The association representing more than 200 nuclear suppliers has opened an office in Port Elgin.
The Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries cut the ribbon to open its satellite office, which will act as the hub for Bruce Power's Indigenous Relations Supplier Network.
OCNI President Ron Oberth says the nuclear industry in Canada is changing how suppliers are doing business.
With the Bruce Power site set for refurbishment and the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station planned for closure, Oberth says suppliers are shifting their focus from the Toronto area to midwestern Ontario.
"Many of our companies want to participate in this large amount of work that is going to be undertaken [at Bruce Power]," says Oberth. "Mike Rencheck, the president and CEO of Bruce Power, has been strongly assertive that he wants companies to invest in the region."
Twenty-one companies have so far either established or expanded their presence in the area as part of the Bruce Power life extension project.
Oberth says OCNI is currently finalizing a $500,000 grant with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, which would be used to recruit women and Indigenous youth to the nuclear industry.
"Funding that will allow us to engage Indigenous young people, young women from a cross-section to join our industry, largely in the skilled trades area," says Oberth. The hope is to have a grant agreement signed within the next couple weeks.