Women in Nuclear (WiN) Canada, an association that has been working to support the objectives of WiN Global by emphasizing and supporting the role that women can and do have in addressing public concerns about nuclear energy and the application of radiation and nuclear technology has signed a partnership with the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) to co-promote and advance each other’s advocacy efforts and events.
Nuclear energy is safe, affordable, reliable and clean. It is a vital tool in the fight against climate change and in medical innovations. However, there remains a stigma around nuclear, which creates a pervasive challenge for the industry. To tackle these challenges, both WiN Canada and the CNIC have been champions of the industry, promoting its many benefits including its role in tackling climate change, proving affordable power to Canadians, and advancing human health.
The Canadian nuclear industry includes 19 operating CANDU reactors, a world-leading nuclear research laboratory, an ecosystem of universities, colleges and other knowledge institutions, a highly skilled workforce, a world-class nuclear regulator, and more than 220 highly qualified Canadian suppliers of products and services to the nuclear industry in Canada and beyond.
“WiN Canada aims to develop a dialogue with the public to promote factual awareness about the contribution of nuclear and radiation technologies to people and society,” said Lisa McBride, President of WiN Canada. “WiN Canada also works to promote career interest in nuclear engineering, science, technology, the trades and other nuclear-related professions, especially among women and young people. While much progress has been made in advancing the benefits of nuclear power to the general population, there is more to do, and this partnership is a first step in that direction.”
The future of medical isotopes in Canada looks bright. Medical isotope-based technologies are currently being developed and exported from Canada, while other new therapies arrive from Europe. Canadian researchers continue to develop innovative targeting molecules, radiolabelling strategies, and medical isotope production methodologies to ensure the pipeline to clinical trials remains full, said James Scongack Chair of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council.
“The nuclear industry is critical to Canada, contributing over 70,000 jobs annually and over $17 billion in GDP each year,” Scongack said. “Canada has existing significant core infrastructure investments at Bruce Power (reactor-based), Chalk River (waste handling and disposal), TRIUMF (accelerator-based), as well as nearly the complete supply chain for the production, processing and delivery of medical isotopes is represented in Canada. Our nuclear industry is world-leading and the work of both WiN Canada and the CNIC are critical in telling that story to all Canadians.
“The more we share our nuclear story, and the better understood the benefits of nuclear power are, the more we can accomplish. This partnership advances nuclear advocacy to new heights and we are very thankful for WiN Canada in collaborating with the CNIC.” In 2021, the CNIC is focused on bridging these public and private coalitions into demonstrable results for Canadians, searching for new life-saving cancer treatments. The CNIC will continue to promote public awareness about the use and benefits of medical/industrial isotopes and radiation technologies, and work with government stakeholders to ensure the public policy landscape promotes innovation and supports the increased proliferation of medical and industrial isotope uses.
About The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
The CNIC is a coalition of science, health care and nuclear sector organizations to ensure Canada remains a world leader in the production of life-saving isotopes by bringing awareness and supporting long-term policies at the domestic and international level that will save countless lives and support health- care innovation for decades to come. To learn more about the CNIC visit www.CanadianIsotopes.ca and follow us on, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Thiele
Director, Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
226.930.1869
canadianisotopes@gmail.com
Women in Nuclear Canada
Women in Nuclear (WiN) Canada is a global association of women and men supporting and encouraging women working in the nuclear industry, particularly energy and radiation applications. WiN Canada was formed in 2004 and has been working to support the objectives of WiN Global by emphasizing and supporting the role that women can and do have in addressing public concerns about nuclear energy and the application of radiation and nuclear technology. WiN Canada also works to provide an opportunity for women to succeed in the industry through initiatives such as mentoring, networking, and other personal development opportunities.