On September 16, 2026, Ontario Premier Doug Ford publicly endorsed the federal government’s proposal to transfer the operation of Toronto Pearson International Airport to private investors. Ford’s statement joined those of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Transport Minister Omar Carney, who also voiced support for the plan during a briefing at the airport.
The proposal, announced by the federal government earlier this year, calls for private sector management of Canada’s four largest airports, with Toronto Pearson being the first to be addressed under the initiative. Under the plan, ownership of the airport’s infrastructure would remain with the government, while day‑to‑day operations, commercial activities and service contracts would be handled by private entities selected through a competitive process.
Transport Minister Carney described the approach as a means to bring new capital and expertise to the nation’s busiest air hubs. Trudeau highlighted the potential for modernized facilities and improved passenger experiences, noting that the federal government aims to ensure that any transition maintains safety standards and service levels.
Provincial officials indicated that the endorsement aligns with Ontario’s broader economic objectives, emphasizing the role of private investment in supporting infrastructure growth. Ford’s support was presented as a step toward fostering a business‑friendly environment that could attract additional funding for airport upgrades and expansion projects.
The plan remains subject to further consultation with stakeholders, including airline operators, labour groups and community representatives. Critics have raised questions about the impact on fares, employment conditions and long‑term public oversight, but the government has indicated that regulatory frameworks will be in place to address such concerns.
If implemented, the privatization model would mark a shift in how Canada’s major airports are managed, potentially setting a precedent for future infrastructure projects across the country.
The announcement at Toronto Pearson underscores a coordinated effort between federal and provincial leaders to explore private‑sector solutions for national transportation assets.