Premier Doug Ford backs Carney’s plan for private investors at airports

Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed strong support for Prime Minister Mark Carney's proposal to bring private investors into managing Canada's four largest airports, including Toronto Pearson. According to Ford, the concept is "fabulous" and should be expanded to include Toronto's Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which he believes is "shovel ready" and could significantly boost the local economy.

Despite the federal government rejecting the original plan, Ford remains committed to privatizing the island airport. Under Carney's plan, the federal government would retain ownership of the land and assets, but would reinvest the money raised into improving regional airports. The report by The Canadian Press was originally published on September 16, 2026.