Coalition outlines path to grow southwestern Ontario’s isotope industry

Twelve targeted recommendations aim to unlock this rural region’s full potential in isotope innovation and production

Today, the Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition (SOIC) released a new look into how the region can accelerate growth as a global leader in the isotope sector, titled Unlocking our isotope advantage: review of regional opportunities.

Launched to coincide with the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council’s Canadian Radiotheranostics Leaders’ Summit this week in Toronto, the review demonstrates how the SOIC and its members can align with national priorities and support a resilient and future-ready isotope ecosystem—fuelling long-term economic development, job creation and innovation leadership for this rural region.

As part of this review, 28 partners—representing 85% of SOIC’s membership—took part in facilitated discussions to rank national barriers to growth, share real-world challenges, and propose actionable solutions.

Based on this feedback, the SOIC has identified 12 recommendations and core action items to be implemented by the Coalition and its partners. Highlights include:

• Building on the success of the Gamzook’aamin Aakoziwin Partnership with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) to ensure that increased production of medical isotopes in the region generates meaningful and lasting economic opportunities for SON and its people.

• Expanding localized access to core infrastructure like hot cells, shielded isolators and other supportive infrastructure/providers. 

• Aligning skills development with industry needs through stronger collaboration. 

• Proposing a joint feasibility study on expanding isotope technology in rural Ontario. 

With a commitment to advancing these recommendations and actions, the SOIC is working to bolster southwestern Ontario’s position as a strategic economic zone for the Province of Ontario in the global medical isotope sector.

Quotes from SOIC Co-Chairs

• “The review highlights a clear path forward for southwestern Ontario to lead in isotope innovation. By aligning our regional strengths and working together, we can turn local collaboration into national and global leadership.” --Jessica Linthorne, President and CEO of the Nuclear Innovation Institute

• “As this review of regional opportunities demonstrates, partnerships like Gamzook’aamin Aakoziwin, which means “We are teaming up to fight the sickness,” can create long-term impact—not only for the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, but for people around the world.” --Theron Solomon, Councillor, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation

• “Unlocking our region’s strengths in isotope production is about advancing global health while also driving economic growth right here in our region. By attracting investment and innovation in this field, we’re helping create high-quality jobs, support local businesses and secure a more prosperous future for our communities.” --Ian Boddy, Mayor, City of Owen Sound

• “Southwestern Ontario has the talent, partnerships and momentum to shape the future of medical isotopes. With global demand accelerating, our rural region is positioned to deliver real benefits to patients in Canada and far beyond.” --James Scongack, Chair, Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council and Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Bruce Power

Read the review of regional opportunities and learn more about the work of the Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition at southwesternontarioisotopecoalition.ca/resources.