SAUGEEN – The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) has passed a resolution supporting the growth and expansion of the medical isotope industry.
“With global demand for life-saving medical isotopes continuing to rise, southwestern Ontario is well positioned to strengthen its leadership in this critical sector,” Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition (SOIC) officials stated in a press release.
Isotopes can be used to diagnose and treat cancer and other serious diseases.
“This unanimous resolution underscores the importance of regional collaboration in building a future-ready ecosystem to support … Ontario’s goal of doubling isotope production by 2030,” officials continue.
WOWC chair Amy Martin stated, “By supporting the expansion of the isotope ecosystem, we are helping to secure new jobs, investment, and partnerships across our region, while also ensuring that Southwestern Ontario continues to lead globally in the delivery of life-saving medical solutions.”
According to officials, southwestern Ontario’s nuclear sector plays a vital role in providing key isotopes including Cobalt-60 and Lutetium-177, produced at Bruce Power, as well as Iodine-125, produced at McMaster University.
In June 2025, SOIC released a review of regional opportunities that includes 12 recommendations to guide isotope expansion, raise local awareness of southwestern Ontario’s contributions, attract new public and private investment and strengthen the region’s role in the global isotope supply chain.
President and CEO of the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) Jessica Linthorne said the SOIC “looks forward to working closely with the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and partners to expand the region’s role in the global supply of medical isotopes, ensuring Ontario remains a leader in this vital sector of health innovation.”
Formed in June 2023 and operating out of NII, SOIC is a partnership between regional leaders aiming to “unlock the full potential of the isotope sector in southwestern Ontario.”
For more information visit soic.ca.
