Bruce Power has signed a supplier agreement with a new, locally-based First Nation-owned joint business venture.
Makwa Development Corp., which is owned by Nawash residents Scott Lee and Shane Chegahno, has joined forces with Tron, a construction company based on Saskatchewan’s English River First Nation that brings extensive experience working in Canada’s nuclear sector.
Tron and Makwa recently signed a Memorandum Of Understanding to create a fully First Nation-owned venture, with experience in the nuclear sector and a goal of maximizing employment of local Indigenous people.
"The Makwa-Tron joint venture will be 100 per cent First Nation-owned," said Scott Lee. "The entity will be situated on the Nawash First Nation and will hopefully create immediate opportunities and benefits for both the Nawash and Saugeen First Nations and their respective Band Members."
Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power’s president and CEO, said the Makwa-Tron joint venture will provide Bruce Power with a variety of services during the Life-Extension Program.
"The Makwa-Tron joint venture will provide community members with excellent jobs and give Bruce Power the skillsets we require to advance our investment program," stated Rencheck.
The Honorable Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Mines, Northern Development, and Minister of Indigenous Affairs Ontario, praised the partnership and the many benefits that it will generate.
"It’s very encouraging to see this collaboration between Bruce Power, MAKWA Developments, and Tron/Des Nedhe Development," Minister Rickford said. "These are the types of partnerships that support economic development, create good jobs, and provide opportunities for First Nations communities to share in Ontario’s prosperity."
