Ontario Advances 18,900 Nuclear Jobs at Bruce Power

May 7, 2026

Bruce C Project moves forward Canada’s first large-scale nuclear build in 30 years.

As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy, the government is taking a major step to build the Bruce C Nuclear Project, the province’s first large-scale nuclear project in over 30 years. Ontario has directed the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to enter into a cost-sharing and recovery agreement, enabling Bruce Power to move forward with critical activities including First Nations and community engagement, workforce planning, and pre-construction and site preparation planning. These activities are expected to cost $300 million and be completed by 2030. The proposed up to 4,800 megawatt (MW) nuclear generating station will provide enough power for 4.8 million homes, inject $238 billion into Canada’s GDP and creating 18,900 jobs during construction and 6,700 once operational.

“At a time when our economy faces threats from abroad, Ontario’s government is doubling down on made-in-Canada nuclear power,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “The Bruce C project will advance generational employment creating 18,900 net-new jobs per year, transforming Bruce Power into the world’s largest nuclear generating facility. Our government is thinking big and long-term as we build on-time and on-budget, leading the largest nuclear expansion on the continent that will help put 150,000 Canadians to work. This is the economic spark that will help Ontario reindustrialize, attract job creating investment, and keep power reliable for families, farms and businesses.”

As Ontario faces electricity demand growth by up to 90 per cent by 2050, the province is acting now to build the necessary capacity to keep the lights on and power affordable. While other countries scramble to secure reliable sources of power, Ontario is moving forward as part of its first-ever integrated energy plan, Energy for Generations, to make sure we have the power available to avoid potential future disruptions such as brownouts or blackouts seen in other jurisdictions.

Bruce Power currently operates two generating stations – Bruce A and B – powering eight total reactors. Bruce C builds on more than 60 years of nuclear expertise and innovation, supported by a highly skilled workforce and robust domestic supply chain – currently 95 per cent of Bruce Power’s spending stays in Canada. This year, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce released a landmark report highlighting the project’s significant opportunity to bring an annual average of $2 billion contributed to local GDP, $427 million in labour income and 3,400 full-time jobs to surrounding communities. Through this agreement, IESO will share in the costs incurred by Bruce Power to continue advancing key predevelopment activities including engagement with First Nations, local communities, building trades and suppliers, which will occur alongside the work currently underway for completion of the federal Impact Assessment (IA) and receipt of a Licence to Prepare Site from the federal Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).

“Today’s support for pre-development work on the Bruce C Project is a critical step in ensuring Ontario has the reliable, affordable and carbon‑free electricity it needs for generations to come,” said Eric Chassard, President and CEO of Bruce Power. “We are taking important next steps to advance early development work while continuing meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, local municipalities and our supply chain and labour partners. Building at an existing world‑class nuclear site positions Ontario to deliver new large‑scale nuclear capacity efficiently, support thousands of good‑paying jobs, and reinforce the province’s leadership in clean energy and nuclear innovation.”

Located at one of the largest operating nuclear sites in the world, Bruce C will build on this existing infrastructure, helping to reduce development timelines and costs while expanding Ontario’s world-class nuclear fleet. This advances the province’s strong track record of delivering large-scale nuclear projects including the successful refurbishment of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, the ongoing Bruce Power Life Extension program, construction of the first of four small modular reactors (SMRs) in the G7 at the Darlington site, advancement of new nuclear generation at the Wesleyville site, and the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.

Ontario and Bruce Power are also committed to continued cooperation and engagement with both Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation communities (collectively the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) when it comes to energy planning and future projects on their traditional territory. This predevelopment agreement will provide capacity funding to engage in this important work with the SON and communities in Bruce, Grey and Huron counties.

Advancing Bruce C supports the government’s plan to protect Ontario and is a key part of Energy for Generations, the government’s long-term approach to ensuring the province has the reliable, affordable power it needs to be energy secure and drive economic growth. The government’s integrated approach and record-setting 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.