QUESTION PERIOD — International Trade
Canada Investment Summit
April 22, 2026
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Last week, the Prime Minister announced we would be hosting the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto this year, bringing together the world’s leading investors, CEOs and global business leaders with the goal of unlocking significant new capital and showcasing Canada’s economic strengths. However, beyond attracting foreign capital, Canada must also showcase the very companies that are building the future. Canadian scale-ups and high-growth firms, rooted in innovation and entrepreneurship, represent some of our greatest untapped assets.
Can the government confirm whether it will include Canadian scale-ups as a central feature of the summit’s agenda, ensuring they have a platform to present their innovations, attract investment and demonstrate to the world that Canada is not only a destination for capital but a source of globally competitive companies?
Thank you, Senator Loffreda. I cannot confirm the content of the agenda at this time, but I can assure you that my office has raised the issue directly with the Prime Minister’s Office. However, I can say that this summit is designed to showcase the very best of Canada’s economy, bringing together global investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders to unlock major investment opportunities here at home. We’re delighted to have that investment summit.
The Prime Minister has been clear that Canada is just the station for capital. We are a source of world-class innovation, talent and high-growth companies competing globally.
Thank you for that answer and for raising the issue. As Canada seeks to attract increased foreign investment through the summit, how will the government ensure that Canadian innovation and intellectual property remain anchored in Canada? More specifically, what measures will be put in place to ensure that Canadian scale-ups and businesses remain in Canadian hands, continue to grow domestically and contribute to our long-term economic sovereignty rather than being acquired or relocated abroad?
The short answer would be the Strategic Response Fund. Canada has a clear strategy to retain and commercialize intellectual property domestically with over $150 million in direct support in intellectual property, or IP, allowing firms to scale and keep high-value activities here at home. Budget 2025 reinforced this by prioritizing homegrown innovation, commercialization and domestic ownership capacity in key sectors like artificial intelligence, or AI, and advanced manufacturing. These are the programs, such as the strategic response —
Thank you, Senator Moreau.
