Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Progressive Conservative MPP Rick Byers’ Private Members’ Motion in support of medical isotopes passed in the Ontario Legislature unanimously this week.
“There’s so much momentum happening with isotopes right now with Bruce Power, the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council, we’ve obviously just had the Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition launch, there’s just a tremendous amount going on,” says Byers.
His motion read, “That, in the opinion of this House, medical isotopes should be formally recognized by the Government of Ontario in its life sciences and commercialization strategy because of their crucial role in medical research, the projected expansion of the global isotopes market and Ontario’s potential for international recognition.”
Byers explains the aim of the life sciences and commercialization strategy, saying, “It’s to continue to build the momentum to build Ontario as a key place for global players to look to locate and conduct their research and development here in Ontario.”
He says the goal is 85,000 high value jobs in life sciences by 2030 which is a 25 per cent increase in where we are from 2020.
His motion received unanimous support in the legislature, and Byers says, “I was very, very pleased and excited to get the support of the opposition on this motion. It doesn’t happen often, so when it does, it’s really great to have,” he adds, “Full credit to NDP, particularly NDP Health Critic France Gélinas who understands this area quite well and spoke very favourably in support of the motion during the debate.”
Tiverton based nuclear operator Bruce Power is a world leader in the supply of Cobalt 60, a key medical isotope, and along with its key partner Saugeen Ojibway Nation, began commercial production in October 2022 of medical isotope Lutetium-177, a prostate cancer treatment.
Byers’ office says the global market for medical isotopes is expected to reach up to $30 billion US by 2030, with an average growth of 16 per cent annually. A statement says, “With significant growth anticipated, investing in the isotope industry will not only save lives, but will also create high-paying jobs, encourage economic growth, and attract additional investment in Ontario, Byers added.”
“It’s an important statement about the future intentions of government in its life sciences strategy and how medical isotopes can fit into that as it continues to grow,” says Byers.
This is Byers’ first Private Member’s Motion as an MPP.