Province backs increased Indigenous equity stake in critical Northern Ontario energy infrastructure project
THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is supporting a major expansion of First Nations ownership in the East-West Tie (EWT) Transmission Line, a move provincial officials say will strengthen Indigenous participation in energy infrastructure while supporting long-term economic growth across Northern Ontario.
Through Ontario’s Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program (IOFP), the province is providing a provincial guarantee of up to $75 million to support Bamkushwada LP’s increase in ownership from 3.5 per cent to 20 per cent in the transmission line project. The financing is backed by a loan from Canada Life.
Bamkushwada LP represents six First Nations communities located along the shores of Gichigami (Lake Superior), including Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, Netmizaaggamig Niishnaabeg, Pays Plat First Nation, Red Rock Indian Band, Michipicoten First Nation and Fort William First Nation.
The announcement comes as Ontario continues expanding electricity infrastructure to meet rising demand across the province, particularly in Northern Ontario, where electricity demand is projected to increase by as much as 81 per cent by 2050.
“Ontario’s integrated energy plan is building stronger partnerships with First Nation communities across the province,” said Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries. “The increased ownership stake in this historic East-West Tie will ensure that Indigenous communities play a prominent role in building and delivering the energy infrastructure needed in Ontario. It will also help unlock good jobs, economic development and energy innovation in the region, today and for decades to come.”
Strategic Infrastructure Asset for Northwestern Ontario
The East-West Tie Transmission Line is a 450-kilometre, 230-kilovolt transmission corridor connecting Wawa to the municipality of Shuniah near Thunder Bay. The line entered service in March 2022 and plays a critical role in delivering electricity reliability and additional transmission capacity across Northwestern Ontario.
The remaining ownership stake in the project is split evenly between a NextEra Energy Transmission affiliate and Hydro One, each holding 40 per cent ownership.
Ontario officials said the transaction reflects the province’s broader energy strategy outlined in its integrated energy plan, Energy for Generations, which prioritizes Indigenous equity partnerships in infrastructure and resource development projects.
The Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program, administered through the Building Ontario Fund, was expanded in the 2025 Ontario Budget. The program’s funding was tripled to $3 billion and broadened to support Indigenous participation in energy, critical minerals and resource development projects.
Indigenous Leadership and Economic Reconciliation
Chief Duncan Michano, Chief of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation and President of Bamkushwada LP, described the ownership increase as a significant milestone for participating communities.
“Increasing the six First Nations’ ownership in this project is long overdue,” said Chief Duncan Michano, Chief of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation and President of Bamkushwada LP. “However, it is a powerful example of what we can achieve by working together within our traditional territories. With the support of the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program and the Building Ontario Fund, First Nations are not only partners in infrastructure, but leaders in building a reliable, sustainable system that supports Ontario’s growing energy needs.”
Provincial officials characterized the investment as part of Ontario’s efforts toward economic reconciliation by ensuring Indigenous communities share directly in the economic benefits generated from development projects within their traditional territories.
“Ontario needs more power, which is why we launched the most ambitious energy plan in Canada building new generation and transmission across Ontario. The major transmission line will enhance capacity and drastically improve reliability across Northwestern Ontario and supporting economic growth. We are proud to work in partnership to grow our economy and responsible resource sector, as we build lasting economic opportunity for First Nations,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines.
Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Economic Reconciliation and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, said the project demonstrates Ontario’s commitment to ensuring First Nations communities have meaningful access to infrastructure ownership opportunities.
“We are continuing to uphold a standard in Ontario, where major infrastructure projects are to include a prominent and substantive place for First Nations to access capital and hold equity positions. This is a reflection of our government’s commitment, through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program, to advance economic reconciliation and move forward in full partnership,” Rickford said.
Long-Term Economic Benefits for First Nations Communities
The East-West Tie project also generated substantial Indigenous employment during construction. According to provincial figures, approximately 60 per cent of the workforce involved in the project identified as Indigenous, while more than 200 Indigenous workers received training opportunities during construction.
Industry partners involved in the project said the expanded ownership structure reflects years of collaboration between utilities, developers and First Nations communities.
“We are pleased to see Bamkushwada LP deepen its partnership in this important infrastructure project. This is a testament to the trust and collaboration that have defined this project from the beginning and to our collective commitment to advancing infrastructure that supports First Nations’ economic development for years to come,” said Evan Yager, Board Director of EWT Limited Partnership representing NextEra Energy Transmission’s interest.
Hydro One President and CEO David Lebeter said the investment demonstrates the importance of shared prosperity through infrastructure partnerships.
“This milestone highlights true First Nation leadership, and we congratulate Bamkushwada LP on their increased ownership of the East-West Tie Line. When we invested in this line, we invested in continued partnership to support shared prosperity and economic opportunities for First Nation partners and the region. As an Ontario-based company we remain focused on investing in the electricity system alongside First Nation partners by delivering on commitments to meet the growth demands of the future together,” Lebeter said.
Michael Fedchyshyn, CEO of the Building Ontario Fund, said provincial guarantees remain a central part of the organization’s approach to Indigenous infrastructure financing.
“We’re proud to support Bamkushwada LP’s investment in the East-West Tie Transmission Line and advance Indigenous economic participation in Ontario infrastructure projects. Provincial guarantees through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program are part of BOF’s one-window approach to Indigenous project financing.”