Carney to speak at investment summit as Liberals discuss airport privatization

Prime Minister Mark Carney's high-stakes pitch for foreign investment in Toronto on Monday evening drew a diverse crowd of protesters, including Indigenous leaders, environmental groups, and union leaders. The anti-summit rally grew as demonstrators made their way to the Art Gallery of Ontario, where they confronted a police barrier.

Protesters expressed concerns about leaving Canada's economic future in the hands of CEOs and worries about public services, pipelines, and arms manufacturing. Hailey Asquin of the group Common Horizon stated, "We're here today because we represent young workers who want good jobs and a livable future." Tom Deadman, a teacher from Ottawa, took issue with Carney inviting American executives amid a trade war.

Kakeka ThunderSky, a member of Poplar River First Nation, traveled from Winnipeg to protest, citing concerns about fast-tracked environmental assessments and government policies affecting First Nations' land. Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief Na’Moks criticized Carney for using the U.S. trade war to build momentum for his major projects push.

Environmental group Dogwood spokesperson Kai Nagata said, "Every piece of the country Carney sells off to American billionaires takes Canada closer to American annexation." Nik Barry-Shaw of the Council of Canadians argued the summit is a privatization summit, not beneficial for Canadians or Indigenous communities. At a Sunday reception, Carney said his government is partnering with Indigenous groups, but many Indigenous youth groups are protesting the major projects agenda, claiming it threatens their lands and way of life.