Ontario is positioning itself at the centre of Canada’s clean energy future, championing nuclear expansion and calling for federal reforms to accelerate major infrastructure projects. The province hosted the Connecting Canada – Building an Energy Superpower Summit in Toronto on Friday, bringing together energy ministers from across the country to chart a path toward a modern, integrated electricity system.
At the summit, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce urged provincial and territorial counterparts to commit to building cross-country transmission networks and supporting large-scale nuclear and renewable projects. He also pressed the federal government to move faster on regulatory reform and investment to enable what he described as “nation-building energy infrastructure.”
“We face a common threat, which is why we came together as a country to build a clean energy future, using Canadian technology, resources, and workers,” Lecce said. “This first-of-its-kind partnership agreement lays the groundwork for nation-building energy infrastructure that will deliver clean, reliable, and affordable electricity across Canada. We are committed to building more Made-in-Canada solutions to meet rising energy demand, so that we can create jobs, keep energy rates affordable, all while powering the most competitive economy in the G7.”
Building an Integrated Energy Network
The summit focused on expanding interprovincial transmission infrastructure, particularly intertie projects that connect Ontario to Manitoba and Québec. These links already provide Ontario with an import transfer capacity of about 2,580 megawatts (MW) and export capacity of roughly 2,385 MW. In 2024, Ontario and Québec signed a seasonal capacity swap agreement worth 600 MW, a deal now serving as a template for future collaboration.
Discussions also emphasized advancing nuclear, hydroelectric, and renewable energy projects; expanding pipelines and energy corridors; and boosting domestic energy trade to ensure demand can be met across regions. The ministers highlighted the importance of Indigenous participation, calling for shared benefits and ownership opportunities for communities directly involved in new developments.
According to Lecce, stronger partnerships will not only secure energy supplies but also attract investment and drive regional development. “This collective commitment reflects a shared vision for a modern, integrated Canadian energy system – one that supports regional development and national prosperity,” he said.
Ontario’s Nuclear Showcase
As part of the summit, visiting ministers toured the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, a facility Ontario officials describe as a cornerstone of the province’s clean energy advantage. Delegates also reviewed new public opinion research showing growing support for nuclear power, with 72 per cent of Canadians surveyed saying they believe their province will need more electricity within the next 20 years.
Ontario is doubling down on nuclear expansion to meet surging demand, which the Independent Electricity System Operator forecasts will rise significantly by 2050. The government argues that nuclear generation, along with storage and renewables, will give Ontario the ability to export reliable clean power to other provinces.
Federal Role and Economic Stakes
Ontario ministers used the event to lobby Ottawa for more aggressive federal action. Priorities include streamlining regulatory approvals, accelerating timelines for transmission corridors, and providing financial support for nation-wide energy builds.
Sam Oosterhoff, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, said provinces are ready to move but need federal alignment to deliver results. “Industries and workers in Canada are relying on their leaders to step up and deliver major projects that will secure our energy and economic future – today and for generations to come,” Oosterhoff said. “That is why it was so important to host Energy and Mines Ministers from across the country with a unified focus: cut red tape, get projects moving, and build out a strong energy and resource economy for the people of our provinces.”
He added that cooperation among provinces is critical to building “ports, mines, railways, transmission lines, pipelines, and major infrastructure projects to grow our economy.”
Trade and Long-Term Planning
The economic implications of cross-provincial energy expansion are significant. Two-way trade in goods and services between Ontario and other provinces and territories reached more than $326 billion in 2023. Energy officials say greater interprovincial trade will strengthen competitiveness and ensure affordable supply across Canada.
The Ontario government framed the summit as part of its Energy for Generations strategy — a long-term plan to secure energy supply while encouraging investment from municipalities, businesses, and Indigenous partners. Lecce said the integrated approach provides “certainty needed for Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners to invest confidently in Ontario’s future.”
Outlook
With energy demand climbing and clean energy targets tightening, ministers acknowledged the urgency of coordinated action. Ontario is betting heavily on nuclear, while also advancing renewables, storage, and expanded transmission. But officials stressed that no single province can succeed alone.
The summit concluded with a commitment to ongoing cooperation, leaving the next steps in Ottawa’s hands. Whether federal reforms arrive quickly enough to match the provinces’ ambitions remains to be seen.
