CCI Statement on Canada’s New Venture Capital Strategy

Today, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced a new venture capital strategy to strengthen Canada’s capacity to finance homegrown companies as they scale. In response, Daniel Perry, Director of Federal Affairs at the Council of Canadian Innovators, issued the following statement:

”Access to capital is a major barrier for Canadian companies positioned to scale and compete globally. Canada’s new Early and Growth Stage Investment Strategy can make Canada a better place for scaleups to grow and keep their intellectual property and decision-making at home, but its success will ultimately be measured by whether it delivers on that ambition - by giving more Canadian innovators the opportunity to build world-beating companies in Canada.

“Canada needs more later-stage investment and investments in strategic sectors, including AI, defence and dual-use, life sciences and quantum. Deep and strategic domestic growth capital is what builds and retains globally competitive firms, especially in sectors critical to Canada’s economic security and future prosperity. Nearly 60% of the Canada–U.S. productivity gap is linked to Canada having too few innovative, global-scale firms.

“Public investment is one part of the solution. Canada also has to create a more competitive environment for building and investing in homegrown companies and to spark a cycle of reinvestment in Canada. Through Bet on Canada, CCI and more than 500 CEOs, founders and business leaders have called for a Canadian QSBS-style incentive in Budget 2026 and a broader capital gains rollover for investments in Canadian businesses. Together, these measures can create the conditions for Canadian firms to scale, retain more value and decision-making at home, and reinvest the gains from one success in the next.

“Canada cannot afford to let our best companies leave to scale elsewhere because of the lack of growth capital. We will continue to work with the federal government to strengthen the venture capital strategy, and continue to advocate for a stronger growth and investment environment in Budget 2026. Both are necessary to help Canadian businesses scale and compete globally, and capture more of the value they create here at home.”

Media Contact

Lisa Brody Hoffman
Director of Communications
‍lhoffman@canadianinnovators.org