Ottawa to Outline Steps for Greater Private Investment in Canada’s Major Airports

Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon briefed Liberal MPs that the government will announce the next phase of opening Canada’s four major international airports—Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal—to foreign or other private investment. The briefing occurred during a two-day investor summit in Toronto, and officials confirmed that more details will be released the following morning. MacKinnon’s office declined to comment further on the discussion.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

Currently, Canada’s large airports are managed by not-for-profit airport authorities operating under long-term ground leases. A related bill now gives the government expanded authority to obtain financial information from airport operators.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

A survey of 3,000 Canadians commissioned by Australian asset manager IFM Investors ahead of the summit found that 79 % of respondents view additional investment in airports as important or needed. IFM Investors is among several pension-fund investors that have expressed interest in participating if private-capital avenues open. Ottawa is reportedly studying Australia’s lease-based model, in which the government retains ownership while granting long-term leases to private investors. Law firm Gowling WLG reported that, as of last year, more than 850 airports in over 90 countries involve some form of private-sector participation.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

If the announced steps lead to private-sector stakes in the four major airports, the shift could alter financing, operational efficiency, and governance structures. Proponents argue that private capital can accelerate modernization, while the existing not-for-profit framework has been critiqued for limited investment capacity. The upcoming announcement will clarify the process for inviting private investors and the extent of government oversight under the new legislative powers.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)