Canada seeks private investment via long-term concessions for four largest airports, Carney says

"(We) will retain ownership of the underlying land and assets, but we will unlock their true value by bringing in new capital and expertise into their operations and growth."

Canada is seeking private investment through long-term concessions to operate the nation's four largest airports as part of a campaign to boost the economy, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday.

The airports are in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. The Liberal government said last year it was looking at ways to boost investment in airports but at that stage did not give specific details.

Carney is welcoming dozens of global investors to Toronto this week, hoping to attract investment in more than 160 projects that he says are key to steering Canada's economy through a trade war with the United States.

"We will seek private investment through long-term concessions to operate Canada's four largest airports,' Carney said in opening remarks to the summit.

Canada to 'unlock true value by bringing in new capital'

"(We) will retain ownership of the underlying land and assets, but we will unlock their true value by bringing in new capital and expertise into their operations and growth."

Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, two asset managers told Reuters they would be interested in investing in airports.

Canadian labor groups have said they oppose privatization, arguing that it would raise costs for travelers.