OCNI Welcomes Canada’s Nuclear Energy Strategy
The Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) welcomes the Government of Canada’s release of its Nuclear Energy Strategy, calling it a catalyst that will support the development of the clean energy infrastructure, industrial capacity, and skilled workforce the Canadian economy will need for the decades ahead.
The strategy, announced by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson, sets out a national vision to enable new nuclear builds across Canada, strengthen Canada’s position as a global supplier and exporter, secure the nuclear fuel cycle, and invest in innovation. OCNI President and CEO Ivette Vera-Perez attended the announcement on behalf of Canada’s nuclear supply chain.
“This historic nuclear energy strategy builds on the strong execution already underway across Canada’s nuclear sector,” said Ivette Vera-Perez, President and CEO of OCNI. “From on-time and on-budget refurbishments to progress on SMR deployment, Canada has shown it can deliver. We welcome the Government of Canada’s continued leadership and support for nuclear energy at a moment when energy security, climate ambition, and domestic economic growth are all national priorities. OCNI is actively working with our members to mobilize Canada’s nuclear supply chain, ensuring our companies are equipped to accelerate the implementation of this strategy and turn this national vision into lasting economic opportunity.”
The strategy outlines an ambitious domestic build-out plan, including enabling construction of up to ten new large-scale reactors within Canada, with two under construction by 2035 and five more planned or under development by 2040. It also calls for at least one nuclear power plant to be operational or under construction outside Ontario by 2035, alongside a long-term vision for expanded deployment across the country.
Canada’s world-class nuclear supply chain is prepared to support this scale of growth. With more than 250 companies across the sector and tens of thousands of highly skilled workers, Canadian suppliers have demonstrated their ability to deliver complex nuclear projects safely, reliably, and competitively. To turn the strategy’s vision into durable benefits, OCNI will actively lead industry-wide workforce development initiatives, champion coordinated procurement, and broker early supplier engagement to establish predictable, stable project pipelines across Canada.
The strategy’s focus on localization and supply chain development is central to maximizing the long-term economic value nuclear projects create in communities across Canada. A strong domestic supplier base will be essential to meeting Canada’s electricity needs, supporting energy security, growing exports, and ensuring that the benefits of nuclear expansion are felt by workers, businesses, and communities from coast to coast to coast.
The strategy’s commitment to a unified Team Canada approach to international markets will strengthen Canada’s position as a supplier of choice as global demand for reliable, low-carbon energy grows. OCNI will spearhead the industry’s export readiness by connecting Canadian suppliers with international developers, coordinating trade missions, and working hand-in-hand with government partners to ensure Canadian companies win in the global market.
“Our domestic nuclear supply chain is uniquely positioned to support both Canadian infrastructure and our allies around the world,” added Vera-Perez. “With the right coordination, Canada can scale its global exports, anchor more high-value development here at home, and create durable, high-quality employment for the next generation.”
OCNI is fully committed to collaborating with the Government of Canada, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous partners, utilities, labour, and industry to initiate and accelerate the practical steps needed to turn this strategy into immediate and sustained action.