Canada's PM Carney Opens Door to Selling Airports and Ports to Fund $25 Billion Infrastructure Push

Canada has been weighing new ways to fund its growing infrastructure needs, with both the November federal budget and April spring economic statement already flagging potential new ownership options for federally owned airports. On Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed his government is open to selling public assets — including airports and select ports, and redirecting those proceeds into building new infrastructure across the country. Carney described the approach as "recycling investment" rather than a full privatisation, emphasising that the goal is economic growth. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon confirmed the government is in early-stage exploration of airport sales, with proceeds potentially flowing into the government's $25 billion Canada Strong Fund. A transport ministry discussion paper also raised the possibility of merging some key ports while selling others, though Carney stressed port sales are not a "top priority."