TORONTO, Canada – Premier Doug Ford announced Ontario’s comprehensive strategy to secure energy resources and boost economic growth as part of the Fortress Am-Can initiative, which strengthens the alliance between Canada and the United States. This collaboration aims to foster stability and prosperity across North America.
The United States and Canada represent each other’s largest trading partners, facilitating trillions in economic activity and supporting millions of jobs. By harnessing Ontario’s distinct advantages, Fortress Am-Can seeks to bring jobs back to America as it reduces reliance on China. The initiative includes enhancements to the integrated Am-Can energy and electricity grid, allowing for increased exports of Canadian energy, particularly clean energy sources, to the U.S.
“As a new administration prepares to take the helm in Washington, our government is ready to push Fortress Am-Can forward, initiating a new era of growth and prosperity for both nations,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Fortress Am-Can will be powered by various types of energy produced within both countries, creating jobs across all regions. With our advanced nuclear energy capabilities, Ontario is poised to lead the future energy landscape for Fortress Am-Can.”
With ongoing efforts to realize an Affordable Energy Future, Ontario is advancing its nuclear fleet, including the introduction of the first small modular nuclear reactors in the G7, while competitively sourcing new energy solutions and constructing extensive new transmission lines. This diverse energy portfolio—including nuclear, hydroelectricity, energy storage, hydrogen, renewables, and natural gas—will support job creation, economic growth, and the safeguarding of shared national security interests between Canada and the United States.
As part of the Fortress Am-Can initiative, Ontario proposes several key measures:
- Strengthening and expanding the integrated Am-Can energy grid to facilitate greater exports of Canadian energy, including nuclear power, to stimulate economic growth.
- Creating a cross-border working group involving Canadian and U.S. lawmakers and energy experts to uphold best practices for power system security against threats such as cyber attacks and extreme weather.
- Accelerating the approval process for new small modular and large nuclear reactors, while ensuring safe operational standards and necessary consultations.
- Enhancing electricity transmission interties and pipelines to promote seamless energy flow across the border.
- Establishing a regulatory alignment initiative to eliminate barriers that hinder the development of cross-border energy infrastructure.
- Fostering nuclear expertise by forming partnerships for small modular and large-scale nuclear reactor development with U.S. states and regional authorities.
- Increasing the production of vital medical isotopes at Ontario’s nuclear facilities to improve cancer patient outcomes in both nations.
- Reinforcing the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve to strengthen Am-Can energy security and protect against price manipulations in the oil market.
“The Am-Can Growth Plan leverages Ontario’s energy resources to provide security and economic benefits for families across borders,” remarked Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy. “By maximizing our nuclear energy potential, we can decrease dependencies on authoritarian regimes while contributing more clean power to the economy. Our economic partnership is the world’s most enduring, and we must unite to support Am-Can workers in challenging times.”
Quick Facts
- Ontario’s electricity system is recognized as one of the cleanest globally, drawing from a wide array of sources including nuclear, hydroelectric, renewables, and natural gas.
- Ontario serves as a reliable supplier of critical minerals and clean energy essential for North America’s growth, while aiming to reduce reliance on non-democratic nations.
- Ontario is urging the federal government to address U.S. economic concerns, including imposing tariffs on China and timely adjustments to defense spending commitments.
- If considered independently, Ontario would rank as the U.S.’s third-largest trading partner with a balanced trade valued at CAD $493 billion in 2023, supporting millions of jobs on both sides of the border.
- Ontario is the primary export destination for 17 U.S. states and ranks second for 11 others, driving significant employment tied to the cross-border economy.