Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The bi-national joint effort between Ontario and New York state to create cutting edge nuclear power technology and operations is one thing, but, more importantly is the symbolism that goes with the deal.
Against the backdrop of President Trump thrusting deep tariffs on Canadian-made goods bound for the U.S. and his desire to annex Canada as the 51st state, the ties and relations between Ontario and New York state run generations deep, say both Gov. Kathy Hochul and Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Hochul and Ford were in Buffalo, on Dec. 19, to announce the nuclear power pact.
"Our relationship with Canada and Ontario is rock solid and remain that way as long as I am governor," Hochul said.
The roots of the bi-national nuclear power technology initiative comes from a meeting between Hochul and Ford at a recent conference.
Ontario's cutting edge technology will help New York create new plants that will address both green energy concerns but also increasing demands for new power supplies.
Hochul hopes to have the first plant developed and opened within the next five years.
Ford said the deal is just the latest example of the close economic and social ties between Ontario and New York.
"It goes back generations," Ford said.
More than 400 miles within the Province of Ontario border New York - spreading from Western New York up north towards the Adirondacks and North Country.
New York is one of 11 states that border Canada.
On any given day, more than $241 million in goods cross between Southern Ontario and the Buffalo Niagara region, according to the Canadian Consulate.
"Our economics are intertwined," Hochul said. "This deal is just the latest example of that friendship and relationship we have with Ontario and Canada."