Carney pitches Canada as a safe harbour for global finance at Toronto investment summit
Prime Minister Mark Carney has told global investors that Canada is well placed to benefit from what he described as a new global economic order. Speaking in Toronto at a major investment summit, he said the country was a "safe harbour" for some of the world's largest investors in a period of geopolitical and economic uncertainty. He also said Canada aims to become the most attractive place in the G7 to invest.
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Carney addressed more than 100 global investors and sovereign wealth fund representatives, who together manage more than C$120tn in assets. He said Ottawa wants to draw capital into defence, energy, mining, artificial intelligence and infrastructure. The summit is also intended to promote more than 160 projects, including data centres and pipelines, as Canada seeks to broaden its economic partnerships beyond the United States.
The prime minister also announced plans to privatise operations at four of Canada's largest airports. He said the move would raise billions of dollars that could be reinvested in transport infrastructure. The announcement adds a concrete policy step to the government's wider effort to attract long-term investment and improve the country's business climate.
The pitch comes as Canada faces trade tensions with its largest trading partner, prompting efforts to deepen ties with Europe, Asia and the Middle East. That shift reflects a broader attempt to reduce reliance on the US and position Canada as a destination for capital at a time when governments are competing more aggressively for investment. The summit in Toronto is part of that strategy, with much of the discussion taking place in private meetings and bilateral sessions.
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Carney's message also draws on his background in global finance and central banking, which has shaped his approach to economic policy since entering politics. The event has been framed by officials as an opportunity to showcase Canada's investment case after years of weaker performance in attracting capital. Business leaders attending include senior figures from banking, aviation and investment firms, underscoring the summit's focus on large-scale financing and infrastructure.
What remains unclear is how much investment the summit will generate and how quickly the airport privatisation plan could move forward. The government has played down expectations of major immediate announcements, suggesting the main value of the event may lie in longer-term relationship building. Investors will also be watching whether the policy changes promised by Ottawa are enough to convert interest into commitments.
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