Ontario’s Minister of Energy & Mines Stephen Lecce and Nova Scotia’s Premier and Minister of Energy Tim Houston have signed an agreement to collaborate on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). 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 economic and environmental benefits of nuclear energy from SMRs;
- Collaborate with other provinces and territories to accelerate SMR adoption nationwide; and
- Lobby 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 Lecce. 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 produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of 300,000 homes, supporting thousands of well-paid jobs across the province.
“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. Lecce added. “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.”
Premier Houston said: “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. 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.”
Ontario has been actively collaborating with New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Alberta on SMR development. In 2019, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), agreeing to work collaboratively for 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.
Nova Scotia has said SMR technology will not be established in the province “soon”, but a statement from Ontario’s Ministry of Energy and Mines said Nova Scotia’s involvement marks a “pivotal moment” for Atlantic Canada’s energy strategy.
