Ontario Supporting Increased First Nations Ownership in East-West Tie Transmission Line

Press Release

May 29, 2026

$75 million provincial guarantee supports expanded Indigenous ownership, creating long-term economic opportunities and prosperity

THUNDER BAY — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build a stronger, more reliable electricity system, the government is welcoming increased First Nations ownership of the East-West Tie (EWT) Transmission Line. Bamkushwada LP (BLP), representing six First Nations on the shores of Gichigami (Lake Superior), has increased its equity stake in the line from 3.5 per cent to 20 per cent, with the support of a provincial guarantee. Through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program (IOFP), Ontario is providing a provincial guarantee of up to $75 million to support the expanded ownership stake, backed by a loan from Canada Life.

“Ontario’s integrated energy plan is building stronger partnerships with First Nation communities across the province,” said Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries. “The increased ownership stake in this historic East-West Tie will ensure that Indigenous communities play a prominent role in building and delivering the energy infrastructure needed in Ontario. It will also help unlock good jobs, economic development and energy innovation in the region, today and for decades to come.”

As Northern Ontario experiences rapid growth and electricity demand set to increase by up to 81 per cent by 2050, the East-West Tie Transmission line plays a critical role in delivering reliable and affordable power to the region. The 450-kilometre, 230-kilovolt line, which came into service in March 2022, connects Wawa and the municipality of Shuniah, near Thunder Bay. Administered by the Building Ontario Fund, the IOFP seeks to advance economic reconciliation and prosperity by enabling financial participation of Indigenous partners in Ontario-based infrastructure projects. As part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, the program was tripled to $3 billion and its scope expanded to include energy projects, critical minerals and resource development sectors.

“Increasing the six First Nations’ ownership in this project is long overdue,” said Chief Duncan Michano, Chief of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation and President of Bamkushwada LP. “However, it is a powerful example of what we can achieve by working together within our traditional territories. With the support of the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program and the Building Ontario Fund, First Nations are not only partners in infrastructure, but leaders in building a reliable, sustainable system that supports Ontario’s growing energy needs.”

Through this partnership, First Nation communities of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation), Netmizaaggamig Niishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation), Pays Plat First Nation, Red Rock Indian Band, Michipicoten First Nation, and Fort William First Nation will benefit from the stable, long-term investment that will help support local priorities, create economic opportunities and build prosperity for future generations.

Energy for Generations, Ontario’s first integrated energy plan, recognizes the importance of advancing energy projects supported by equity partnerships as an essential component to the buildout of the province’s energy infrastructure. They also advance economic reconciliation by ensuring Indigenous communities share in the economic benefits of energy development within their treaty or traditional territories.

Quick Facts

The remaining 80 per cent ownership in the East-West Tie Transmission Line is split between a NextEra Energy Transmission affiliate (40 per cent), and Hydro One (40 per cent).
The construction of this transmission line was supported by a 60 per cent Indigenous workforce and provided training opportunities for more than 200 Indigenous workers.
This transaction is supported by an Ontario government guarantee under the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program (IOFP), administered by the Building Ontario Fund.

Quotes

“Ontario needs more power, which is why we launched the most ambitious energy plan in Canada building new generation and transmission across Ontario. The major transmission line will enhance capacity and drastically improve reliability across Northwestern Ontario and supporting economic growth. We are proud to work in partnership to grow our economy and responsible resource sector, as we build lasting economic opportunity for First Nations.”

– Stephen Lecce
Minister of Energy and Mines

“As part of our plan to protect Ontario, our government is proud to support Bamkushwada LP’s increased ownership in the East-West Tie Transmission Line through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program. This partnership demonstrates the Building Ontario Fund’s success in delivering new economic opportunities through innovative approaches, while strengthening Indigenous participation, reinforcing critical energy infrastructure, and ensuring First Nations communities share in Ontario’s long-term growth.”

– Michelle Cooper
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance

“We are continuing to uphold a standard in Ontario, where major infrastructure projects are to include a prominent and substantive place for First Nations to access capital and hold equity positions. This is a reflection of our government’s commitment, through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program, to advance economic reconciliation and move forward in full partnership.”

– Greg Rickford
Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Economic Reconciliation and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships

“The East-West Tie is what economic reconciliation looks like in action. This is about First Nations ownership, participation, and ensuring the benefits of development are shared in a meaningful, lasting way for generations. It is through strong equity partnerships like the one with Bamkushwada LP that critical transmission infrastructure projects across Ontario are being built with First Nations as leaders.”

– Will Bouma
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation

“Today’s announcement reflects the importance of strong partnerships and meaningful Indigenous participation in building Ontario’s energy future. The East-West Tie project continues to demonstrate how collaboration can create lasting economic opportunities for communities across Northern Ontario, while helping strengthen the reliable energy infrastructure our region depends on for continued growth and prosperity.”

– Hon. Kevin Holland
MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan

“We are pleased to see Bamkushwada LP deepen its partnership in this important infrastructure project. This is a testament to the trust and collaboration that have defined this project from the beginning and to our collective commitment to advancing infrastructure that supports First Nations’ economic development for years to come.”
– Evan Yager
Board Director, EWT Limited Partnership, representing NextEra Energy Transmission’s Interest

“This milestone highlights true First Nation leadership, and we congratulate Bamkushwada LP on their increased ownership of the East-West Tie Line. When we invested in this line, we invested in continued partnership to support shared prosperity and economic opportunities for First Nation partners and the region. As an Ontario-based company we remain focused on investing in the electricity system alongside First Nation partners by delivering on commitments to meet the growth demands of the future together.”

– David Lebeter
President and CEO, Hydro One

“We’re proud to support Bamkushwada LP’s investment in the East-West Tie Transmission Line and advance Indigenous economic participation in Ontario infrastructure projects. Provincial guarantees through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program are part of BOF’s one-window approach to Indigenous project financing.”
– Michael Fedchyshyn
CEO, Building Ontario Fund

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