Investors from the UK, EU and US are still very welcome
Foreign direct investment in Canada’s businesses and infrastructure should not come from China, Russia or the United Arab Emirates, according to a new poll.
The Angus Reis Institute’s research shows that 58% of respondents would prefer to discourage investment from China “to prevent Chinese takeovers of Canadian companies” with 42% saying it’s not worth damaging the relationship between China and Canada.
The exception is in manufacturing, retail and technology where there is little resistance to FDI from any origin.
Along with China, Canadians are wary of investment coming from Russia or the UAE especially in the defence/military, financial services and healthcare sectors.
Conversely, there is a strong interest in investment coming from the UK which is due to leave the EU in 2019. It is the only country listed in the poll from which investment would be welcomed across all sectors.
Although Canadians remain keen to attract investment from the United States, the share of those that believe we should try to develop closer ties has fallen against those favouring the EU.
In February, 49% said the US should be the focus (33% EU), while in August that had slipped to 41% against 44% for the EU.
The whole report is available on the Angus Reid Institute website.
The Angus Reis Institute’s research shows that 58% of respondents would prefer to discourage investment from China “to prevent Chinese takeovers of Canadian companies” with 42% saying it’s not worth damaging the relationship between China and Canada.
The exception is in manufacturing, retail and technology where there is little resistance to FDI from any origin.
Along with China, Canadians are wary of investment coming from Russia or the UAE especially in the defence/military, financial services and healthcare sectors.
Conversely, there is a strong interest in investment coming from the UK which is due to leave the EU in 2019. It is the only country listed in the poll from which investment would be welcomed across all sectors.
Although Canadians remain keen to attract investment from the United States, the share of those that believe we should try to develop closer ties has fallen against those favouring the EU.
In February, 49% said the US should be the focus (33% EU), while in August that had slipped to 41% against 44% for the EU.
The whole report is available on the Angus Reid Institute website.
