Hundreds of activists marched through downtown Toronto on Monday to protest against Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s investment summit.

The event is aimed at attracting international investment into more than 160 projects across Canada, covering sectors such as mining, energy, technology and infrastructure. The government is using the summit to promote Canada as an attractive destination for global investors.

The protest was organised by a coalition that included labour groups, migrant rights organisations, environmental activists and social justice groups. Demonstrators raised concerns about the direction of the government’s economic policies and criticised the summit’s focus on areas including fossil fuel development, military production and artificial intelligence.

Some protesters also expressed opposition to the possible privatisation of public assets and increased defence spending. They argued that government support for private investment could create environmental and social costs.

Carney has been seeking to strengthen Canada’s economic relationships with countries outside the United States. The investment summit is part of that effort as Canada continues to deal with economic pressure linked to its trade relationship with the US.

The government has also introduced measures intended to make it easier for large investment projects to move forward. These include giving priority to tax ruling requests connected with investments worth more than C$1 billion.

The summit has attracted major companies and financial institutions, with participants discussing investment opportunities in areas including technology, energy, mining and infrastructure. Supporters say increased international investment could help strengthen Canada’s economy and reduce its dependence on the US market.

The protests have highlighted the political debate surrounding that strategy, particularly among groups concerned about environmental protection, public assets and worker interests.