Canada is moving to strengthen its domestic energy supply chain, with new funding aimed at positioning Saskatchewan as a key player in nuclear development and small modular reactor deployment.
The federal government announced CAD$625,100 on Tuesday in support for three organizations working to expand nuclear supply chain capacity in the province. Additionally, the Government of Saskatchewan is contributing CAD$286,000 through Crown Investments Corporation.
Officials say the funding will help local businesses prepare for opportunities tied to nuclear energy projects. Furthermore, the initiative focuses on ensuring smaller firms and communities can participate in a growing sector that requires specialized skills and certifications.
The investment will support the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers’ Association, the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries, and Southeast Techhub Incorporated. Meanwhile, these groups will work together to connect businesses with supply chain opportunities and provide training pathways.
Saskatchewan holds a strategic advantage due to its uranium resources and existing expertise in mining and research. Consequently, policymakers view the province as a natural hub for nuclear expansion, particularly as Canada pushes to develop small modular reactors.
The program aims to inform companies about nuclear supply chain requirements while helping them meet industry standards. In addition, it will facilitate partnerships between Saskatchewan firms and established vendors in the nuclear sector.
Training remains a central focus of the initiative. Additionally, organizations will develop micro-credentials and accreditation programs to ensure workers meet strict nuclear industry requirements.
Federal officials say the funding aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Canada’s energy independence. Furthermore, they argue that building a domestic nuclear supply chain will support both economic growth and emissions reduction targets.
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Canada is an established leader in nuclear power
Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, said the investment will create skilled jobs across Saskatchewan. He indicated the initiative will support communities of all sizes while improving the reliability of the province’s energy infrastructure.
Belanger also emphasized that strengthening the nuclear sector contributes to national energy security. Consequently, the government sees these investments as part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on external supply chains.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson described Canada as an established leader in nuclear power. Meanwhile, he noted that efforts to deploy small modular reactors will build on that foundation.
Hodgson added that Saskatchewan’s energy future will increasingly include nuclear generation. In addition, he pointed to ongoing support for uranium mining and reactor development as key pillars of that strategy.
Canada’s nuclear sector already plays a significant economic role. In 2024, approximately 89,000 workers contributed CAD$22 billion to the national economy, with most positions classified as high-skill.
Labour demand is expected to rise as new projects move forward. Additionally, Saskatchewan alone may require between 2,500 and 3,500 skilled workers to build and operate nuclear facilities.
These jobs will span trades, engineering, and specialized services. Furthermore, additional roles will emerge across the broader supply chain, including manufacturing and environmental management.
The province’s uranium resources remain a central factor in its positioning. Saskatchewan produces nearly a quarter of the world’s uranium used for electricity generation, which strengthens its role in global energy markets.
Officials believe that expanding nuclear infrastructure will create long-term economic benefits. Consequently, the combined federal and provincial funding aims to ensure local businesses can compete for contracts tied to future reactor projects.
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