The Ontario government is investing an additional $4.6 million to increase production of cancer-fighting medical isotopes at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor. This builds on the government's $18 million investment last year to expand operations at the reactor to 24 hours per day, seven days per week, creating good-paying jobs, accelerating innovative research and delivering cutting-edge treatments. As part of the government's plan to protect Ontario, leveraging the province's nuclear advantage will further position Ontario as a global leader in nuclear medicine innovation and build a more resilient economy in an increasingly competitive global market.
"Cancer impacts us all, and Ontario is proudly leading the development of innovative solutions that save lives and make a meaningful difference for our loved ones," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "This investment will ensure that Ontario families continue to have access to cutting-edge, homegrown treatments, while strengthening and protecting Ontario's position as a global leader in nuclear medicine."
Today's announcement brings the Ontario government's total investment in the McMaster Nuclear Reactor to $26.9 million, increasing medical isotope production and research capacity by 300 per cent to accelerate homegrown innovation in strategic areas such as radiopharmaceuticals, medical isotopes, nuclear safety and security. As Canada's largest facility for nuclear research, the reactor will produce up to 84,000 treatments a year while supporting many good-paying jobs and providing access to world-class research space.
"Through continued investment in the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, our government is reinforcing Ontario's leadership in medical isotope innovation and expanding access to life-saving treatments for patients at home and around the world," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "As we continue to deliver on the goals outlined in our Life Sciences Strategy, today's announcement affirms the importance of cultivating a strong, STEM workforce and the positive impact Ontario's nuclear medicine advantage holds for the broader economy."
With more than 247,000 Canadians diagnosed with cancer each year, and two of every five Canadians developing cancer during their lifetime, the demand for precision radiopharmaceuticals is increasing, and so is the need for large-scale production of key isotopes. To meet this demand, the government launched the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario (NIICO) last year, an expert advisory panel that is helping to leverage Ontario's world-class nuclear fleet to double the number of medical isotopes produced in the province by 2030.
"With two in five Canadians expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, increasing the capacity of the McMaster Nuclear Reactor means increasing hope for patients," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. "Ontario has a plan to double medical isotope production by 2030, with this investment expanding production capacity, accelerating world-class research and strengthening our position as a global leader in nuclear innovation. Our government is bringing life-saving diagnostics and treatments to more patients across Ontario and around the world."
"We welcome these additional resources from the Province of Ontario, and we embrace the opportunity to use them to enhance our production of medical isotopes," said Susan Tighe, President and Vice Chancellor of McMaster University. "As we build on our tradition of nuclear innovation, we appreciate this affirmation that we are heading in the right direction."
Supporting Ontario's isotope industry delivers on the government's promise made in Energy for Generations, as well as its life sciences strategy, Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level. The plan features the importance of exporting Ontario's nuclear expertise, supply chain and skilled workforce to help position the province as a global superpower by supplying life-saving materials to health-care systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- The McMaster Nuclear Reactor, Canada's largest nuclear research facility, is one of the world's top suppliers of life-saving medical isotopes, producing 60 per cent of the world's iodine-125, a medical isotope used to treat various cancers, while also conducting pioneering research into novel medical isotopes that could enable the next generation of diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.
- In July 2025, Ontario launched the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario (NIICO), a new expert advisory panel that will leverage Ontario's world-class nuclear fleet to double the number of medical isotopes produced in the province by 2030.
- Since taking office, the government has invested over $2 billion into the research sector, including support for 1,800 research projects that drive ground-breaking discoveries and create jobs across key sectors, including the life sciences.
- In November 2025, Ontario provided $19.5 million to establish the Centre of Excellence for Fusion Energy, leveraging Ontario's nuclear advantage to advance clean energy research and keep Ontario competitive in the global economy.
- Through Budget 2025, Ontario invested $18 million to increase production of life-saving medical isotopes at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor.
- In February, the Ontario government invested $6.4 billion into the postsecondary sector to ensure long-term sustainability, while continuing to ensure funding for the sector is being used to further Ontario's position as a centre for world-class research excellence.
Additional Resources
- Ontario Investing $18 Million to Boost Life-Saving Medical Isotope Production at McMaster University
- Ontario Investing $19.5 Million to Establish the Centre for Fusion Energy
- Ontario Investing $6.4 Billion to Support Postsecondary Sector's Long-Term Success and Sustainability
- Learn more about the McMaster Nuclear Reactor
- Discover why nuclear isotopes are important for cancer research
- Learn about the new Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario
- Read about research funding in Ontario
