Following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in February, 2019, the first project to be executed under the agreement between Bruce Power and the Makwa-Tron construction venture is a refurbishment project at the on-site training and mock-up facility.
“This refurbishment project is the first of several involving this unique partnership between Bruce Power and Makwa-Tron around our Life-Extension Program,” said Mike Rencheck, President and CEO, Bruce Power. “This partnership clearly reflects our commitment to developing wealth-creation solutions for Indigenous peoples on a number of fronts. The Makwa-Tron joint venture provides community members with excellent jobs and gives Bruce Power access to the skill sets we need to move forward with the investment required for us to continue supplying Ontario with one-third of the province’s electricity.”
Makwa Development Corp. owned by two Nawash residents, joined forces in 2018 with Tron, a construction company based on Saskatchewan’s English River First Nation with extensive experience working in Canada’s nuclear sector. The partnership was formed to create a fully First Nation-owned venture, with experience in the nuclear sector and a goal of maximizing employment of local Indigenous people and to ultimately create a range of new training and employment opportunities for members of Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
“Des Nedhe is proud of the partnership created between Bruce Power and Makwa-Tron,” said Sean Willy, CEO of the Des Nedhe Group. “All teams have worked together in a positive collaboration to ensure local Indigenous business is seen as a vital part of the Bruce Power supply chain. We look forward to future success on multiple projects.”
“Tron is excited to embark on a journey in collaboration with Makwa to deliver this first scope of work for our partner Bruce Power,” said Anthony Clark, President and CEO, Tron Construction. “This is a significant step towards transferring our skills and experience to another Indigenous community that can leverage this ability to become active on a large-scale initiative within their traditional territory.”
Scott Lee, President of Makwa Development Incorporated, said the recent announcement is an important step towards a long-term relationship with Bruce Power and its stakeholders.
“We are grateful for the support and commitment from Mike Rencheck and the Bruce Power team,” said Lee. “This is the beginning of our journey to participate in a meaningful way with the nuclear industry and as a 100 per cent-owned First Nations company, we are excited about the opportunities this relationship will provide to our Saugeen Ojibway Nation communities.”
Greg Rickford, the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, lauded the announcement. “I am pleased to see the growing partnership between Bruce Power and the Makwa-Tron. Indigenous businesses and communities are critical partners are we look to grow Ontario’s nuclear supply chain, and this project will undoubtedly showcase the benefits Indigenous collaboration and partnership as we advance our shared priorities.”
About Bruce Power
Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable, low-cost nuclear power to families and businesses across the province. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
