Carney: Qatar pledges significant investments for Canada’s major projects
Qatar committed to “significant strategic investments” to speed major Canadian projects, expand energy partnerships and boost travel ties, Prime Minister Mark Carney said.
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By Torontoer Staff
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Qatar has committed to “significant strategic investments” aimed at accelerating Canada’s major building projects, supporting energy-sector growth and creating jobs. He announced the pledge at a news conference in Doha on Sunday.
Carney framed the agreement as a broader effort to deepen economic and cultural ties, including plans to expand direct flights between Canada and Qatar and finalise an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement by this summer.
What the investment commitment covers
Officials say the capital will be directed at large-scale infrastructure and energy projects that have faced delays, with the goal of moving projects from planning to construction more quickly. The prime minister said the money would help “supercharge” energy industries and support Canadian jobs.
Qatar has committed to "significant strategic investments" for Canada’s major building projects.
Prime Minister Mark Carney
The announcement follows months of diplomatic outreach aimed at diversifying foreign investment beyond traditional partners. Ottawa’s team highlighted artificial intelligence, infrastructure, energy and defence as priority areas for new partnerships. Canada also plans to post a defence attaché in Doha to deepen military and security cooperation.
Cultural and travel links to be expanded
Carney said stronger people-to-people ties are part of the new relationship, and that more direct flights will make tourism and business travel easier. Expanding air links is expected to support trade, cultural exchange and investor travel between the two countries.
When the people of different countries are familiar with each other’s cultures and perspectives, they’re enriched, and they trust each other more, and they also want to do more together, to build together.
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Greater connectivity could have everyday effects for Canadian travellers and businesspeople, from more route options to shorter travel times for meetings and site visits. Officials did not provide a timeline for new routes.
Diplomatic context and the Doha visit
Carney received an official welcoming ceremony and met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The prime minister extended an invitation for the Emir to visit Canada later this year, according to a Prime Minister’s Office readout.
Prime Minister Carney thanked His Highness for the warm welcome and hospitality.
Prime Minister’s Office readout
Several Canadian cabinet ministers accompanied Carney in Doha, including Mélanie Joly, Anita Anand and François-Philippe Champagne. The visit included meetings with Qatari political and business leaders as Ottawa seeks practical investment commitments and partnerships.
Next steps and timelines
The government said it aims to finalise the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with Qatar by this summer. That agreement is intended to provide legal protections for investors and reduce barriers to cross-border projects.
- Target sectors: artificial intelligence, infrastructure, energy and defence
- Plan to post a defence attaché in Doha
- Goal to finalise investment agreement by summer
- Effort to expand direct flights to boost tourism and business travel
Carney is concluding a nine-day diplomatic tour that included meetings in Beijing and will finish with the World Economic Forum in Davos. The Qatar leg is part of a broader government push to attract new sources of capital and diversify Canada’s international partnerships.
For Canadians, the announcement could mean faster delivery of major projects and more travel options. Officials say more detailed implementation plans and timelines will follow as agreements are finalised.
QatarMark Carneyinvestmentinfrastructuretravelenergy
