TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2026 /CNW/ -- National polling shows Canadians are open to trusted long-term pension capital to help address their approximately USD$4.7 trillion national infrastructure challenge as a means to maintain and protect community and consumer interests while unlocking capital to build new hospitals and schools.
The poll of almost 3,000 Canadians was commissioned by IFM Investors – a C$287.3 billion global asset manager owned by Australian and UK pension funds – and found community recognition for both the need for greater infrastructure investment and the potential role trusted pension capital can play in helping fill the funding gap.
- nearly two thirds (63 per cent) believe more infrastructure is needed to support the country's economic ambitions
- a similar proportion (67 per cent) are open to pension funds investing in new Canadian infrastructure
- three quarters (76 per cent) agree experienced pension funds or other infrastructure investors would likely operate infrastructure more efficiently.
The polling comes ahead of the Canada Investment Summit, which Prime Minister Carney is hosting this month as a key component of the federal government's ambition to catalyze $1 trillion in total investment over the next five years.
Prime Minister Carney has previously indicated his government will initially consider options relating to airports "so that capital tied up in those airports can be redeployed potentially in other ventures that will grow our economy". His remarks were reinforced by the polling which found nearly eight in 10 (79 per cent) Canadians say additional investment in airports is important or needed.
While Canadians are largely supportive of private capital to fund better and more modern infrastructure, the polling found 'who owns what' matters, with pension capital found to be uniquely trusted to invest in the best interests of Canadians.
Roughly two thirds of Canadians were found to be open to Australian pension funds operating existing Canadian infrastructure, signaling the acceptance of a new pension capital corridor between the two countries.
IFM and major Australian pension funds will participate in the summit as governments, investors and industry leaders gather to discuss how long-term capital can help deliver infrastructure and other national priorities such as airports.
The survey also points to strong community support for those investment models with in-built safeguards which maintain public ownership of infrastructure assets while also improving the accountability and assurances that communities secure tangible benefits. Key findings include:
- Public ownership: Nearly eight in 10 (79 per cent) agree leasing infrastructure operations can make sense as long as government continues to own the asset
- funding new projects: Nearly eight in 10 (78 per cent) agree pension fund investment in existing infrastructure can help raise money for new projects
- visible public benefits: Three quarters (76 per cent) would be more supportive of pension fund operation if the money raised is used for new infrastructure.
If the Canadian Government proceeds with leasing infrastructure under a concession framework while ensuring it retains ultimate underlying ownership, any capital unlocked could then be reinvested in national priorities, with polling finding Canadians had hospitals and schools on the top of their wish list, with 68 per cent earmarking hospitals infrastructure investment as urgent, and 45 per cent saying investment in schools infrastructure is urgent.
Quotes attributable to IFM Investors Executive Director Public Affairs Gian-Carlo Peressutti
Canadians are open to new sources of investment where government keeps ownership, sets clear rules and holds operators accountable. Under those conditions, trusted long-term pension capital can help unlock investment in airports, ports and other essential infrastructure while protecting the public interest.
This polling follows the Government of Canada indicating its appetite for unlocking its airports through alternative models of investment. Our polling shows there is a practical path for trusted pension capital to help meet Canada's infrastructure needs.
Pension funds invest on behalf of working people with a long-term focus, making them well placed to support infrastructure that strengthens economic growth while helping protect the public interest. If the government goes down this path, the question of who knows what will matter to Canadians - and its clear pension capital is considered uniquely palatable.
About IFM Investors
IFM Investors is a global asset manager, founded and owned by pension funds, with capabilities in infrastructure equity and debt, private equity, private credit, real estate and listed equities. Our purpose is to invest, protect and grow the long-term retirement savings of working people.
With assets under management of approximately $291.1 billion AUD as of 30 June 2026, we serve over 850 institutional investors worldwide, operating from 17 offices across Australia, Europe, North America and Asia.
Methodology
The survey was conducted online by spark insights research between July 3 and 12, 2026, with 2,940 adult residents of Canada. Because the survey used a non-probability sample, a margin of error cannot be calculated. Results were weighted to reflect the adult population by age, gender, education and region.
SOURCE IFM Investors
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