OPINION: Boilermakers endorse Doug Ford to power Ontario's future

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On Feb. 27, 2025, Ontario will head to the polls to determine who will lead this province for the next four years.

As Canada’s most populous province and the largest economy in Canada, generating about 38% of national GDP, the choice of who will lead Ontario will have national and international implications.

Premier Doug Ford is the best choice to continue driving Ontario forward. Like Ford, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB) believes in putting Canadians first. We believe that when we invest in ourselves, when we support each other, and when we work together, we immediately improve lives for hard-working Canadians and more importantly, we orient ourselves to greater success and opportunities for the future.

Over his tenure, Ford has demonstrated his commitment to improving lives and providing opportunities in Ontario. He has invested in the province by pushing hard to promote Canadian resources, Canadian technology, and Canadian jobs.

Passing the Affordable Energy Act (Bill 214) in 2024 made it clear that Ford believes in the ability of Ontario to meet our future energy needs effectively and affordably through an integrated energy plan that will enhance and expand the Province’s energy infrastructure and resources to provide robust and secure support for economic growth and trade.

The premier’s Affordable Energy Act also prioritizes nuclear power generation to meet our increasing demands for safe and reliable baseload power that is essential to grow the manufacturing and industrial sectors.

Examples of Premier Ford’s commitment to long-term resource planning and investing in the best interests of Ontario include:

– Support for refurbishment of the CANDU nuclear station at Pickering which leverages an almost-entirely domestic supply chain for our proudly homegrown world-class nuclear technology, generating 11,000 jobs and adding $19.4 billion to Ontario’s GDP, all while providing 15% of our current electrical supply.

– Asking Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to explore opportunities for additional large-scale nuclear generation at their Wesleyville site, which could generate 10,000 megawatts (MW) annually — enough to power the equivalent of ten million homes.

– Investing $4.6 billion with OPG to refurbish and expand Ontario hydroelectric generating stations across the province, including a $1-billion investment into the Sir Adam Beck I and II generating stations, the largest hydro dams in the province, supplying nearly one-tenth of Ontario’s electricity.

– Creating the Skills Development Fund and investing well over $1 billion to increase Ontario’s long-term economic competitive advantage by building and enhancing a sustainable and resilient workforce while at the same time offering rewarding career opportunities for young men and women within the skilled trades.

Thanks to the efforts of the Ford government, Ontario continues to have one of the most reliable energy mixes in the world, and with the investments made, we can be confident that Doug Ford is committed to an Ontario that will remain a world leader in zero-emission energy production, proudly showcasing Canadian technology, innovation, and determination.

The IBB has been building and maintaining Canada’s industrial facilities since the 1890s. We have been integral to the growth of the industrial, manufacturing, and energy sectors that keep Canada strong. We believe in building a future in which our families can prosper. We believe in Canadians, and we believe in a Canadian First approach in everything we do and every decision we make. For these reasons we believe Doug Ford is the right choice for Ontario.

-Stadnick is the International Vice President of the IBB for Canada and White is Director of Construction Sector Operations Canada.

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