North York, ON – July 30, 2025 – Today at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the Honourable Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, in collaboration with the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC), announced the establishment of a Minister’s Advisory Group, the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario (NIICO).
NIICO will consist of distinguished leaders and experts from CNIC member companies and supporting organizations. The group will be representative of Ontario’s medical isotope sector and research community, under the leadership of the CNIC’s Chair, James Scongack, as Chair of NIICO.
“I’m excited that Minister Lecce has established the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario and look forward to working with the Minister and his team at the Ministry of Energy and Mines to continue to support and expand the production and use of medical isotopes here in Ontario,” said Scongack. “Today’s announcement demonstrates the provincial government’s commitment to the nuclear isotope sector and will have a tangible impact on the advancement of life-saving medical isotopes across the province.”
In addition to the establishment of the advisory group, Minister Lecce has also requested a report from NIICO analyzing the key opportunities and next steps in the research, development, and production of medical isotopes in Ontario. This report will also assess how Ontario’s nuclear energy initiatives will impact the production of medical isotopes in the province.
The launch of NIICO and the Ontario government’s commitment to the CNIC’s Isotopes for Hope goal of doubling isotope production in Canada by 2030 will change lives and provide hope for families across the county when they need it most. The increased production capacity by 2030 will cement Canada’s place as a global leader in the production of medical isotopes.
The CNIC looks forward to collaborating with Minister Lecce and his staff on behalf of our members to continue providing innovative life-saving treatments to patients across Ontario.
Quotes:
Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines: “Ontario is proud to lead the world in the fight against cancer by harnessing the power of nuclear innovation to produce life-saving medical isotopes,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “With the creation of NIICO, we’re not only advancing our global leadership in isotope research and production – we’re helping patients live longer, healthier lives, building a world-class biomanufacturing economy and turning Ontario’s clean-energy advantage into a catalyst for breakthrough health innovation. This is how we grow our economy and save lives at the same time.”
Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade: “Through the launch of the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario, our government continues to build on the bold vision set out in our Life Sciences Strategy and reinforce Ontario’s leadership in radioisotope production and innovation,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By expanding Ontario’s nuclear medicine advantage and harnessing the strength of our biomanufacturing sector, we are ensuring that cancer patients of all ages can benefit from reliable access to cutting-edge treatments and positioning our province at the heart of the competitive isotope economy.”
Hon. Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health: “Ontario’s world-class nuclear sector is not only producing clean energy — it’s helping save lives here at home and around the world,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Through the new Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario, we’re strengthening our global leadership in the production of life-saving medical isotopes, supporting advanced cancer care and protecting Ontario’s communities by ensuring patients have access to cutting-edge treatments when they need them. This is how we build a stronger, healthier Ontario and drive innovation that benefits people across the globe.”
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 110 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
Executive Director and Vice President, Government Relations
Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
melody.greaves@canadianisotopes.ca