Laurentis Energy Partners funding to support new gamma camera at Lakeridge Health Oshawa
Investment expected to improve early cancer detection for more than 6,000 patients annually
OSHAWA, Ont. — The Ontario government says a $250,000 donation from Laurentis Energy Partners will help expand access to advanced cancer diagnostic imaging in Durham Region through the purchase of a new gamma camera for Lakeridge Health Oshawa.
The funding, to be provided over five years, will support acquisition of the diagnostic imaging device, which uses medical isotopes to detect and monitor cancer and other serious illnesses. Provincial officials say the equipment will assist physicians in diagnosing, tracking and monitoring disease in more than 6,000 patients annually across the region.
The announcement comes as Ontario continues to promote its nuclear medicine sector as a strategic growth area tied to the province’s broader health-care and life sciences agenda.
“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.”
Gamma cameras are used in nuclear medicine to create images of organs and tissues after patients are administered small amounts of radioactive isotopes. The technology plays a key role in detecting cancer, heart disease and other conditions at earlier stages, allowing clinicians to begin treatment sooner.
Ontario says the investment also aligns with its strategy to expand the province’s role in the global isotope market, where it already accounts for more than half of worldwide isotope production through its CANDU nuclear reactor fleet.
“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,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines.
Ontario supports approximately 8,500 Canadian jobs tied to medical isotope production and nuclear medicine, according to the province. Medical isotopes produced in Ontario include molybdenum-99, yttrium-90 and lutetium-177, which are used in diagnostic imaging and precision cancer therapies.
The province has said demand for such treatments is expected to rise as cancer rates increase. More than 247,000 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer each year, with two in five expected to develop the disease during their lifetime.
Lakeridge Health Foundation said the donation reflects the growing connection between Ontario’s nuclear sector and front-line health-care delivery.
“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.”
Laurentis Energy Partners, a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation, said the contribution underscores its commitment to both nuclear innovation and community health care.
“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,” said Leslie McWilliams, Laurentis President and CEO.
Provincial health officials said the investment will improve access to care by reducing wait times and enabling earlier intervention.
“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,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
Ontario’s broader isotope strategy includes a target to double isotope production by 2030 through the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario. The province says expanded production capacity will be supported by planned reactor refurbishments, new nuclear generation projects and the construction of the G7’s first small modular reactor.
The government has also tied isotope production growth to its integrated energy strategy, Energy for Generations, and its life sciences strategy, Taking Sciences to the Next Level, both aimed at strengthening supply chains and expanding Ontario’s skilled nuclear workforce.
Local officials said the investment will enhance health-care capacity in Durham Region as demand for advanced diagnostic services grows.
“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,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby.
The new gamma camera is expected to be installed at Lakeridge Health Oshawa following procurement and implementation planning by the hospital network.