Prime Minister Mark Carney is aiming to reverse nearly $1 trillion in foreign capital that left Canada over the past decade through a major investment push set for September.
The federal government will host the Canada Investment Summit over two days in Toronto, bringing together global business leaders, chief executives and institutional investors. The summit is part of the government’s strategy to attract investment back into Canada over the next five years.
The goal comes after the Royal Bank of Canada described the past decade as the country’s “most significant capital exodus in modern Canadian history.” According to the bank, approximately $2 left the Canadian economy for every $1 invested over a nine-year period, resulting in roughly $1 trillion in net capital outflows.
Business Council of Canada Vice-President Marc Desormeaux said the objective is ambitious but noted there is renewed optimism among businesses about investing in Canada.
Carney has made attracting investment a key priority of his government. Recent initiatives include establishing a Major Projects Office to accelerate nationally significant developments, reducing regulatory barriers, pursuing new international trade partnerships and scaling back certain environmental regulations to encourage economic growth.
The strategy also marks a political shift from the previous Liberal government’s approach, with Carney positioning his administration as more business-focused.
Foreign direct investment into Canada reached $96.8 billion in 2025, the highest annual inflow since 2007. However, analysts say it remains unclear how much of that increase can be directly linked to the government’s policies.
The investment push comes as Canada continues to navigate trade tensions with the United States. At the same time, the federal government has sought to expand economic relationships with countries including China, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while also strengthening partnerships with the European Union.
During Carney’s recent G7 visit to France, Canadian companies announced approximately $5 billion in partnership agreements with firms from Germany, Japan, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, France and Portugal.
With less than two months before the summit, the federal government has not disclosed how many international investors have confirmed their attendance. A spokesperson for International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said interest has been strong and that discussions with potential participants are ongoing.
Recent polling by Abacus Data also suggests the government’s economic agenda aligns with public priorities. The survey found the cost of living remains Canadians’ top concern, while Carney’s Liberals maintained a seven-point lead over the Conservatives.
Although the government’s pro-investment agenda has received broad public support, questions remain over whether Ottawa can deliver major projects at the pace promised, given the federal government’s longstanding reputation for lengthy approval processes.
