In a major step towards Canada’s clean energy future, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce joined Nova Scotia’s Premier and Minister of Energy Tim Houston in Halifax to sign a landmark agreement to collaborate on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).

This new partnership taps into Ontario’s global leadership and expertise in SMR technology to help drive Nova Scotia’s clean energy transition, while reinforcing Canada’s position as a world leader in cutting-edge nuclear innovation.

Together, the two provinces will:

• Share knowledge and expertise on SMR development, including new technologies, regulatory frameworks, supply chain capacity, economic and financial modelling, nuclear waste management, and public and Indigenous engagement
• Raise public awareness about the powerful economic and environmental benefits of nuclear energy from SMRs
• Collaborate with other provinces and territories to accelerate SMR adoption nationwide
• Advocate to the federal government for stronger support and streamlined regulatory processes to enable the fast, cost-effective deployment of SMRs across the country

“The world is watching Ontario as we lead the largest expansion of nuclear energy on the continent and build the G7’s first small modular reactor,” said Minister Lecce.

“Through this important clean energy partnership with Nova Scotia, we are helping to advance small modular reactor technology to create good-paying jobs across the country. Small modular reactor deployment is an anchor of our nation-building plan that will create 18,000 construction jobs and add $500 million annually into Ontario’s economy. As we face instability in the global economy, Ontario is partnering with provinces East and West to deliver self-reliance, more jobs, and a stronger economy.”

Nova Scotia’s involvement marks a pivotal moment for Atlantic Canada’s energy strategy – positioning the province to benefit from Ontario’s early leadership, while exploring a powerful tool to reduce emissions, stabilize energy prices and drive growth. Each SMR has the potential to produce 300 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity, enough to power 300,000 homes.

Ontario’s head start in SMR development has opened doors for more than 200 Canadian companies to support future domestic deployments and compete in a growing global market. The construction of Ontario’s four SMRs will create up to 18,000 Canadian jobs, along with the construction, operation and maintenance adding more than $38 billion to Canada’s GDP and sustaining 3,700 highly skilled good-paying jobs over the next 65 years.

“Nova Scotia is open to exploring the full range of clean energy options that can help meet our province’s future energy needs, build grid resilience and protect ratepayers,” said Premier Houston.

“We have an opportunity to learn from Ontario’s experience deploying nuclear technology and I see great value in this partnership to inform system planning and best practices for Nova Scotia.”

SMRs play a central role in Energy for Generations, the government’s integrated energy plan to ensure Ontario has the reliable, affordable power it needs to power new homes and drive economic growth. The government’s integrated approach and record 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.

With a clear path forward, the plan is not only meeting the demands of today, but it is protecting jobs, supporting workers and powering economic growth for generations to come.
.

.

Ontario has been actively collaborating with New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Alberta on SMR development.

In December 2019, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), agreeing to work collaboratively in support of the development and deployment of SMRs. Alberta joined the MOU in April 2021.

In March 2022, the four provinces released a joint Strategic Plan for the Deployment of SMRs that highlighted how SMRs can provide safe, reliable, and zero-emissions energy to power Canada’s economy, while creating opportunities to export Canadian nuclear expertise and products globally.

In May 2025, the Ontario government approved Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to begin construction on the first of four SMRs at the Darlington nuclear site.

Once completed, this SMR will be the first of its kind in the G7, producing enough reliable, affordable and clean electricity to power the equivalent of 300,000 homes, supporting thousands of good-paying jobs across the province and helping secure Ontario’s energy supply for decades to come
.

.
Additional Resources

• Energy for Generations
• Ontario Leads the G7 by Building First Small Modular Reactor
• Ontario Welcomes GE Vernova Hitachi’s $70 Million Investment to Build World’s First Small Modular Reactor Engineering & Service Centre

~ Image by Moira Gibson from Pixabay