Ontario will spend $25 million to expand Indigenous participation in the province’s energy sector, announcing funding this week for 148 projects through the 2025 intake of the Indigenous Energy Support Program.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines said the investment, delivered through the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), will support community‑led planning, skills development, infrastructure work and diesel‑reduction initiatives in First Nations across Ontario.
“Ontario needs more power, and having strong partnerships with Indigenous communities is fundamental to meeting growing demand while advancing meaningful economic reconciliation,” Associate Minister of Energy‑Intensive Industries Sam Oosterhoff said in a press release.
The program supports communities through capacity building, economic development and energy resiliency. The economic development stream now includes an enhanced Remote Projects Development component aimed at reducing diesel reliance in nine off‑grid First Nations.
Applications for the 2026 intake are now open, with an Oct. 2 deadline.
Indigenous communities are “key drivers” of Ontario’s energy future, said Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation.
“Today’s expanded investments for community‑led energy planning, local capacity building and meaningful opportunities are ensuring Indigenous communities share in the benefits of Ontario’s growing and increasingly integrated energy sector.”
The IESO has awarded about $107.5 million to 185 Indigenous communities and organizations since 2009. The province increased the annual funding envelope to $25 million last year.
Lesley Gallinger, CEO of the IESO, said 85 communities received funding in 2024.
“Economic reconciliation and meaningful partnership with Indigenous communities is only possible when all parties can participate equitably,” Gallinger said.
