Carney names Dominic Barton as chair of Invest in Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Dominic Barton as the chair of the board for Invest in Canada, a federal agency responsible for attracting foreign investment. Barton, a former Canadian ambassador to China and a prominent figure in corporate Canada, will serve on a part-time basis for a three-year term. His appointment comes just weeks before a high-profile investment summit in Toronto, aimed at attracting foreign investors to Canadian projects.

Barton's career has been primarily dedicated to McKinsey and Co., a global consultancy firm, where he also served as chair of the Liberal government's economic advisory council under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He played a crucial role in steering Canada's diplomatic relations with China between 2019 and 2021, earning Trudeau's praise for his efforts in securing the release of two Canadian citizens detained in China.

Under the new leadership, Invest in Canada will be tasked with catalyzing billions of dollars in new investments to foster a stronger, more independent, and more resilient Canadian economy. The agency's incoming chief executive, Gurinder Grewal, brings extensive experience in capitalizing on opportunities in the energy, industrial, infrastructure, and technology sectors.

The appointment of Barton as chair has sparked criticism from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who accused Barton of being involved in the opioid crisis, the Ukrainian genocide, and unethical business practices. Poilievre's statement suggests that the Liberal government will continue to benefit from Barton's expertise while ordinary Canadians pay the price.