Toronto, ON – Premier Doug Ford has unveiled Ontario’s ambitious plan to strengthen energy security and stimulate economic prosperity across Canada and the United States through the creation of “Fortress Am-Can,” a renewed strategic partnership between the two nations. The initiative aims to leverage Ontario’s energy assets to support job creation and reduce dependence on foreign markets.
“The United States and Canada share one of the world’s most significant economic partnerships, generating trillions in trade and supporting millions of jobs on both sides of the border,” said Premier Ford. “With Fortress Am-Can, Ontario is ready to play a central role in enhancing energy infrastructure to benefit both economies as America seeks to bring jobs back from overseas, particularly from China.”
Central to the Fortress Am-Can strategy is the expansion of the integrated Canada-U.S. energy and electricity grid. Ontario’s diverse energy portfolio, which includes nuclear power, hydroelectricity, hydrogen, renewables, and natural gas, positions the province as a reliable energy partner. The plan focuses on increasing exports of clean, affordable energy to the U.S., while promoting the development of new nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs).
A Vision for Shared Prosperity
Premier Ford emphasized the importance of collaboration between Canada and the U.S. to ensure long-term economic stability. “We are entering a new era of economic growth that will be defined by innovation and partnership. By building Fortress Am-Can, we can ensure both nations thrive together in a changing global landscape,” he said.
Ontario’s government outlined several key measures to achieve the goals of Fortress Am-Can:
- Enhancing the Cross-Border Energy Grid: Ontario plans to build new transmission lines and upgrade existing infrastructure to increase the flow of Canadian energy to the U.S., particularly nuclear power from Ontario’s fleet of reactors.
- Strengthening Energy Security: A joint working group involving Canadian and U.S. lawmakers, along with energy and security experts, will be established to address threats such as cyberattacks, terrorism, and extreme weather. The group will also work to streamline regulatory processes for new energy projects.
- Accelerating Nuclear Development: Ontario aims to fast-track the approval and construction of small and large nuclear reactors to achieve energy security goals more quickly. The province’s nuclear sector is already home to the first SMRs in the G7.
- Improving Energy Infrastructure: The province will develop new interties and pipelines to promote seamless energy flow across borders, ensuring both nations benefit from stable, affordable energy supplies.
- Reducing Red Tape: By aligning regulations and simplifying approval processes, Ontario hopes to eliminate barriers to building cross-border energy infrastructure.
- Promoting Nuclear Expertise: Ontario will strengthen partnerships with U.S. states to advance nuclear technology, sharing expertise to boost clean energy production.
- Expanding Medical Isotope Production: Ontario’s nuclear reactors will increase the production of life-saving medical isotopes, which are essential in cancer treatment, to support better healthcare outcomes in both countries.
- Enhancing Strategic Oil Reserves: Ontario supports a plan to rebuild and enhance America’s Strategic Oil Reserve to protect both nations from global oil market fluctuations.
A Joint Path to Energy Independence
Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce, highlighted the importance of the Am-Can Growth Plan in reducing reliance on non-democratic regimes for energy supplies.
“Our province’s energy resources can provide security and prosperity for families across North America,” said Lecce. “By harnessing Ontario’s nuclear advantage and proven clean energy technologies, we can support economic growth while protecting our shared security interests.”
The Fortress Am-Can initiative also addresses the growing need to diversify energy sources and enhance the resilience of the energy grid in the face of emerging threats.
Quick Facts:
- Ontario’s electricity grid is one of the cleanest in the world, with a diverse energy mix that includes nuclear, hydroelectric, natural gas, and renewables.
- The province is a leading supplier of critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies, supporting North America’s transition to a greener economy.
- Ontario’s trade relationship with the U.S. totals over CAD $493 billion annually, making it one of America’s top trading partners.
- The province is calling for federal action to address U.S. security concerns by matching tariffs on China, banning Chinese software in vehicles, and increasing NATO defense spending.
With Fortress Am-Can, Ontario is poised to take a leadership role in securing North America’s energy future and driving economic prosperity across borders.
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