Published 3 hours ago • loading... • Updated 46 minutes ago
Canada to seek private investment in major airports, says Carney
Carney says long-term concessions would bring new capital and expertise while keeping federal ownership and sending revenue to smaller airports and local infrastructure.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to seek private investors to operate Canada's four largest airports: Toronto Pearson, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver.
The announcement occurred during the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, where Carney aims to secure $1 trillion in investments across 167 projects over the next five years.
Carney told investors Canada is a "safe harbour" for investment on a chaotic global stage, while stating the government will retain ownership of land and assets.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon briefed Liberal MPs on Monday about the plan, as airport lease fees currently worth $525 million annually become central to the strategy.
By shifting federal dollars to smaller regional airports, Carney argues the initiative will make remote air travel more affordable while leveraging private capital under government asset ownership.