March 4, 2026
Provinces and territories united to build electricity infrastructure and transform Canada into energy superpower
TORONTO – Today, the Ontario government announced a historic effort to connect and strengthen Canada’s electricity systems by launching a first-of-its-kind interprovincial-territorial partnership aimed at building the necessary transmission infrastructure to power the country’s next generation of growth. This landmark agreement initiated by Ontario unites British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Yukon, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories in advancing new electricity transmission projects and strategic interties across Canada.
In the wake of Ontario’s Connecting Canada – Building an Energy Superpower Summit held in September 2025, provincial and territorial energy ministers converged on a critical realization: the expansion of electricity transmission between jurisdictions is vital. With rising demand on the horizon, they recognized the need to bolster energy security while unlocking the full value of Canada’s clean and diverse energy resources. This agreement marks a significant milestone in nation-building, dismantling longstanding barriers between provincial grids and paving the way for a more connected, resilient, and self-reliant energy system.
Under this Canada-first agreement, provinces and territories are set to:
- Identify and advance new interprovincial and territorial transmission infrastructure, focusing on key intertie projects with swift implementation.
- Expand electricity trade within Canada, aiding regions in meeting growing demand and maximizing the use of clean, reliable power before considering exports abroad.
- Advocate for federal support, including the investment needed to accelerate transmission corridors and develop an electricity strategy that enhances connections across Canada.
- Partner with Indigenous communities in energy development, ensuring meaningful participation and shared economic benefits.
“In a world of global uncertainty, Ontario is stepping up as a reliable partner both at home and abroad, committed to protecting jobs and sustaining our economy,” stated Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “This landmark agreement lays the groundwork for thousands of jobs and billions in investment, all while modernizing our grid to advance Canada’s long-term energy future. Collaboration is our path to successful, Made-in-Canada energy solutions.”
Historically, Canada’s electricity grids were constructed with a focus on provincial boundaries, rather than the interconnected, modern economy we see today. According to the North American Electricity Reliability Corporation (NERC), various jurisdictions across North America are currently facing elevated risk levels due to their increased power demands. As rapid population growth, extensive industrial expansion, critical mineral development, and electrical demands surge, Canada must strategically connect its systems to satisfy this unprecedented energy thirst. Otherwise, limited interprovincial connections could lead to elevated costs, sluggish project development, and lost economic opportunities, emphasizing the urgency for action to secure energy resiliency and global competitiveness.
The economic implications of this agreement are monumental; two-way trade in goods and services between Ontario and other provinces and territories was valued at over $324 billion in 2024. This statistic underscores the burgeoning economic activity reliant on robust internal connections and dependable, affordable energy to facilitate the movement of goods, energize industries, and bolster job creation across Canada. By modernizing and integrating their power systems, provinces and territories aim to eliminate duplicative efforts, lower long-term costs, and ensure that Canada has the infrastructure it needs to thrive on the world stage while maintaining energy security at home.
Quebec is another vital proponent of this collaborative effort, expressing support for enhanced cooperation among provinces and territories in identifying promising projects that cater to market needs, granted that provincial jurisdictions are respected. Quebec is eager to play a role in positioning the provincial and territorial energy sectors on the global stage and remains open to engaging in economically viable ventures compliant with North American market rules.
This interprovincial partnership also aligns seamlessly with Ontario’s plan to safeguard itself and represents a critical aspect of Energy for Generations, the province’s long-term strategy aimed at ensuring reliable, cost-effective power is available to drive economic growth. The government’s comprehensive strategy and record investments in energy infrastructure provide necessary assurances for Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses, and industry partners to invest confidently in Ontario’s future.
Quick Facts
- Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) forecasts a potential 90 percent increase in the province’s electricity demand by 2050.
- With new nuclear, storage, and other clean energy projects anticipated in the coming years, Ontario is poised to emerge as a reliable long-term supplier of clean electricity to other jurisdictions across Canada.
- Currently, Ontario maintains 14 interties with two neighboring provinces—three with Manitoba and eleven with Québec—totaling an export transfer capability of about 2,385 megawatts (MW) and an import capability of approximately 2,580 MW.
- In 2025, Ontario exported 8.8 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity to Quebec.
- Various jurisdictions throughout Canada are actively seeking to enhance their electricity supplies.
Quotes
“Ontario is laser-focused on building an energy grid that not only supports our industries and our people but also addresses our national economic interests through Canadian-made energy solutions. With this historic agreement, we’re showcasing world-class leadership as a reliable partner both within Canada and beyond.”
– Sam Oosterhoff
Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries
“Access to clean and affordable energy is a priority – period. We increasingly depend on electricity for essential tasks, and we must strengthen our capacity to share power across regions for a more resilient electrical system.”
– René Legacy
Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy, New Brunswick
“This agreement acknowledges the critical role that electricity interties play in solidifying Canada’s strategic position in an ever-evolving landscape. The Yukon-B.C. Grid Connect promises to provide much-needed winter electricity reliability, cut diesel dependence in remote regions, and fortify Arctic Sovereignty.”
– Ted Laking
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, Yukon
“To fulfill Canada’s aspiration to become an energy superpower, collaboration on interjurisdictional transmission planning is essential. This cooperation will bolster the reliability and affordability of our transmission infrastructure while delivering both economic and energy security benefits.”
– Jeremy Harrison
Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, Saskatchewan
As the agreement comes into fruition, it signals a transformative moment for Canada, fostering not only energy interdependence but also economic collaboration across provinces and territories.