Thanks for the question.
I'm glad you noted Electricity Canada. I would just highlight the fact that Electricity Canada has put out a statement saying that budget 2023 was “transformative”. It will make electricity clean, but also affordable, which of course is very important.
The smart renewables and electrification pathways program, or what we call SREPP, is already helping communities across this country seize new economic opportunities while creating good jobs for those who live there. In fact, it is often indigenous communities that are leading these projects, like with the Awasis Solar energy farm in Saskatchewan with the Cowessess First Nation. It's supporting Summerside, P.E.I. to produce grid-resilient solar energy, which was vital in keeping the lights on when hurricane Fiona hit.
The program has made significant progress in developing renewables and launching grid modernization projects. In fact, just a few months ago in your own backyard, Minister Freeland announced support for the Oneida battery storage program with the Six Nations of the Grand River. That received $50 million from SREPP and will become one of the largest battery storage projects in the world. It will more than double the battery storage power that exists in Ontario.
Earlier this month, two proposed wind farms in Nova Scotia were approved through the environmental assessment. These projects were supported by the government with an investment of $125 million. These projects will supply Nova Scotia with 350 megawatts of clean power.
The SREPP is very important. It also supports capacity building. Certainly many indigenous communities have taken advantage of that. It's a very important program and yes, it was topped up in budget 2023.