Think tank urges Ottawa to clarify priorities and timelines for major projects
The C.D. Howe Institute called on the Carney government to be more transparent about which large-scale projects are national priorities and how they will be approved.
The C.D. Howe Institute will release an open letter urging the Carney administration to improve transparency around the selection and approval of major national projects. It stresses that investors need clear criteria, defined procedures, and realistic timelines to feel confident about committing capital.
The institute also suggests that Canada should better exploit its abundant energy resources, using a mix of conventional and renewable sources, and reduce business and personal taxes to become more attractive for new investment. The call comes as the government prepares for the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, an event aimed at drawing roughly 250 international investors and securing at least $1 trillion in new private-sector funding over five years.
Recent trade tensions with the United States have complicated the effort, making the push for transparency even more urgent. Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to open the summit with a keynote address.
Why it matters
Clear project criteria and timelines are essential for attracting the investment Canada needs to grow its economy.
How this story developed
- Aug 24 Trump threatens 50% tariffs on Canadian vehicles and parts starting 2027
- Aug 25 Canada announced a domestic loan and benefit package while the United States moved to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian auto goods.
- Aug 25 Canada is preparing a counter‑tariff schedule to be unveiled in early September.
- Aug 25 Canada announced retaliatory tariffs to begin on Sept 8.
- Aug 26 Retailers have begun removing U.S. wines and spirits from shelves as part of the boycott campaign.
- Aug 27 The United States began reviewing possible bans on Canadian imports under Section 338.
- Aug 29 Canada set a 25% levy on certain American vehicles and matched the U.S. 50% level on steel and aluminium, also targeting plywood, screws and other timber items.
- Aug 31 Trump urged Canadian firms to relocate to the United States and labeled Canadian leadership the worst he has encountered.
- Aug 31 Mark Carney described the dispute as an attack and said Canada must respond as if at war.
- Sep 1 Voters in Beaches-East York, Chicoutimi-Le Fjord and North Vancouver-Capilano will decide three federal seats tonight, a key gauge of Prime Minister Mark Carney's government as a U.S. trade dispute escalates.
- Sep 1 Liberals have now won all three contested ridings.
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