Canada is overhauling the leadership of the federal agency responsible for attracting foreign investment, appointing a familiar name in the mining industry as its new chair.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government announced on Monday that Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) Chairman Dominic Barton will become chair of Invest in Canada, replacing Karl Tabbakh.

Barton, a former Canadian ambassador to China, brings extensive experience across global business, investment, and public service. He will help lead the agency as it seeks to catalyse C$1 trillion ($1.01 trillion) in total investment in Canada over the next five years.

The appointment comes as the federal government looks to attract more global capital into sectors including critical minerals, energy, and major infrastructure projects.

Leadership overhaul

Barton’s appointment follows the sudden resignation of Laurel Broten as Invest in Canada’s chief executive, just weeks ahead of the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto on 14–15 September 2026.

The Carney government has named MEM Growth Partners founder Gurinder Grewal as the new CEO of Invest in Canada.

“As we look to capitalise on Canada’s strengths with new investors, Dominic Barton and Gurinder Grewal have the experience and ambition Canada needs,” Carney said in a statement.

“Under their leadership, Invest in Canada will catalyse billions in new investments into Canada to build a stronger, more independent, more resilient Canadian economy for all.”

Invest in Canada was established under the Invest in Canada Act in 2018 and is currently under the responsibility of Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

Critical minerals in focus

Canada’s vast natural resources are expected to play an important role in the government’s push to attract new foreign investment.

“Canada has what the world needs — critical minerals, clean and conventional energy, and the skilled workforce to build major projects at scale,” LeBlanc said.

“I know that Mr Grewal and Mr Barton will bring exactly the experience needed to build on Invest in Canada’s strong foundation and attract global capital to the projects that will define Canada’s economic future.”

Write to Jackson Chen at Mining.com.au

Image: Vancouver Board of Trade

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