Ontario Reaches Historic First Nations Equity Partnership to Build the G7’s First Small Modular Reactors
June 23, 2026
Agreement marks the first First Nations equity investment in a nuclear energy project in Canadian history
As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy, the government is announcing a historic $700 million investment from the Williams Treaties First Nations (WTFN) in the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP). In 2025, the province authorized Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to engage First Nations for equity participation in the small modular reactor (SMR) project. This agreement marks another major milestone in Ontario’s nuclear leadership and builds on the province’s track record of delivering refurbishments on time and on budget while creating a made-in-Canada nuclear supply chain. For the first time in Canadian history, through the creation of a first-of-its-kind commercial partnership initiated by the province, First Nations are full equity partners in a nuclear project.
“For the first time in Canadian history, First Nations are supporting and investing in made-in-Canada nuclear, as Ontario leads the Western World building the first SMR, a project that will create over 18,000 good-paying jobs, with 80 per cent of investment staying in Ontario,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Ontario is entering a new era of how we build large energy projects in true partnership, with a plan to add $800 billion in economic value to our country’s economy and create 150,000 jobs as we generate reliable power our generations to come. This announcement sustains momentum behind Ontario as we build on-time and on-budget, the envy of the world.”
The DNNP is a key pillar of Energy for Generations, the province’s first-ever integrated energy plan to ensure Ontario has the reliable, affordable power to have a secure supply of energy for the future and drive economic growth. With construction underway on the first SMR, the project will see four SMRs built at the existing Darlington site, generating 1,200 megawatts of reliable, clean electricity, enough to power 1.2 million homes. The project will create up to 18,000 Canadian jobs during construction, with 80 per cent of project spending flowing to Ontario-based companies.
“This investment demonstrates the power of partnership to drive economic opportunity and long-term growth,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “By bringing together First Nations communities, governments and industry, we are helping to build the infrastructure and investment climate that will support Ontario’s prosperity for generations to come.”
The Williams Treaties First Nations’ investment is supported by a provincial guarantee through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program, administered by the Building Ontario Fund, in conjunction with a loan guarantee provided by the Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation (CILGC). Ontario is participating in the CILGC’s guarantee for the investment on a 50/50 basis. Equity support in the DNNP project will avoid cost increases by reducing borrowing costs, saving ratepayers up to $15 billion over the operating life of the project.
“This is a historic partnership that demonstrates a critical feature of Ontario’s nuclear advantage: First Nation communities as true equity partners,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire and Economic and Community Partnerships. “By working together in partnership, we are seizing the opportunity to strengthen economic reconciliation, support workforce development, and build a prosperous future for all.”
To date, more than 100 Canadian companies are already part of the growing SMR supply chain, positioning Ontario businesses to compete for opportunities in the emerging global nuclear market. This global leadership was recently demonstrated in France, where the province announced a new collaboration to export critical components for SMRs. Over the life of the DNNP, the construction, operation and maintenance of the four units are expected to contribute $38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP and sustain approximately 3,800 highly skilled, good-paying jobs annually for the next 65 years.
Quick Facts
- Darlington New Nuclear Project LP (DNNP LP) is made up of Williams Treaties First Nations (WTFN), the governments of Ontario and Canada, and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to build the G7’s first grid-scale small modular reactors (SMRs).
- Under the agreement, the WTFN will provide a loan to DNNP LP for the construction of the first SMR unit of the DNNP, with the loan transitioning to equity once construction of all four SMR units is complete.
- The DNNP LP is an equity partnership formed to construct and operate the DNNP consisting of majority-owner OPG alongside the Canada Growth Fund and Building Ontario Fund.
- In May 2025, the Ontario government approved OPG’s plan to begin construction on the first of four SMRs at the Darlington nuclear site.
- In October 2025, the province and federal government made historic investments in this nation-building project, including up to a $1 billion provincial investment through the Building Ontario Fund and up to a $2 billion federal investment through the Canada Growth Fund
- In April 2026, Ontario reached a major construction milestone on the first SMR with the installation of the basement marking the first new nuclear reactor foundation in 30 years.
- Ontario announced that OPG would begin planning and licensing for three additional SMRs, for a total of four SMRs at the Darlington nuclear site in July 2023.
- OPG obtained a Licence to Construct (LTC) for Unit 1 from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) in April 2025. OPG filed its Licence to Operate (LTO) application for Unit 1 to the CNSC in March 2026
- Nuclear power currently provides about 50 per cent of Ontario’s electricity supply and has positioned Ontario as one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world.
- Ontario’s nuclear industry supports around 80,000 good-paying jobs in communities across the province.
Quotes
“Today’s announcement illustrates a key part of our government’s Build Agenda: Indigenous partnership and – even more importantly – ownership in major, nation-building projects. Canada Strong for All means building clean energy infrastructure quickly, responsibly, and as a unified Team Canada with First Nations like the Williams Treaty First Nations and all Canadians. This is what being an energy superpower looks like.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
Federal Minister of Finance and National Revenue
“We welcome this historic commercial participation by the Williams Treaties First Nations – a first-of-a-kind equity investment into a nuclear generation project in Canada. OPG is committed to building positive, mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations that last beyond project development and create generational value.”
– The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Today marks an historic and unprecedented moment for the future of nuclear energy in our community at Darlington. Under Premier Doug Ford’s leadership, we’re not only creating new jobs and economic growth in Durham region, we are also charting a new path by bringing seven First Nations in as full partners on the SMR project, making Ontario the first jurisdiction in the G7 to take this groundbreaking step.”
– Todd McCarthy
MPP for Durham
“This historic partnership marks an important milestone for both Ontario’s energy future and economic reconciliation. By supporting meaningful First Nations participation in the Darlington New Nuclear Project, we are helping create long-term opportunities for Indigenous communities while ensuring families and businesses across Durham Region and Ontario have access to reliable, affordable, and clean electricity for generations to come.”
– Lorne Coe
MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security
“Today, our Nations are taking an historic step forward. Through this investment, we are not only creating opportunities for our own communities – we are helping advance a project that will play an important role in meeting Ontario and Canada’s growing energy needs. This investment demonstrates what is possible when First Nations are able to participate meaningfully in projects taking place within their territories, not only as rights holders, but as investors, partners, and participants in the long-term success of the project.”
– Chiefs of the Williams Treaties First Nations
“We welcome this historic commercial participation by the Williams Treaties First Nations – a first-of-a-kind equity investment into a nuclear generation project in Canada. OPG is committed to building positive, mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations that last beyond project development and create generational value.”
– Nicolle Butcher
President and CEO, OPG
“Building Ontario Fund is supporting more Indigenous ownership in major infrastructure projects through financial guarantees offered by the Province of Ontario through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program (IOFP). BOF’s participation in the guarantee issued to Williams Treaties First Nations (WTFN) is the first in partnership with the Canadian Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation and the largest such transaction entered into by the province since the inception of the program. With this support, the IOFP is enabling WTFN to access capital to invest in the Darlington New Nuclear Project and helping to create lasting economic benefits while supporting Ontario’s energy future.”
– Michael Fedchyshyn
CEO, Building Ontario Fund
“This is the kind of collaboration the Ontario Chamber champions, because when governments, industry and First Nations work together, projects move faster, risks are lower, and benefits are broader. The Darlington New Nuclear Project proves that energy security and economic reconciliation go hand in hand.”
– Daniel Tisch
President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
“Meaningful collaboration with First Nations, particularly through equity partnerships that advance true economic reconciliation, is a critical part of building the grid of the future. The IESO commends the Williams Treaties First Nations, the Governments of Ontario and Canada, and Ontario Power Generation on this historic partnership that will strengthen our reliable, sustainable electricity supply in Ontario.”
– Lesley Gallinger
President and CEO, Independent Electricity System Operator
“Today’s announcement is a defining milestone for Ontario’s nuclear sector and demonstrates what is possible when First Nations, industry, and governments come together as partners. The Williams Treaties First Nations’ investment in the Darlington New Nuclear Project creates a new model for meaningful participation and shared economic opportunity while helping advance one of the most important energy projects in Canada. As Ontario builds the next generation of nuclear energy, partnerships like this will strengthen communities, support good-paying jobs, and ensure the benefits of these investments are shared for decades to come.”
– Julie O’Driscoll
Executive Director, Ontario’s Nuclear Advantage
“The Canadian Association of Small Modular Reactors welcomes today’s announcement of the Williams Treaties First Nations (WTFN) becoming full partners in the Darlington New Nuclear Project through a first-of-its-kind commercial partnership. This milestone demonstrates that meaningful Indigenous partnership is becoming a defining feature of Canada’s next generation of nuclear projects. By creating opportunities for long-term ownership and investment, this partnership advances economic reconciliation while strengthening the foundation for successful project delivery. Innovative financing mechanisms that enable Indigenous equity participation will play an increasingly important role in accelerating nuclear deployment across Canada. This partnership establishes a model for future nuclear projects by demonstrating how governments, Indigenous communities and industry can work together to advance clean energy, strengthen energy security, and deliver lasting economic prosperity.”
– Erveina Gosalci
Founder and CEO, Canadian Association of Small Modular Reactors
“This partnership is an important example of how major energy projects can create shared value through tangible Indigenous ownership and participation. As the Darlington New Nuclear Project moves forward, collaboration among First Nations, governments, OPG and suppliers will be essential to delivering the project successfully and maximizing its long-term benefits. OCNI members are ready to contribute the capabilities, skilled workforce and Canadian expertise required to support this next chapter of Ontario’s nuclear program.”
– Ivette Vera-Perez
President and CEO, OCNI
“This is a pivotal moment for the future of nuclear energy development in Canada. The participation of the Williams Treaties First Nations as investors in the Darlington SMR project reflects the growing role Indigenous communities are playing in shaping Canada’s energy future. Alongside the economic benefits this creates, the project will help deliver the reliable, non-emitting electricity needed to power a growing economy and support prosperity for decades to come.”
– George Christidis
President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association
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