Canada’s problem is execution — and Carney’s investment summit hasn’t changed that

Prime Minister Mark Carney looks on after conducting a press conference at the Canada Investment Summit at The Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Sept. 15, 2026. Photo by Peter J Thompson/National Post

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In April, I wrote here about what Canada does best: producing food, energy, commodities, manufactured goods and services the world needs.

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This week, the Government of Canada hosted the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto. It brought together global investors, Canadian CEOs and public sector representatives with the single aim of accelerating new investment into Canada.

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The summit is a positive signal but it’s only a start. True results are measured by dollars: money invested in Canada to build things and sell them to the world.

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The summit’s 66-page prospectus is an impressive catalogue of potential investment involving energy projects, critical minerals, ports, transportation corridors, data centres, artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and clean energy developments spread across the country.

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The summit also shows us just how much the conversation has changed. A few years ago, under the same government but different leadership, investment opportunities were often off the table before they were even seriously considered. Major energy and infrastructure projects struggled to gain momentum, and investors were left frustrated and wondering if major projects could actually get built in Canada.

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Geopolitical events have changed how countries think about energy and energy security. Critical minerals have become a national security issue, while artificial intelligence is creating an unprecedented demand for electricity and infrastructure to support it.

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Our increasingly difficult relationship with our largest trading partner has delivered a blunt reminder that Canada cannot simply rely on the status quo. We have to become more resilient, find new customers and advance our economic opportunities.

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The logical question is whether this summit represents more than a change in tone from the previous federal government, and will it actually result in much needed new investment in Canada, and a lot of it? That decision rests with investors who will decide if Canada is a reliable country, with limited red tape, concise and fair regulations, and where they can put their money to work and earn a competitive return. All 13 premiers attended the summit, and judging by the prospectus, each province came prepared to make its own pitch. British Columbia promotes LNG export terminals. Saskatchewan highlights renewable fuels, potash, critical minerals and data centres. Alberta showcases pipelines, carbon capture, hydrogen and data centres. Manitoba focuses heavily on the Port of Churchill, and transportation and energy corridors. Ontario highlights nuclear, critical minerals and mining. Newfoundland and Labrador markets ports, energy and mining opportunities