Energy Minister Tim Hodgson unveiled a national nuclear strategy that targets up to 10 new reactors by 2040, with at least one outside Ontario. The plan aims to double Canada’s electricity capacity by 2050 and positions nuclear power as the backbone of a low‑carbon grid. Officials estimate the major, long‑term construction program could exceed $100 billion.

The strategy calls for two large reactors to begin construction by 2035, five more to be planned by 2040, and a strategic micro‑reactor deployment to a remote community in the late 2030s. It projects nuclear‑sector employment rising from roughly 90,000 to over 180,000 jobs, and seeks to sell Canadian‑made Candu designs to at least four new international markets.

Funding will likely flow through the Canadian Infrastructure Bank and the Canada Growth Fund, though the plan leaves the exact financing model undefined. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticised the announcement as empty promises, while provinces such as Ontario and Saskatchewan have already pledged billions for small modular reactors. The rollout will test Canada’s ability to leverage nuclear technology for both domestic decarbonisation and export growth.