A resolution by Bruce Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker called for the medical isotope industry in Ontario to be recognized as a global supply leader.
The bill reads: “That in the opinion of this House, the Government of Ontario should recognize the supply of medical isotopes used to diagnose and treat cancer and sterilize medical equipment as a key strategic priority for the Province in its health, economic, export, inter-provincial, energy, research and infrastructure planning and policies as Ontario recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging, its existing strong foundation in nuclear technology, isotope production and supply chain, and cancer and health research to position itself as a global leader in supply of ‘Made in Ontario’ life-saving medical isotopes.”
Walker says the passage of the bill shows that all parties are able to come together and support a sector that is fundamental to our health care system and improving patient outcomes all around the world.
Medical isotopes are used to sterilize medical instruments and treat certain cancers.
The bill was championed by the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council and received final passage on Wednesday.