Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday launched a two-day investment summit in Toronto, bringing together 300 CEOs and senior executives from global investment firms managing over $120 trillion in assets to pitch 160 major projects across energy, infrastructure, critical minerals and technology. The event, billed as Canada’s first-ever national investment summit, aims to secure C$1 trillion ($721 billion) in new investment over the next five years by reducing regulatory barriers and accelerating project development.
The summit, hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto’s Yorkville neighborhood, follows a closed-door gala dinner at the Art Gallery of Ontario on Sunday evening. Attendees include BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Blackstone President Jon Gray, Singapore’s Temasek CEO Dilhan Pillay, and Dutch pension fund APG Groep CEO Annette Mosman, according to a source with direct knowledge of the event. Canadian premiers and federal cabinet members are scheduled to present projects ranging from shovel-ready infrastructure to early-stage mineral exploration during closed sessions on Tuesday.
Carney: Canada offers stability amid global uncertainty
Prime Minister Carney told Canadian business leaders and politicians at a Sunday reception that Canada is positioning itself as a stable, predictable alternative to other major economies amid rising trade tensions. He highlighted Canada’s energy resources, critical minerals, skilled workforce, and trade agreements granting access to 1.5 billion consumers worldwide as key draws for international investors.
"We have what the world wants: the energy, the resources, the talent, the technology and the capital," Carney said. "And our greatest strength is something that cannot be found on any balance sheet: trust."
Trade tensions and economic diversification drive urgency
Multiple sources describe the summit as a strategic response to U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump, which have increased tariffs and encouraged North American investment to relocate southward. Carney has emphasized the need to diversify Canada’s economic partnerships, particularly with Europe and Asia, to reduce dependence on the U.S. market.
A Canadian government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, cautioned that no major deals are expected to be finalized during the summit. Instead, the event is designed to initiate discussions that could yield results over the next 12 to 18 months, with some projects potentially reaching financial close within that timeframe.
Projects span energy, minerals, infrastructure and technology
The summit’s official prospectus, reviewed by Reuters, outlines projects at various stages of development, including:
- Energy: Expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals and renewable energy initiatives.
- Critical minerals: Development of lithium, cobalt and rare earth mining projects to support electric vehicle battery supply chains.
- Infrastructure: Highway expansions, port upgrades and digital connectivity projects.
- Technology: AI research hubs, quantum computing initiatives and semiconductor manufacturing proposals.
Carney, a former Governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, as well as a former Goldman Sachs executive and chair of Bloomberg L.P. and Brookfield Asset Management, leveraged his global network to attract top-tier investors. He framed the summit as the largest gathering of investment decision-makers ever assembled in Canada, alongside Canadian CEOs presenting projects.
Investor response signals confidence in Canada’s long-term growth
Speaking to reporters, Carney stated that attendees are in Toronto not because of proximity to the U.S., but because of Canada’s independent economic strengths. He added, "If they wanted to go to the United States they would go to the United States. They are coming because of Canada."
The summit concludes Tuesday evening, with organizers declining to comment on potential outcomes. Government officials have indicated that follow-up meetings between investors and project proponents will continue in the coming months.
Background: Canada’s investment strategy and trade context
Canada’s push for foreign investment aligns with a broader economic strategy to modernize infrastructure, transition to clean energy, and secure critical mineral supply chains for global markets. The government has pledged to streamline permitting processes and offer tax incentives for high-priority projects, though specific policy details were not disclosed during the summit.
The event occurs against a backdrop of escalating trade disputes, including U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum and electric vehicles, which have strained bilateral economic relations. Carney has previously described these measures as short-sighted, arguing they undermine North American competitiveness.
While the summit focuses on attracting foreign capital, domestic critics have questioned whether Canada’s regulatory frameworks and Indigenous consultation processes could delay or derail some projects. No major policy changes were announced during the event’s opening sessions.
Next steps and timeline
- Immediate: Investor presentations and closed-door meetings conclude Tuesday.
- Short-term: Follow-up negotiations expected over the next 3 to 6 months for preliminary agreements.
- Medium-term: Financial close and construction timelines for most projects anticipated within 12 to 18 months, according to government sources.
- Long-term: Full implementation of the C$1 trillion investment plan would span five years, pending project viability and market conditions.