Ontario Constrruction News staff writer
Ontario is donating $1 million to an international fund supporting repairs to Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure as the country prepares for another winter amid Russia’s ongoing war.
Premier Doug Ford announced the contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, which helps repair and maintain electricity, heating and water infrastructure damaged or threatened by Russian attacks.
“Ontario will always stand with those defending freedom and democracy,” Ford said in a statement.
The fund was established under the Energy Community Secretariat in Vienna, Austria, to help stabilize Ukraine’s essential energy services.
Ontario says its contribution is the largest to the fund from a Canadian province. Combined with a significant contribution from the federal government, Canada is among the fund’s largest international donors.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada, Andrii Plakhotniuk, said Russian attacks on energy infrastructure are intended to disrupt electricity, heating and water services as winter approaches.
Funding is expected to help repair damaged infrastructure and strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s energy system.
Ontario previously provided nearly $5 million in energy equipment to Ukraine in 2024, including transformers and other equipment for the electrical grid.
“Ontario stands firmly with the people of Ukraine by contributing to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund,” Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said.
The province has also introduced measures to support Ukrainians arriving in Ontario since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. More than 90,000 Ukrainians fleeing the conflict have come to Ontario, according to the province.
Ontario also established a $1.9-million Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship program for students attending publicly assisted colleges and universities, with priority given to students affected by the conflict.
More than 350,000 Ukrainian Canadians live in Ontario, according to government figures.
Since 2022, the federal government has provided Ukraine with more than $26 billion in multifaceted support, the province said.
