Carney proposes private operators for Calgary and three other major airports
The prime minister told a Toronto investment summit that Ottawa would keep ownership of airport land while shifting operations to private investors, aiming to redirect savings to regional airports.
Why it matters
Any shift to private operation at Calgary International Airport could affect fees, service and investment decisions that shape travel for southern Albertans.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday he wants private investors to take over operations at Canada's four largest airports — Toronto Pearson, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary — while the federal government retains ownership of the land and assets. Speaking at an investment summit in Toronto, Carney said the change would let Ottawa redirect spending from major airport operations toward smaller regional and remote airports.
Carney said proceeds from the deals would also fund "nation-building" projects and local transportation infrastructure meant to ease commutes. He pointed to London's Heathrow as a model he wants investors to help adapt for Canada, saying any arrangement should improve the passenger experience and support airport workers.
When asked by PSP Investments CEO Deborah Orida about his approach to privatization, Carney said the key question is whether a deal makes travel safer, more efficient and less costly. He described the government's goal as pursuing "concessions, not privatization."
The comments came as part of a broader push at the summit to attract $1 trillion in new investment in the Canadian economy over five years, with Carney describing Canada as a "safe harbour" amid global instability. He had previously said in May that Ottawa was open to selling public assets, including airports, to fund other priorities.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.