City Regions Hold Key to Canada's Trade Deal Success

Canada's national trade and investment agreements have opened doors to new markets and alliances around the world, but it is the city regions that ultimately close the deals. The country is working to diversify its economy through these agreements, which include bilateral pacts and strategic collaborations in defense, clean energy, life sciences, artificial intelligence, and advanced batteries.

The task now is to convert global interest into investment that lands in specific communities. Multinational enterprises bring not only capital but also technology, expertise, access to international markets, workforce development, and connections to global supply chains. They account for 56.5% of Canada's merchandise exports and employed nearly 2.74 million Canadians in 2024.

Nokia's $340-million Ottawa expansion is expected to create over 340 jobs, while AstraZeneca's $820-million expansion will generate more than 700 highly skilled scientific positions. Germany's TKMS has been selected as the preferred supplier for up to 12 submarines under Canada's Future Fleet Program.

Regional capacity and coordination are crucial in securing high-value investment. The Consider Canada City Alliance brings together 15 leading economic development organizations, federal partners, and provincial partners to connect Canada's national value proposition with individual regions' strengths.