In a recent LinkedIn post, Kevin O’Leary discusses his takeaways from the first Canadian global investment conference in Toronto, drawing parallels to his experience on CBC’s Shark Tank. O’Leary highlights a critical concern raised by potential investors regarding the timeline for project permits across Canadian provinces.
The Permitting Hurdle for Foreign Investment
According to Kevin O’Leary, the central question from investors was consistent: “What is the path to permit?” He argues that this question underscores a significant impediment to foreign investment in new infrastructure, which has reportedly stalled over the past decade, contributing to an economic slowdown in Canada.
“The country is trying to emerge out of an economic coma because foreign investment in new infrastructure ground to a halt over the last decade.”
O’Leary points out that the clarity and efficiency of the permitting process are paramount for attracting the capital needed to revitalize the Canadian economy. He suggests that provinces failing to articulate a clear and timely path to permits are hindering their own investment potential.
Alberta and Saskatchewan Emerge as Investment Frontrunners
In his analysis, Kevin O’Leary predicts that two provinces are poised to be the primary beneficiaries of this investment drive. He identifies Alberta and Saskatchewan as the likely winners, largely due to their natural resource endowments and potentially clearer pathways for project development.
As Kevin O’Leary notes, Alberta’s strengths lie in its oil sector and an abundance of low-cost natural gas for electrical generation projects. He also singles out Saskatchewan for its significant potash and uranium deals.
“I predict two provinces will be the winners of this pitch competition. #Alberta with oil and an abundance of low cost natural gas electrical generation projects and #2 #Saskatchewan with mega #potash and #uranium deals.”
O’Leary contrasts these provinces with others, stating that many did not adequately explain their project timelines. He emphasizes the importance of speed in the investment world, where time directly impacts returns.
The Importance of Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
Kevin O’Leary stresses that the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is intrinsically linked to the time it takes for projects to come online and generate revenue. Decades-long permitting processes, as he perceives them in some provinces, are a non-starter for investors focused on maximizing their returns.
“The rest of the provinces did a poor job articulating the timeline to permit on their projects. You can’t invest if it takes decades. #IRR is all about time.”
He concludes by suggesting that Prime Minister Mark Carney faces a substantial challenge in addressing these systemic issues to foster a more attractive investment climate for Canada.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Kevin O'Leary on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 16, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →