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at Bruce Power, and as Chair of the CNIC, James has played a pivotal role in the growth of Ontario’s nuclear energy sector and Canada’s medical isotope industry. For decades, James has advocated for innovation and investment in the nuclear sector, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council as a way of bringing together Canada’s isotope industry to support and expand isotope production domestically.
This advocacy, like the rest of James’ work, remains focused on improving lives across Canada. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, James led efforts to support the Bruce Power workforce and the local community through the organization of vaccination hubs to help the community recover from the pandemic. Whether it be through this personal volunteerism, through his work with the CNIC, Bruce Power, and LifeLabs, or his advocacy with the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO), James has dedicated his life and career to improving lives.
The medal was presented by Pam Damoff, MP for Oakville North–Burlington and champion for the isotope industry at the federal level. MP Damoff was denoted as a nominating partner for the Coronation Medal, tasked with awarding 20 individuals who have made a significant impact to their community and improved the lives of others. In selecting James for this award, MP Damoff highlighted Scongack’s longtime commitment to the isotope industry and patients accessing these treatments across the country.
“I was pleased to present the King Charles III Coronation Medal to James in recognition of his years of dedication to our country, particularly through his work on medical isotopes,” Damoff said. “I have had the pleasure of watching firsthand as James tirelessly advocates for the increased production of medical isotopes in Canada. His efforts are helping us become a world leader in the production of these cancer fighting tools which save lives around the world.”
The Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of King Charles III as King of Canda, and the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General is responsible for administering the award. Members of Parliament were denoted as nominating partners to award 20 medals to deserving recipients who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory region, or community, and that exemplify the values of service and selflessness, professionalism and commitment.
“I am extremely grateful and humbled to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal,” said Scongack. “I look forward to continuing my efforts, alongside colleagues and CNIC members, to support the innovative work of Canada’s medical isotope sector and to advocate for increased production and utilization of isotopes in Canada. These life-changing isotopes offer hope to families across the country impacted by cancer, and I will continue to work to improve access domestically and internationally.”
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 95 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, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
For more information, please contact:
Melody Greaves
Manager, Business Strategy
Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
melody.greaves@canadianisotopes.ca