Ontario Secures Groundbreaking National Energy Corridor Agreement

On March 4, 2026 the Ontario government announced a historic effort to connect and strengthen Canada’s electricity systems by launching a first-of-its-kind interprovincial-territorial partnership to build transmission infrastructure needed to power the country’s next generation of growth. The landmark agreement, initiated by Ontario, will bring together British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Yukon, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and the Northwest Territories to advance new electricity transmission projects and strategic interties across Canada.

Following Ontario’s Connecting Canada – Building an Energy Superpower Summit in September 2025, provincial and territorial energy ministers agreed that expanding electricity transmission between jurisdictions is essential to meeting rising demand, strengthening energy security and unlocking the full value of Canada’s clean and diverse energy resources. The agreement marks a major nation-building milestone, breaking down longstanding barriers between provincial grids and enabling a more connected, resilient and self-reliant energy system.

Under this Canada-first agreement, provinces and territories will collaborate to:

• Identify and advance new interprovincial and territorial transmission infrastructure, including key intertie projects with elevated speed
• Expand electricity trade within Canada, helping regions meet growing demand and maximize the use of clean, reliable power before exporting abroad
• Advocate for federal support, including investment to accelerate transmission corridors and an electricity strategy that connects Canada east-west and north-south.
• Partner with Indigenous communities in energy development, ensuring meaningful participation and shared economic benefits

“With the backdrop of global uncertainty, Ontario is emerging as a reliable partner at home and abroad focused on protecting jobs and our economy,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Ontario has secured a landmark agreement to build an energy corridor that will strengthen our grid using Canadian materials, expertise and workers. This first-of-its-kind partnership lays the foundation for thousands of jobs, billions in investment, and a modernized grid that advances Canada’s long-term energy future. Together, we are advancing Made-in-Canada energy solutions to meet unprecedented energy demand and keep Canada’s economy strong.”

Canada’s grids were built for a different era — designed within provincial borders, rather than a modern economy. According to the North American Electricity Reliability Corporation (NERC) several jurisdictions across North America are currently labelled an elevated risk, requiring more power. Rapid population growth, major industrial expansion, critical mineral development and electrification are driving unprecedented demand for power, while limited interprovincial connections prevent regions from sharing reliable, clean electricity efficiently. Without action, these constraints will lead to higher costs, slower project development, and missed economic opportunities at a time when Canada must strengthen its energy security and global competitiveness.

Two-way trade in goods and services between Ontario and other provinces and territories was valued at more than $324 billion in 2024, underscoring the scale of economic activity that depends on stronger internal connections and reliable, affordable energy to move goods, power industry and support jobs across the country. By working together to modernize and connect their systems, provinces and territories are reducing duplication, lowering long-term costs and ensuring Canada has the infrastructure required to compete globally while remaining energy secure at home. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to build a truly Canadian electricity grid – one that supports regional development, attracts investment and ensures every part of the country benefits from Canada’s abundant energy advantage.

Additionally, Quebec supports the idea of ​​enhanced collaboration between the provinces and territories to identify the most promising projects that meet market needs, provided that this collaboration respects the exclusive jurisdiction of the provinces. It also wishes to contribute to the effort to position the provincial and territorial energy sector on the world stage and is open to discussing concrete, economically viable projects that comply with North American market rules with interested parties.

Strong interprovincial partnership in energy supports the government’s plan to protect Ontario and is a key part of Energy for Generations, the government’s long-term approach to ensuring the province has the reliable, affordable power it needs to be energy secure and drive economic growth. The government’s integrated approach and record-setting investments in energy infrastructure are also providing the certainty needed for Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners to invest confidently in Ontario’s future.

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