Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged on Wednesday that his government will keep pursuing record levels of foreign investment regardless of mounting trade pressure from the United States, pointing to historic capital inflows and fresh trade deals on multiple continents.

Record investment levels

“This year, foreign direct investment into Canada is already at its highest level in nearly two decades,” Carney said at an event in Mirabel, Quebec. He added that on a per capita basis, Canada is attracting twice the rate of its nearest G7 competitor. “We’re just getting started,” he said.

Expanding global trade ties

Carney highlighted that Ottawa has signed over 20 economic and security partnerships across five continents in less than a year. He noted ongoing efforts to finalize free trade agreements with India, Thailand, the Philippines, ASEAN member states, and the Mercosur bloc—including Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Responding to questions on how Canada continues to draw capital amid global uncertainty, Carney said: “It’s the moment to be bold, to build big, to have confidence, move forward, open up. That’s what we’re doing.”

American pressure and auto sector concerns

“We’ll continue to get that investment despite the efforts of the Americans,” Carney stated. His remarks came amid reports that Honda is indefinitely suspending plans for a $15-billion electric vehicle plant in Ontario—a potential setback for the government’s investment narrative. Asked if Ottawa had been informed, Carney said: “We’re in constant contact with all the major automakers. And that includes Honda, so we’re in discussions with them constantly.”

Aerospace boost from Airbus deal

At the Mirabel event focused on Quebec’s aerospace sector, Carney welcomed an agreement between Airbus and AirAsia to purchase 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, calling it “the largest order for a Canadian-designed and produced aircraft in history.” Every plane will be assembled at Airbus Canada’s Mirabel facility, which employs over 4,600 workers and is the company’s largest commercial aircraft manufacturing site outside Europe.

Lighthearted moment on hockey

Asked about the importance of the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff run, Carney joked: “How important is the Habs run? I mean, there’s not much more important.” He added that he looks forward to “calling the president of the United States and sending him his Habs jersey.”