Bruce Power and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) have unveiled an historic $250-million expansion of their partnership to deliver cancer-fighting medical isotopes and create lasting economic benefits for the Chippewas of Saugeen and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nations. The financing that supports this investment is backed by a provincial guarantee through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program.
“Ontario is an energy superpower, and today’s investment builds on that nuclear advantage while creating generational economic opportunities for Indigenous partners,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government will continue to lead the world in producing life-saving medical isotopes, protecting patients and securing Ontario’s economic future.”
“As part of our plan to protect Ontario, our government is proud to support a partnership that strengthens Indigenous participation in Ontario’s economy and expands access to life-saving medical treatments for people here at home and around the world,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “The partnership between the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Bruce Power will reinforce Ontario’s strategic position in medical isotope production.”
In addition, SON and Bruce Power have entered into a separate revenue-sharing agreement, which provides $10 million annually in direct community payments, shared equally between Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
“This agreement represents a transformative opportunity for our people,” said Chief Conrad Ritchie, Saugeen First Nation. “It ensures stable, predictable revenues for generations while strengthening our role in the global medical isotope market.”
“Economic reconciliation with Bruce Power and Ontario is important to us and this partnership is a great step along that path. Together, we are supporting producing critical life-saving treatments,” said Acting Chief Jessica Keeshig Martin, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
The landmark agreement — the largest investment support for a single Indigenous Nation in Canada — expands a successful isotope collaboration through the creation of the Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin Limited Partnership. Building on and replacing the original 2019 agreement, this new arrangement strengthens Bruce Power’s commitment to economic reconciliation, ensuring SON benefits from operations in its Territory for decades to come, while advancing the global fight against cancer.
“Ontario has a plan to double medical isotope production by 2030, advancing life-saving treatment for thousands of Canadians through a powerful partnership with Saugeen Ojibway Nation, Bruce Power, and Ontario,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “With ongoing pressure from U.S. tariffs, our government is fortifying our economy by building this homegrown sector using Canadian Candu technology to save lives, create jobs, and improve the quality of life of First Nations. This is Ontario’s nuclear advantage at work.”
Huron-Bruce MPP and Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson echoed those sentiments.
“Bruce Power and Saugeen Ojibway Nation are working together to deliver crucial, cancer-fighting medical isotopes while creating lasting prosperity for communities,” she said. “The partnership strengthens local economies, supports reconciliation, and ensures that families across Huron-Bruce and beyond benefit from Ontario’s leadership in clean energy and innovation in health care.”
Administered by the Building Ontario Fund, the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program seeks to advance economic reconciliation and prosperity by enabling financial participation of Indigenous partners in Ontario-based infrastructure projects. Provincial guarantees are powerful financing tools enabling First Nations access to equity, funded by favourably priced debt, offering economic participation in revenue-generating projects such as the Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin isotopes partnership.
The announcement reinforced the critical role of Ontario’s nuclear supply chain, including the Isotope Production System at Bruce Power, developed through a partnership between Bruce Power and Isogen, a Kinectrics and Framatome company.
“This achievement reflects the importance of partnership,” said John D’Angelo, Chairman, Isogen. “Through strong partnerships, we’re delivering medical innovation that saves lives while creating economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and strengthening Ontario’s leadership in global health.”
The expanded agreement now includes the production of cobalt-60, which is used for both the sterilization of medical equipment and cancer treatment. Bruce Power has a long-standing partnership to supply cobalt-60 to Ottawa-based Nordion, a leading provider of cobalt-60 worldwide.
TD Securities Inc. acted as financial advisor and sole bookrunner on the financing for the SON’s investment in the partnership.
To learn more about the partnership, visit: www.fightingcancertogether.ca
About Bruce Power
Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territory, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable nuclear power to families and businesses across the province and cancer-fighting medical isotopes around the world. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is a Canadian-owned partnership of TC Energy, OMERS, the Power Workers’ Union and The Society of United Professionals. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.