Urgent Action to Secure Helium Supply in Canada
- Jun 2, 2023
- 4 min read
The Canadian Helium Users Group (CHUG), along with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) and the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR), is calling for the establishment of a sustainable and secure helium supply in Canada. The shortage of liquid helium is severely impacting healthcare services, leading to MRI scanner shutdowns, delayed disease detection, increased costs, and compromised patient outcomes. Moreover, scientific research programs relying on helium, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, are also suffering. The organisations propose the development of a large-scale Canadian helium purification and liquefaction facility, funding mechanisms for helium recovery systems, and the inclusion of helium as an urgent mineral shortage in the federal budget.