OCNI Receives $1.88M from Ontario Government to Strengthen Nuclear Supply Chain Readiness and Workforce Development
PICKERING, ON –The Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI), Canada’s voice of the nuclear supply chain, has received $1.88 million in funding through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Ontario Labour Market Partnerships (OLMP) program to launch a province-wide initiative focused on strengthening Ontario’s nuclear supply chain, workforce readiness, and industrial capacity.
By providing an evidence-based view of Ontario’s nuclear supply chain and related sectors, this initiative will identify their capabilities, challenges and opportunities to support planned nuclear projects while strengthening Ontario’s competitiveness in growing nuclear markets.
“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 OCNI. ” Ontario has one of the most capable nuclear supply chains in the world, but the scale of what is ahead requires a coordinated, data-driven approach. By mapping our strengths, identifying critical gaps, and understanding what actions are needed, OCNI and the provincial government are equipping the nuclear sector with the strategic insights they need to scale up, qualify for major contracts, and drive the success of Ontario’s new nuclear builds.”
The timing for this work is critical. As Ontario’s demand for clean energy continues to grow new nuclear generation, major refurbishments, isotope production and increasing international demand for Ontario expertise are creating significant economic opportunities. Meeting this growing demand will require a strong and adaptable workforce, particularly as major projects across multiple sectors continue to compete for skilled talent.
“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.”
The OLMP program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. With this support OCNI will develop practical recommendations to strengthen Ontario’s nuclear supplier base, expand workforce and training pathways, support Indigenous economic participation, increase regional diversification, improve supply chain resilience, and help Ontario firms qualify for domestic and international nuclear opportunities.
“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 will work with nuclear industry leaders, Indigenous-led organizations, municipalities, regional economic development partners, academic and training institutions, and companies across adjacent sectors to ensure the project reflects Ontario’s full industrial base and delivers practical, implementation-ready recommendations for industry, government, and training partners.
“In a time of unprecedented economic threats, Ontario is taking quick action to strengthen and build our highly skilled energy workforce to power and protect Ontario. This investment will ensure Ontario has what we need to further position ourselves as a global leader in nuclear energy today, and for decades to come,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.
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About the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries
The Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries is the voice of Canada’s nuclear supply chain. OCNI represents more than 250 member companies supplying goods and services to the nuclear industry in Canada and internationally. With a strong Ontario membership base and deep relationships across the nuclear ecosystem, OCNI supports supplier development, workforce readiness, Indigenous engagement, trade development, and clean energy growth.