Niagara-based power generating stations create approximately 25 per cent of the power supply for Ontario and New York state. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X.
The inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is now less than a week away. While Canadians brace for the impact of the incoming president’s vowed tariffs, it looks increasingly likely that various aspects of the Canada-U.S. economic relationship will need to be renegotiated.
As the premier of Canada’s most populous province, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has proposed that Canada and the United States commit to enhanced integration in the realm of energy security. Ford has argued that Canada, and Ontario, specifically, can be a critical partner in supporting the American economy as it decouples from China and strives to create high-quality jobs for the future.
“With a new administration set to take office in the White House, our government has an ambitious plan to build up Fortress Am-Can to usher in a new American and Canadian century defined by unprecedented growth, job creation and prosperity,” Ford stated while speaking at the Darlington Nuclear Station in Carlington last week.
“Fortress Am-Can should be powered by Am-Can energy to every type that’s produced, consumed and creates jobs in every region of both countries. With our fleet of nuclear power plants and the first small modular nuclear reactors in the G7, Ontario is uniquely positioned to power the future of Fortress Am-Can.”
Ford’s proposals come at a time when the new president has been making controversial comments regarding Canada’s future as an independent nation, including repeatedly suggesting that Canada could be submerged into the United States. Trump has been threatening to use “economic force,” if necessary, to realize his objectives.
Trump’s rhetoric is of particular concern to border communities, such as Niagara, where more than $100 billion in trade passes through our local border crossings each year.
While the federal government remains in a state of uncertainty following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s proroguing of parliament, and stating his intention to resign following a March 9 Liberal leadership convention, Ford has been attempting to project stability and make the case for Canada to remain an independent country, as well as America’s greatest ally and trading partner.
Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Electrification, also shared some key insights.
“The Am-Can Growth Plan harnesses our province’s abundant energy resource so that we deliver energy security and economic prosperity for families on both sides of the borders,” Lecce explained. “By leveraging our nuclear energy advantage and proven technologies, we can displace reliance on undemocratic regimes as we generate more clean power for our economy and the world.”
Lecce’s comments were echoed by Sam Oosterhoff, the Niagara West MPP, who also serves as the Associate Minister of Energy and Electrification. Oosterhoff additionally emphasized a unique growth opportunity for locations such as the Niagara Region.
“Today’s plan charts a new era of mutual prosperity and security between both countries, an especially important partnership in a border community like Niagara,” Oosterhoff said.
Niagara-based power generating stations on both sides of the border create approximately 25 per cent of the power supply for Ontario and New York state. These facilities include the Sir Adam Beck I and II Stations, which are owned and operated by Ontario Power Generation.
The next Ontario election is not scheduled to be held until June 2026. However, speculation has been mounting that Ford may determine that he requires a fresh mandate to enter negotiations with Trump, including on energy-related issues, and call an early vote in the coming weeks or months.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
