Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker has been recognized with an award from the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council for his ‘Provincial Public Policy Stewardship.’
The council says Bill Walker, who is Ontario’s Associate Minister of Energy, has, “Been one of the industry’s most vocal champions over the past number of years always willing to provide his support to the CNIC on their numerous initiatives.”
A media release from the council says each year, it recognizes people and organizations who have, “Demonstrated incredible leadership on the isotope file across four categories recognizing, provincial and federal public policy stewardship, academic leadership, and advocacy.”
Walker says, “What I’ve always been, is available to go to any events, to be able to speak to it, to be able to try to promote, and let people understand that this is a byproduct of nuclear energy which is such a positive for everyone.”
Walker adds, “If you think of the ability to go to a dentist and have all of those pieces of equipment sterilized…when you’re in a hospital to have surgery, those isotopes are actually sterilizing all of the equipment.”
Walker adds,”We area leader across the world frankly, and my hope is we will continue to do that.”
Walker says, “The potential for growth in the isotope space provides an invaluable opportunity to leverage Ontario’s established nuclear supply chain that has developed over the past several years and is recognized as a leader around the world in isotope innovation, development and production.”
He says credit should be given to Bruce Power Executive VP of Corporate Affairs & Operational Services James Scongack for working tirelessly to promote the work being done with isotopes.
Scongack is Chair of the Isotope Council and says, “Canada has always been at the forefront of isotope innovation; however, without champions Canada could risk ceding that leadership role. That is why through the dedication, action and leadership demonstrated by today’s CNIC award winners; we can rest assured that Canada can and will fight to remain at the forefront of nuclear medicine, providing treatments that improve our quality of life and ensure patients have access to critical life-saving treatments.”
The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council is a coalition of science, health care and nuclear sector organizations.
