Ottawa announced on Thursday that the federal government will permit private investment in Canada’s four biggest airports, a move intended to draw foreign capital into national infrastructure projects. Prime Minister Mark Carney presented the plan, accompanied by Caryn Ceolin, after a high‑level meeting in Toronto that gathered leading global business figures to discuss investment opportunities.
The government’s decision marks a shift toward greater private sector involvement in the country’s air transport hubs. By allowing private capital to flow into the four largest airports, officials aim to modernise facilities, improve service levels and stimulate broader economic activity across the nation. The policy change is framed as a strategy to attract foreign investment that can support a range of Canadian projects beyond aviation.
The announcement follows a Toronto gathering hosted by Carney, where executives from major international firms were invited to explore ways to invest in Canada’s infrastructure. Participants were briefed on the new framework that would open the country’s principal airports to private ownership stakes and partnership arrangements. While specific details of the investment model were not disclosed, the government indicated that the approach would retain regulatory oversight while offering investors a clear pathway to contribute capital.
Caryn Ceolin, a senior official involved in the initiative, emphasized that the move aligns with broader economic objectives set out by the administration. She noted that opening the airports to private funds is expected to complement existing public investments and accelerate the delivery of upgrades.
The policy shift arrives at a time when Canadian authorities are seeking to diversify funding sources for large‑scale projects. By targeting the nation’s four largest air hubs, Ottawa hopes to showcase a viable avenue for international investors seeking stable, long‑term returns in North America.
The government has indicated that further consultations with stakeholders will follow, aiming to refine the investment structure and ensure that the public interest remains protected while welcoming private participation.