‘We are going to be an energy superpower’: David Piccini

Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and local MPP David Piccini has announced a $1.9-million investment to build a stronger nuclear supply chain and workforce. /MLITSD photo

By reporter Natalie Hamilton

The Ontario government announced this week it is investing nearly $1.9 million towards strengthening the province’s nuclear supply chain to ensure communities, including those in Northumberland County, have the skilled workers, strong suppliers and industrial capacity necessary for the future.

In the face of U.S. tariffs threatening Ontario’s economy and workers, the provincial funding will help prepare workers and businesses for new opportunities as Ontario undertakes one of the largest nuclear build-outs in North America, according to a recent release.

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.

“As we plan for new nuclear generation at Wesleyville and advance major projects across the province, we’re putting workers and businesses in a position to succeed,” David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South, told the Independent.

“Our government’s nearly $1.9-million investment will help ensure communities across the province, including Northumberland, have the skilled workers, strong suppliers and industrial capacity needed to build the next generation of nuclear power.”

Through the Ontario Labour Market Partnerships program, the province said 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, according to provincial officials.

“Ontario is securing our energy future,” said Piccini. “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, the province reported. These projects are driving demand for skilled workers, manufacturers, engineers and suppliers, while creating new opportunities for Ontario businesses at home and abroad, added officials.

OCNI’s Strengthening Ontario’s Nuclear Supply Chain: A Strategic Study to Enable Clean Energy Growth project will be completed in three phases. 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 aims to ensure the research reflects Ontario’s full industrial base and delivers practical recommendations to strengthen workforce development, energy resilience and long-term economic growth, explained provincial officials.

“This funding represents a strategic investment in the workforce and manufacturing capabilities that power Ontario’s clean energy future,” said Ivette Vera-Perez, OCNI president and CEO, in a recent release.

“Ontario has one of the most capable nuclear supply chains in the world, but the scale of the opportunity ahead requires a co-ordinated, 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.”

The province said this 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, noted officials.

A recent Canadian Nuclear Association workforce study found labour shortages are expected to emerge in Canada’s nuclear sector around 2030, as new nuclear projects advance and over 25 per cent of the current workforce approaches retirement age between 2030 and 2035.

Ontario is expected to face the highest demand for nuclear workers in Canada as major reactor refurbishment projects continue and new nuclear generation projects, including four small modular reactors at Darlington, move forward. That endeavour is expected to create approximately 18,000 jobs during construction and sustain about 2,500 jobs during operation.

The proposed Wesleyville nuclear project is expected to support 10,500 jobs across Ontario, including 1,700 new good-paying jobs in the Municipality of Port Hope, and contribute an estimated $235 billion to Ontario’s GDP over its lifespan, according to the province.