Canada Investment Summit Aims to Reverse $1 Trillion Capital Exodus
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Ambitious Goal
Over two days in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney will convene the Canada Investment Summit to confront a $1 trillion outflow of foreign investment that has accumulated over the past decade.
Scale of the Outflow
Royal Bank of Canada describes the exodus as “the most significant capital flight in modern Canadian history,” noting that for roughly nine years—about the length of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tenure—about two dollars left the Canadian economy for every dollar invested, totalling $1 trillion.
Summit Objectives
The summit seeks to recoup losses over the next five years by attracting international business leaders, CEOs and institutional investors.
Policy Changes to Attract Investment
Carney’s strategy includes creating a Major Projects Office (MPO) to fast‑track nationally important projects, cutting regulatory burdens, pursuing new trade partnerships and rolling back certain environmental protections.
These moves signal a shift away from the Trudeau era and a return to the economic liberalism of the 1990s and early 2000s.
Recent Investment Figures
Foreign direct investment reached $96.8 billion in 2025, the highest inflow since 2007, though it remains unclear how much of this rise stems from Carney’s policies versus a broader “open‑for‑business” climate.
International Trade Progress
Amid a trade dispute with the United States, Carney has secured notable agreements with China, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the European Union.
His recent G7 trip to France highlighted $5 billion in partnerships between Canadian firms and companies in Germany, Japan, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, France and Portugal.
Investor Interest and Participation
With less than two months before the summit, the number of confirmed participants is still uncertain; a government spokesperson said interest remains high and the International Trade Minister has been actively engaging potential investors.
Public Sentiment and Political Implications
Polling by Abacus Data indicates that the cost of living remains the top concern for Canadians, yet Carney’s Liberals hold a seven‑percentage‑point lead over the Conservative Party.
Voters who previously backed the Liberals’ environmental agenda appear comfortable with the government’s new focus on pipeline deals with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, suggesting limited political fallout for the policy shift.
Challenges Facing the Major Projects Office
Despite public approval, speeding up major projects is historically difficult for the federal government.
Unnamed sources told the Financial Times that the MPO told UAE officials planning a $70 billion investment that it was “too early” to commit capital, highlighting the cautious approach required.
The MPO, launched months after the last election, functions as a one‑stop shop to guide projects through approvals, aiming to implement them more quickly, responsibly and sustainably while respecting Indigenous rights and the environment.
In its first year, the office reviewed 24 initiatives—17 projects and seven transformation strategies—spanning large‑scale LNG facilities, mineral mines and infrastructure expansions.
Robert “RJ” Johnson of the University of Calgary cautioned that assessing the MPO’s effectiveness is premature, noting it is “the third or fourth inning” of a longer process.
Marc Desormeaux of the Business Council of Canada warned that a “lag” often exists between policy announcements and measurable outcomes, but said early signs of success include company commitments to invest more in Canada.
