This is a joint news release between the governments of Yukon and Ontario.
On April 22, the Government of Yukon signed a partnership agreement with the Government of Ontario to strengthen collaboration on energy development, with a focus on improving long-term reliability and exploring emerging technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs).
The agreement supports Yukon’s commitment to ensuring dependable and sustainable electricity as demand grows across the territory. It creates a framework for sharing expertise, advancing policy development and examining options that could help reduce reliance on fossil fuels in the North.
The agreement was signed by Yukon’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, Ted Laking, and Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, on the margins of the CIBC Electrification Summit in Toronto.
Through this agreement, Yukon will leverage Ontario's experience as a global leader in energy to access knowledge and expertise in nuclear energy, including regulatory approaches and project development considerations related to SMRs. This collaboration will help inform Yukon’s assessment of whether SMRs could play a role in the territory’s future energy mix. The agreement will also see the parties explore opportunities to collaborate, when possible, on other mutually beneficial energy projects and initiatives.
Together, Ontario and Yukon will:
- Share knowledge and information related to nuclear energy, SMRs and microreactors including technological readiness, regulatory frameworks, supply chains, economics and financing, nuclear waste management and public and Indigenous engagement.
- Develop and implement effective provincial and territorial energy policies.
- Share best regulatory practices to support the development of strong and effective electricity markets.
Both jurisdictions are experiencing increasing electricity demand. By working together, Yukon will be better positioned to evaluate new technologies, strengthen energy planning and ensure reliable power for communities and industry.
Energy is a scarce resource in the Yukon. Our electricity grid is under strain and will soon be unable to meet the needs of the territory. We were in a challenging position this past winter as it became evident we require significant investment in new generation capacity we can rely on in our coldest and darkest months of the year. We must also keep an eye on solutions to our winter energy challenges that do not rely on fossil fuels. That’s why we are excited to partner with Ontario on taking the steps necessary to see if SMR technology can help the territory meet its energy needs and help achieve our objectives of population and economic growth.
“Ontario is building the western world’s first small modular reactor, with a focus on exporting this clean technology across Canada, from coast to coast to coast,” said Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines. “This agreement sets the stage for Ontario to support Yukon’s energy expansion to deliver affordable, reliable power for generations. As Ontario leads the continent’s largest nuclear expansion creating 150,000 jobs, we will continue to play an outsized role supporting Canadian economic growth and energy security.”
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Kate Erwin
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-3183
[email protected]
Noah Mawji
Minister Lecce’s Office
[email protected]