From investment buzz to building: Canada’s major projects face hurdles, experts say

OTTAWA — A grand investment summit in Canada has generated considerable excitement, positioning the nation as an open marketplace for business. However, experts caution that maintaining this enthusiasm into tangible, major projects will be the true measure of success. The two-day summit held in Toronto featured a plethora of announcements for multi-billion dollar funding initiatives.

Ottawa claims these efforts are part of a broader strategy to attract $1 trillion in total investment over a period of five years. Patrick Leblond, an associate professor of public and international affairs at the University of Ottawa, asserts that the investor momentum sparked by the summit is crucial in mitigating the perceived risks associated with large-scale projects in Canada.

He believes that even if certain investments would have materialized regardless, the heightened attention serves to attract additional capital and signals to the international community that Canada presents itself as an enticing investment destination. Nonetheless, Leblond warns that projects may encounter substantial delays without the backing of local communities, an adequate labor force, and a straightforward regulatory framework, consequently causing investors to lose interest.

Rachel Samson, vice-president of research at the Institute for Research on Public Policy, highlights supportive measures such as the productivity mega deduction tax policy and the streamlined regulatory approach known as "one project, one review, one year," which bolster Canada's appeal to investors. Samson emphasizes that while these measures make the country more attractive, tangible proof that investments can proceed as promised is essential. This report by The Canadian Press was initially released on September 16, 2026.