Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator is ensuring Indigenous communities have a role in future energy projects in southwestern Ontario.
Provincial officials say $195,000 has been earmarked for Caldwell First Nation to hire a designated Community Energy Champion through the 2025 intake of the Indigenous Energy Support Program.
A statement from Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones says the investment helps strengthen Indigenous leadership in the sector, and funding community-led energy projects that will ensure the province has affordable, secure, clean, and reliable energy.
“Ensuring Indigenous communities are full partners in Ontario’s energy future is essential as we build the reliable infrastructure needed to meet growing demand,” Jones said in a provincial news release. “By expanding support through the Indigenous Energy Support Program, our government is strengthening opportunities for Indigenous-led energy planning, infrastructure development, and skills training while advancing meaningful economic reconciliation for generations to come.”
“Ontario needs more power, and having strong partnerships with Indigenous communities is fundamental to meeting growing demand while advancing meaningful economic reconciliation”, added Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries.
Since the inception of the Indigenous Energy Support Programs in 2009, the IESO has awarded $107.5 million to 185 Indigenous communities and organizations. Applications have now opened for this year’s round of funding.