Toronto/CMEDIA: A historic effort to reportedly connect and strengthen Canada’s electricity systems was announced today by the Ontario government.
Provinces and territories are united to build electricity infrastructure and transform Canada into energy superpower.
To facilitate this, the government launched a first-of-its-kind interprovincial-territorial partnership to build transmission infrastructure needed to power the country’s next generation of growth.
Bringing together British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Yukon, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and the Northwest Territories, the landmark agreement, initiated by Ontario, aims to advance new electricity transmission projects and strategic interests across Canada.
An agreement between provincial and territorial energy ministers — following Ontario’s Connecting Canada – Building an Energy Superpower Summit in September 2025 — that expanding electricity transmission between jurisdictions is essential in unlocking the full value of Canada’s clean and diverse energy resources.
Marking a major nation-building milestone, the agreement enables a more connected, resilient and self-reliant energy system, breaks down long standing barriers between provincial grids.
Provinces and territories will collaborate under this Canada-first agreement to:
- Identify and advance new interprovincial and territorial transmission infrastructure, including key intertie projects with elevated speed
- Expand electricity trade within Canada, helping regions meet growing demand and maximize the use of clean, reliable power before exporting abroad
- Advocate for federal support, including investment to accelerate transmission corridors and an electricity strategy that connects Canada east-west and north-south.
- Partner with Indigenous communities in energy development, ensuring meaningful participation and shared economic benefits
“With the backdrop of global uncertainty, Ontario is emerging as a reliable partner at home and abroad focused on protecting jobs and our economy…This first-of-its-kind partnership lays the foundation for thousands of jobs, billions in investment, and a modernized grid that advances Canada’s long-term energy future. Together, we are advancing Made-in-Canada energy solutions to meet unprecedented energy demand and keep Canada’s economy strong,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines.
Canada’s grids were not built for a modern economy, rather designed to be built within provincial borders.
Several jurisdictions across North America are currently labelled an elevated risk, requiring more power, according to the North American Electricity Reliability Corporation (NERC).
Currently there is unprecedented demand for power due to rapid population growth, major industrial expansion, critical mineral development and electrification.
On the other hand, limited interprovincial connections prevent regions from sharing reliable, clean electricity efficiently.
These constraints, if unattended, will lead to higher costs, slower project development, and missed economic opportunities at a time when Canada must strengthen its energy security and global competitiveness.
Working together to modernize and connect their systems would enable provinces and territories to reduce duplication, be cost-effective and ensure Canada has the infrastructure required to compete globally while remaining energy secure at home.
Reflecting a shared commitment to build a truly Canadian electricity grid, this agreement supports regional development, attracts investment and ensures every part of the country benefits from Canada’s abundant energy advantage.
Quebec supports the idea of enhanced collaboration between the provinces and territories to identify the most promising projects that meet market needs subject to respecting the exclusive jurisdiction of the provinces.
It also wishes to contribute to the effort to position the provincial and territorial energy sector on the world stage, it is also open to discussing concrete, economically viable projects that comply with North American market rules with interested parties.
Supporting the government’s plan to protect Ontario, strong interprovincial partnership in energy is a key part of Energy for Generations.
Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners are also being provided with the certainty needed to invest confidently in Ontario’s future by the government’s integrated approach and record-setting investments in energy infrastructure.
