CNIC supports Bruce C project proposal

I’m pleased to submit a comment today on behalf of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) in support of the proposed Bruce C project, which would bring up to 4,800 megawatts of new nuclear capacity to the Bruce Power site in Kincardine, Ontario.

The CNIC is a not-for-profit organization consisting of representatives within the Canadian health sector, nuclear industry, and research bodies, convened specifically to advocate for our country’s role in the production of the world’s isotope supply. The CNIC serves as a voice in safeguarding the continued availability of isotopes, ensuring our public policies are risk-informed and science-based, and support the highest levels of public health and safety.

Around the world, nuclear isotopes are used for a variety of modern medical uses, including diagnostic imaging, precise radiotherapeutic treatments of illnesses like cancer, and sterilization of single-use medical equipment.

The CNIC is pleased to support the proposed Bruce C project not only because it would significantly increase Ontario’s clean energy production and support the anticipated increases in energy demands in the decades to come, but it also holds tremendous potential to positively impact the production of life-saving medical isotopes.

While Bruce Power’s reactors are producing this clean energy that Ontario relies on, they are also producing life saving isotopes that Canada and the world relies on. Isotopes produced by Bruce Power, such as Cobalt-60 and Lutetium-177, are used around the world for the sterilization of single-use medical devices, and for the treatment of tumours and cancers. Presently, over 70% of the world’s supply of Co-60 comes from Ontario’s CANDU reactors, including Bruce Power. Protecting our domestic source of Co-60 sterilized medical items is crucial to preventing the spread of disease in Canada and around the world. This work is not only life saving, but it is innovative, and it is done without any impacts on the energy production that Bruce Power’s facilities remain focused on.

The work at Bruce Power is also uniquely Canadian – other nuclear power facilities across the world cannot produce isotopes on the scale that we can, and without any interruption to the production of energy. This gives Canada a unique advantage and allows for the production of isotopes on an impressive scale.

Bruce Power has also served as a key partner within the Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition and, through its investments, has supported the regional economy in southwestern Ontario and the local supply chain for medical isotopes in partnership with local academic institutions and healthcare providers. Bruce Power has also partnered directly with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) to market the medical isotopes produced at the Bruce Power facility within SON territory. This partnership provides direct benefits to the local community and is part of Bruce Power’s commitment to true reconciliation.

On behalf of our members, the CNIC is proud to support these efforts, and the innovative work that Bruce Power has led for decades. The proposed expansion will only bolster the innovation and success that Bruce Power has already seen, and the CNIC is proud to support the proposal.

Melody Greaves

Manager, Business Strategy

Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC)