Ontario Investing $1.9 Million to Build a Strong Nuclear Supply Chain and Workforce

The Ontario government is investing nearly $1.9 million to strengthen the province’s nuclear supply chain in the face of U.S. tariffs threatening Ontario’s economy and workers. This investment is part of the government’s plan to prepare workers and businesses for major nuclear projects, protect good-paying jobs and build a stronger, more resilient and self-reliant economy that can withstand global economic uncertainty. Ontario’s planned nuclear build-out is expected to support up to 150,000 workers and generate more than $800 billion in additional gross domestic product (GDP), ensuring the province has the affordable, secure and reliable electricity needed to power the most competitive economy in the G7.

Through the Ontario Labour Market Partnerships program, the two-year initiative led by the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) will monitor and study Ontario’s nuclear supply chain, workforce capacity and industrial capabilities. The research will identify critical gaps and capacity constraints, assess future demand and develop a roadmap to strengthen Ontario’s domestic nuclear supply chain, prepare workers for emerging opportunities and position more Ontario businesses to participate in major nuclear projects at home and compete in growing domestic and international markets.

“Ontario is securing our energy future,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We are going to be an energy superpower, and we’re building the skilled workforce, nuclear supply chain and industrial capacity to make it happen. By building more of what we need right here at home, we’re creating good-paying jobs, strengthening our economy and ensuring Ontario can power itself and help power North America for generations to come.”

Ontario’s nuclear sector is entering a period of significant growth, with major projects underway across the province. This includes the refurbishment of the Darlington and Bruce nuclear stations, the construction of the G7’s first grid-scale Small Modular Reactor at Darlington, the advancement of new nuclear generation opportunities at the Wesleyville and Bruce C sites and continued growth in medical isotope production. Together, these projects are driving demand for skilled workers, manufacturers, engineers and suppliers, while creating new opportunities for Ontario businesses at home and abroad.

“We will not sit idle as President Trump takes direct aim at Canada’s workers and economy, that is exactly why we are doubling down on Canadian nuclear energy, creating 150,000 jobs by leading the largest expansion in North America,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Nuclear is tariff-proof, its recession-proof and is virtually entirely Made-in-Canada. To boost our economy and create generational employment for the next 100 years, Ontario is launching our very first workforce development strategy to meet demand for highly skilled workers and world-class expertise. With nation-building projects underway increasing competition for the same resources and skills, we are planning ahead and sequencing labour force planning and training pipelines to ensure energy projects across the economy can be delivered at scale and with speed.”

OCNI’s Strengthening Ontario’s Nuclear Supply Chain: A Strategic Study to Enable Clean Energy Growth project will be completed in three phases:

• Phase 1: Develop a comprehensive inventory and interactive map of Ontario’s nuclear supply chain, workforce capacity and adjacent industries.
• Phase 2: Identify critical workforce, manufacturing, engineering and supply chain gaps that could affect future projects.
• Phase 3: Develop recommendations to strengthen Ontario’s nuclear supplier base, increase Ontario content in nuclear projects, expand workforce and training pathways, support Indigenous economic participation, increase regional economic opportunities, improve supply chain resilience and help Ontario businesses compete for domestic and international nuclear contracts.

By strengthening Ontario’s nuclear supply chain and preparing the workers and businesses needed to build new nuclear projects, Ontario is taking action to strengthen energy security, increase self-reliance and ensure more of the economic benefits of major energy investments stay here in Ontario.

“This funding represents a strategic investment in the workforce and manufacturing capabilities that power Ontario’s clean energy future,” said Ivette Vera-Perez, President and CEO of the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries. “Ontario has one of the most capable nuclear supply chains in the world, but the scale of the opportunity ahead requires a coordinated, data-driven approach. This initiative will help ensure Ontario workers and businesses are ready to support major projects at home while competing in growing nuclear markets around the world.”

OCNI will work with nuclear industry leaders, Indigenous organizations, municipalities, regional economic development partners, educational institutions, training providers and businesses across adjacent sectors. This broad engagement will ensure the research reflects Ontario’s full industrial base and delivers practical recommendations to strengthen workforce development, energy resilience and long-term economic growth.

Today’s investment is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and fight back against economic attacks by strengthening domestic supply chains, protecting good-paying jobs and building a more self-sufficient economy. It complements Energy for Generations, the government’s first-ever integrated energy plan, which brings together the province’s energy resources to ensure Ontario has the reliable, affordable and clean energy needed to support new homes, attract investment and grow the economy.

Quick Facts