Carney Seeks C$1 Trillion in Investment as Canada Courts Global Capital Amid US Trade Tensions

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is using this week’s Canada Investment Summit to attract global capital as Ottawa seeks to strengthen the economy and reduce its dependence on the United States. The two-day summit, being held in Toronto on September 14–15, 2026, is bringing together major international investors, Canadian companies and policymakers.

Canada is targeting more than C$1 trillion in total investment over the next five years, with the government focusing on projects across energy, mining, infrastructure, technology and other strategic industries.

The push comes at a critical time for Canada as trade tensions with the US encourage the government to diversify economic relationships and attract investment from Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Canada Targets Global Capital Amid US Trade Tensions

The investment summit represents a broader effort by Carney’s government to position Canada as a stable destination for international capital. Reuters reported that more than 160 Canadian investment projects are being presented to global investors during the event. Participants include major asset managers such as BlackRock, Blackstone, Temasek and APG Groep.

The projects cover sectors ranging from mining and energy to artificial intelligence, data centres and advanced technology. Some proposals include quantum-computing infrastructure, green nickel production and major transport projects.

For Ottawa, attracting long-term capital is increasingly important as the government faces uncertainty over its economic relationship with Washington. Carney has also been pursuing closer economic ties with other major markets, including Europe, China, India and Saudi Arabia.

Energy, Mining and Technology Take Centre Stage

Canada has significant natural-resource advantages that the government hopes will attract investors looking for secure supply chains.

Energy and critical minerals are particularly important as governments and companies around the world attempt to reduce dependence on concentrated supply sources. Canada is also promoting infrastructure and technology investment, including data centres and quantum technology.

The Canadian government says its investment strategy is designed to mobilise long-term capital, improve supply-chain integration, create jobs and strengthen economic resilience. Canada also highlights its AAA credit rating and banking stability as advantages when competing for international investment.

Institutional Investors Could Drive Major Deals

The summit is being supported by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Public Sector Pension Investment Board, two of the country’s largest institutional investors. Their involvement gives the event a direct connection to large pools of long-term capital.

Canadian financial institutions are also showing support. Reuters reported that major banks have announced investment commitments, highlighting confidence in the country’s ability to attract capital despite the wider trade environment.

Can Canada Turn Announcements Into Investment?

The biggest test for Carney’s strategy will not be the number of projects presented at the summit but how many ultimately receive financing and move into construction or commercial operation.

Canada has attracted substantial foreign direct investment, but greenfield investment — capital used to establish new operations — has remained comparatively modest. The government is therefore attempting to make project approvals faster and reduce regulatory barriers that could discourage investors.

This is especially important for large infrastructure, energy and mining projects, where approval timelines can influence whether international investors choose Canada over competing jurisdictions.

Impact on Canada’s Economic and Currency Outlook

A successful investment drive could strengthen Canada’s long-term growth prospects by increasing capital formation, productivity and demand for Canadian resources and infrastructure.

For financial markets, the development is also relevant to the Canadian dollar (CAD). Stronger foreign capital inflows and improved expectations for economic growth could provide support for the currency. However, the immediate impact on USD/CAD is likely to depend on broader US dollar trends, Bank of Canada policy and the outcome of ongoing US-Canada trade negotiations.

Markets will therefore watch the summit for concrete investment commitments rather than headline targets alone.