Canada is moving to strengthen its domestic supply of critical biomedical products with a $23.8 million federal investment that will expand radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and research capacity in Quebec.
Announced October 8 in Kirkland, the Strategic Response Fund investment will support a $94.5 million project by Jubilant Radiopharma Inc. to modernize and expand its biomanufacturing facility. The project comes as tariffs and changing global trade conditions place greater emphasis on domestic manufacturing and more resilient Canadian supply chains.
The expansion is intended to transform the Kirkland operation into a global centre of excellence for radiopharmaceutical production and research and development. Work will include modernizing production lines, establishing new production spaces, and upgrading laboratory, storage and shipping areas for key radiopharmaceutical products.
“Canada needs a strong and resilient life sciences sector that can develop, manufacture and deliver the critical health products Canadians depend on. The Government of Canada’s investment in Jubilant Radiopharma will strengthen radiopharmaceutical production in Quebec, support high-quality jobs and help ensure Canada has the domestic capacity and expertise needed to respond to growing health needs. By supporting the production of critical biopharmaceutical products at home, the government is strengthening the country’s economy and health security,” said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
Beyond expanding production, the project is expected to create and maintain 225 high-quality jobs in Quebec and provide 35 co-op placements for students. It will also deepen Jubilant Radiopharma’s collaboration with Canadian universities, research institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises, including work involving artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics and nuclear medicine research.
“The radiopharmaceutical and life sciences industries help build our economy and save lives. Today’s investment will enable Quebec and Canada to remain global leaders in the field of radioisotopes,” explained Health Minister Marjorie Michel.
The investment also builds on Canada’s existing strengths in medical isotopes while expanding domestic value chains in a specialized sector that supports both diagnostic and therapeutic medicine.
For Jubilant Radiopharma, the expansion will increase capabilities in Quebec while helping meet growing demand for radiopharmaceutical products in Canada and international markets.
“This investment recognizes Jubilant Radiopharma’s innovation capabilities in Nuclear Medicine and the important role our sector plays in advancing both diagnostic and therapeutic treatments. This project will build our deep capability here in Quebec, create and secure high-value jobs, and ensure a reliable supply of essential radiopharmaceutical products in Canada and around the world,” said Harsher Singh, CEO, Jubilant Radiopharma.
With the Kirkland expansion, the federal government is positioning domestic radiopharmaceutical manufacturing as part of a broader effort to strengthen Canada’s life sciences sector, secure critical health-product supply chains and build greater manufacturing capacity at home.
