Follow Us! Like Our Page!

Ontario Welcomes $250,000 Donation to Bring Advanced Diagnostics to Durham Region

Press Release

April 07, 2026

New gamma camera will help detect cancer earlier and improve patient outcomes

OSHAWA — The Ontario government is welcoming a $250,000 donation over five years from Laurentis Energy Partners, a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation (OPG), to support the purchase of a new gamma camera at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. The camera is a critical diagnostic imaging tool that uses medical isotopes to help detect and monitor cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. This investment will help doctors diagnose, track, and monitor disease in over 6,000 patients every year across Durham Region and delivers on the government’s plan to leverage the province’s nuclear advantage to further position Ontario as a global leader in nuclear medicine innovation in an increasingly competitive global market.

“This investment is about delivering faster diagnoses and better outcomes for families across Durham Region,” said Rudy Cuzzetto, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Mines. “By expanding access to advanced tools like gamma cameras, we are helping detect cancer and other diseases earlier, when it is most treatable. Backed by Ontario’s global leadership in medical isotopes, this donation strengthens our ability to connect patients with the care they need, closer to home, and reinforces our commitment to a stronger, more resilient health care system.”

Ontario is a global leader in medical isotopes, supporting 8,500 Canadian jobs and saving lives around the world. With more than 50 per cent of the world’s isotopes produced in Ontario’s CANDU nuclear reactors, isotopes such as molybdenum-99, yttrium-90, and lutetium-177 power advanced imaging technologies like gamma cameras and play a key role in detecting, diagnosing, and treating diseases and illnesses earlier and more effectively. Every year, more than 247,000 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer, and two of every five will develop cancer during their lifetime, increasing the demand for precision therapies, including those from medical isotopes.

“This generous donation reflects a natural alignment between Laurentis Energy Partners’ expertise in nuclear innovation and the life-saving nuclear medicine scans happening at Lakeridge Health,” said Yves Gadler, CEO, Lakeridge Health Foundation. “By supporting this technology, Laurentis is helping us raise more awareness about the importance of diagnostic imaging and the tools our experts need to deliver exceptional patient care, close to home. On behalf of our Board of Directors, Foundation team and Lakeridge Health colleagues – thank you for advancing health care in Durham Region and beyond.”

Through the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario, the province has an ambitious plan to double its isotope production by 2030 to ensure more people around the world have access to the life-saving treatments they need. With the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station Refurbishment Project completed four and a half months ahead of schedule and $150 million under budget, planned nuclear refurbishments and new builds, as well as the construction of the G7’s first small modular reactor (SMR), Ontario is well positioned to reach its goal of doubling isotope production over the next four years to grow its share of the fast-expanding isotope market.

“Investing in this new medical equipment represents a meaningful step forward in patient care and I wish to thank Laurentis Energy Partners for their generous donation toward the purchase of a new Gamma Camera” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “Early detection and screening for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses enhances the life-changing opportunity for an early diagnosis for patients, and we are thankful to our community partners like Laurentis Energy for their contributions that directly improve the health and well-being of our community.”

To support the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province’s first-ever integrated energy plan, Energy for Generations, is laying the groundwork to expand the province’s nuclear advantage and deliver on its life sciences strategy, Taking Sciences to the Next Level. The plan features the importance of boosting isotope production, securing supply chains and building the skilled workforce needed at the province’s nuclear reactors, research facilities and other specialized companies to ensure Ontario remains competitive and resilient in the rapidly growing global isotope market.

Quick Facts

  • Ontario is reinforcing its position as a global leader in the production of life-saving medical isotopes, which are an essential part of modern health care and are used to diagnose and treat serious diseases such as cancer.
  • Ontario’s medical isotopes are produced at the Bruce, Pickering, and Darlington nuclear generating stations, as well as at nuclear research facilities at McMaster University’s Nuclear Reactor in Hamilton, and at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in Chalk River.
  • In February 2026, the government announced a provincial loan guarantee through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program to support a $250 million investment by Saugeen Ojibway Nation to expand their partnership with Bruce Power to increase the production of life‑saving medical isotopes, strengthening Indigenous participation and Ontario’s global leadership in cancer‑fighting treatments.
  • In December 2025, the government announced a $138 million investment from AtomVie Global Radiopharma Inc., a leading manufacturer of radiopharmaceuticals, to expand its facility in Hamilton. Ontario is supporting the project with up to $5 million through the Invest Ontario Fund, to sustain 131 existing jobs, create 70 new high-paying positions and expand the domestic manufacturing capacity of radiopharmaceuticals.

Quotes

“Ontario’s nuclear advantage is saving lives. Made-in-Ontario medical isotopes help with early detection and prevention of cancer, afflicting over 200,000 Canadians diagnosed this year alone. Ontario is a world leader in nuclear innovation, with an ambitious plan to double isotope production by 2030. This contribution coupled with Ontario’s plan to double isotope production will detect cancer earlier and treat patients faster.”
– Stephen Lecce
Minister of Energy and Mines

“On behalf of the province, I want to thank Laurentis Energy Partners for this generous contribution to Lakeridge Health. This investment will directly support earlier detection, faster diagnoses, and better outcomes for patients across Durham Region. By expanding access to advanced diagnostic tools like this gamma camera, more people will be able to start treatment sooner and receive the care they need, when and where they need it.”
– Sylvia Jones
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health

“Today’s investment is great news for patients and families across Durham Region. By supporting the purchase of a new gamma camera at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, our Government is improving access to advanced diagnostic imaging that helps detect cancer earlier and save lives. This donation will strengthen local health care capacity and ensure residents can receive timely, high-quality care close to home.”
– Lorne Coe
MPP for Whitby

“At Laurentis, we’re proud to support health care close to home while advancing life-saving innovation. The exceptional care delivered by Lakeridge Health is strengthened by advanced diagnostic tools like gamma cameras, powered by medical isotopes like those we produce right here in Durham Region. This investment reflects our commitment to supporting Lakeridge Health and improving access to timely, high-quality care for patients and families when they need it most.”
– Leslie McWilliams
Laurentis President and CEO

Additional Resources

Media Contacts

Noah Mawji
Minister Lecce’s Office
Noah.Mawji@ontario.ca

Robert Quartarone
Communications Branch
Robert.Quartarone@ontario.ca

ILR4

NationTalk Partners & Sponsors Learn More