Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday a proposal to transfer the operation of Canada’s four largest airports to private investors, beginning with Toronto Pearson Airport. The announcement was made at Pearson and was reported by CBC journalist Talia Ricci.
The plan calls for private sector entities to assume control of daily airport functions that are currently managed by the federal government. Under the proposal, investors would be responsible for the management, development and commercial activities at each of the four major hubs, which include Toronto Pearson along with three other unnamed airports.
Carney framed the shift as a move to modernize airport infrastructure and improve service delivery by leveraging private‑sector expertise and capital. The proposal marks a significant policy change, as all four of the country’s biggest airports have traditionally been operated by public authorities.
Details of the transition timeline, the selection process for investors and the financial terms of any agreements were not disclosed at the press event. The government indicated that further consultations with stakeholders and regulatory bodies would follow before any formal agreements are finalized.
The announcement comes amid broader discussions about the role of private investment in public services across Canada. Officials emphasized that the objective is to maintain safety and security standards while seeking efficiencies that could arise from private management.
The proposal is expected to generate debate among policymakers, industry groups and the public as the government evaluates the potential impacts on passengers, airline partners and the broader economy.
No immediate changes to airport operations were announced, and the government said that current services would continue uninterrupted while the privatization plan is under review.