Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed former diplomat and executive Dominic Barton as the new chair of Invest in Canada, the federal agency responsible for attracting foreign investment. In a press release, Carney emphasized Barton’s extensive experience in global business and public service. Barton, who served as Canada’s ambassador to China from 2019 to 2021, notably played a role during the diplomatic crisis involving Canadian nationals Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. Following his ambassadorship, he became chair of global mining company Rio Tinto. His appointment has drawn criticism from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who labeled Barton a “Liberal powerbroker.” Alongside Barton, financier Gurinder Grewal was named CEO of Invest in Canada, which aims to drive significant investment into the Canadian economy.
Why It Matters
Invest in Canada was established in 2018 as an arms-length agency to enhance foreign direct investment in the country, crucial for economic growth. Barton’s previous role as ambassador coincided with a significant diplomatic incident that strained Canada-China relations, highlighting the complexities of international investment in a politically charged environment. His leadership at Invest in Canada comes as the government seeks to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, making foreign investment a priority for rebuilding a resilient economy. The agency’s effectiveness under Barton and Grewal will be closely monitored as they attempt to navigate these challenges and attract billions in investments.
Want More Context? 🔎
