Lakeside Process Controls is joining forces with a coalition of Canadian science, health care and nuclear organizations in an effort to ensure the country remains a world leader in the production of life-saving nuclear isotopes.
For decades, the world has looked to Canada as a source of health care innovation and a reliable supply of isotopes to diagnose and treat some of the most serious medical conditions, while also supplying critical sterilization isotopes to keep hospitals and medical facilities clean and safe.
Today, more than 40 per cent of the world’s single-use medical devices, such as syringes, gloves, implants and surgical instruments, are irradiated and sterilized with Cobalt-60, with Ontario’s CANDU reactors producing 50 per cent of the world’s supply of the isotope.
The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is an independent organization formed to advocate for Canada’s role in the production of the world’s supply isotopes, which play an important role in health, energy, medicine, sterilization, and even space exploration. The council hopes to help maintain Canada’s role as a leader in this field by encouraging innovation and investment in the radioisotope industry by industries and government.
“If Canada is to maintain its standing as a leading force in global science – and enjoy the associated economic and societal benefits – the nation must invest in its radioisotope infrastructure,” said James Scongack, Chair, CNIC. “Investments that support Canada’s radioisotope research and production will have a lasting impact on the outlook and promise of a cure for cancer. These investments also demonstrate a commitment to Canada’s role as a leader in nuclear medicine, and dramatically bolster our capacity to innovate and deliver substantial economic and societal benefits to both Canadians and patients around the globe.”
With the recent closure of Canada’s National Research Universal reactor – a significant supplier of important isotopes for six decades – the CNIC says Canada risks falling behind other countries that are heavily investing in new, advanced radioisotope production to meet global demand
“With the rest of the world’s economies looking inward to protect themselves, Canada can maintain its role as a global health leader by taking a broader view,” said Greg Houston, President of Lakeside Process Controls. “The world looks to Canada as a source of health care innovation and a dependable supply of radioisotopes to diagnose and treat some of the most serious medical conditions.”
“It is here where organizations such as the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council can serve to protect our country’s status as a frontrunner in nuclear innovation and technology. By doing the right thing for patients Canada is also unlocking economic potential at the same time. This industry stands to grow nearly 50% in over the next 5 years” added Greg Houston, President of Lakeside Process Controls.
Canada has always been a leader in the fight against cancer and disease, but our work isn’t nearly done. It’s a time to make a renewed commitment to discovering new programs, products, and procedures to
improve people’s lives. This is one of the driving forces of Lakeside’s decision in joining the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council.
About Lakeside Process Controls
Lakeside Process Controls Ltd. (an Emerson Impact Partner) is a market leader in the process automation industry, offering the broadest array of automation solutions and complete lifecycle services. Lakeside-Emerson’s portfolio ranges from process measuring devices to final control elements (ie. valves and regulators), control systems, asset management systems, reliability programs, custom engineered solutions, engineering services, and lifecycle planning and maintenance services.
With over 50 years of experience working with our nuclear customers, Lakeside takes pride in identifying process improvements and cost-saving opportunities using knowledge of nuclear plant processes, maintenance needs, and operational requirements. We have a large Nuclear Industry Team with over 18 dedicated nuclear industry resources to support our nuclear customers. Additionally, we have over 50 technical specialists from various business units readily available to support you as well.
Our customers can rest assured that the solutions we offer include best-in-class products that are complemented with unmatched engineering service and customer support. To stay connected with Lakeside, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Lie
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Lakeside Process Controls
905.412.0702
andrew.lie@lakesidecontrols.com