Canada Courts Global Capital in C$1 Trillion Push Amid US Trade Spat

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting dozens of the world's most influential investors in Toronto this week, pitching a plan to attract C$1 trillion ($721 billion) in new investment over the next five years. The initiative is a key part of his government's strategy to navigate economic headwinds from mounting trade tariffs imposed by the United States.

At a welcome reception on Sunday, Carney said that global investors managing over C$120 trillion in assets will "peer into our shop window' because the world is looking at Canada differently," according to a Reuters report. The two-day summit aims to shore up Canada's economy by diversifying its partnerships beyond its top trade partner.

Global Financial Titans Attend

The summit is designed to match approximately 100 global investors with Canadian CEOs and officials to facilitate direct investments and partnerships. While major deals could take 12 to 18 months to finalize, a government source told Reuters the event will kick off crucial discussions.

Confirmed attendees include a roster of high-profile executives, many reportedly from the former central banker's personal network. According to a source with knowledge of the event, attendees include:

• Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock
• Jon Gray, President of Blackstone
• Dilhan Pillay, CEO of Singapore's Temasek
• Annette Mosman, CEO of Dutch pension fund APG Groep

A Look at the Dealbook

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Investors are being presented with a prospectus of more than 160 projects in various stages of development, from concept to shovel-ready. A copy of the prospectus seen by Reuters highlights opportunities in technology, mining, energy, and infrastructure.

Notable projects seeking capital include an equity investment in Xanadu's photonic quantum computer, financing for AI-focused data centers in Alberta and New Brunswick, and the Crawford Nickel Project, which aims to produce low-carbon nickel for batteries. The prospectus also lists a request for C$900 million in financing for a proposed high-speed transportation pod between Calgary and Edmonton.

Economic Backdrop and Investor Outlook

The push comes as Canada's foreign direct investment (FDI) flows have steadily increased since 2022, averaging around C$23 billion per quarter in 2024 and 2025, government data shows. However, greenfield investments—spending on new factories and facilities—have not seen a significant increase since Carney took office.

Analysts are watching to see if the high-profile summit can move the needle. "It will be fascinating to see if this actually does supercharge foreign direct investment,” said Doug Porter, chief economist at BMO Capital Markets, in a comment to Reuters. The summit also underscores a policy shift from the previous administration, with Carney's government focusing on business and mending ties with nations like India and China to attract capital.