MPP Pang and Minister Smith announce 80 new jobs created at GE Hitachi in Markham

Provincial leadership on new “Made-in-Ontario” nuclear energy already paying dividends to workers and families in York Region

MARKHAM – Markham-Unionville MPP Billy Pang joined Energy Minister Todd Smith today to announce the creation of 80 new jobs at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) in Markham. The good news comes just three months after Ontario Power Generation (OPG) announced GEH was chosen to build a small modular reactor (SMR) at the Darlington generating station in Clarington.

“Our region is home to a world-class nuclear technology sector. I applaud GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy for working with all the partners to bring good-paying, highly-skilled jobs and new investment opportunities to our local community in Markham,” said MPP Billy Pang. “I’m proud that our made-in-Ontario SMR technology is helping to boost our region’s economic growth, while also providing reliable and emissions-free energy.”

Last December, Minister Smith said the agreement to deploy a BWRX-300 SMR at the Darlington new nuclear site marks Ontario’s first nuclear build since 1993. The work is expected to be completed as early as 2028.

“SMR technology is a game-changer for Ontario’s energy industry and our leadership in this space is already paying off with new jobs being created here in Markham,” said Minister Smith. “Our strong nuclear supply chain and talented workforce will continue to pay dividends and help reap even more new economic benefits for this region and our province.”

“These jobs are supporting the deployment of our innovative, carbon-free SMR technology in Canada and worldwide,” said Lisa McBride, Canada SMR Country Leader for GEH. “We plan to continue to invest in Ontario’s labour force and create more skilled, high-paying jobs as we build our team.”

Ontario is a first-mover on SMR technology. Last December, Minister Smith also announced $1 billion in contracts based on an agreement among GEH, BWXT Canada and Synthos Green Energy to build key components for SMR deployment, here in Ontario, for use in Poland.

Ontario’s leadership in SMRs builds on the legacy of Canadian-designed CANDU reactors which have helped countries around the world, including Argentina, South Korea, India and Romania, decrease their emissions. With renewed interest globally in nuclear technology as countries look for ways to decarbonize their electricity grids, Ontario’s nuclear supply chain is prepared to supply the world and export Ontario’s nuclear expertise.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Larry Lau | Constituency Assistant
MPP Billy Pang Constituency Office
larry.lau@pc.ola.org
905-474-3288