The Ontario government is investing nearly $1.9 million to strengthen the province’s nuclear supply chain as the province prepares for major nuclear projects and faces economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs.
The two-year initiative, led by the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries, will examine Ontario’s nuclear supply chain, workforce capacity and industrial capabilities.
The province says the project will identify critical gaps and capacity constraints, assess future demand and develop a roadmap to prepare workers and businesses for upcoming nuclear projects.
The initiative is being funded through the Ontario Labour Market Partnerships program.
Ontario’s nuclear sector is entering a period of significant growth, with major projects including the refurbishment of the Darlington and Bruce nuclear stations and construction of the first grid-scale Small Modular Reactor in the G7 at Darlington.
The province is also advancing potential new nuclear generation projects at Wesleyville and Bruce C, while medical isotope production continues to grow.
The government says its planned nuclear build-out could support up to 150,000 workers and generate more than $800 billion in additional gross domestic product.
Nuclear is an important topic locally, as chatter continues around what could happen in Nanticoke.
We previously covered a story regarding Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce coming to the community which can be read here:
Nuclear Nanticoke? Ontario takes next step toward new energy project | NorfolkToday.ca
As for the two-year initiative, it will be completed in three phases.
The first phase will create an inventory and interactive map of Ontario’s nuclear supply chain, workforce capacity and related industries. The second will identify gaps in areas such as skilled labour, manufacturing, engineering and supply chains, while the third will develop recommendations to strengthen Ontario’s supplier base and workforce.
The recommendations will also look at increasing Ontario content in nuclear projects, expanding training pathways, supporting Indigenous economic participation and creating more regional economic opportunities.
