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The Canada Strong Fund — Invest Like the Government

  Published on MoneySavings.ca | Personal Finance | May 2026 Imagine being able to put your savings into the same fund the federal government is betting $25 billion on. For the first time in Canadian history, that's exactly what Ottawa is offering you — a front-row seat (and a direct stake) in the country's biggest nation-building push in generations. On April 28, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada's first national sovereign wealth fund — the Canada Strong Fund. It's a bold, headline-grabbing idea: let everyday Canadians invest directly alongside the government in the ports, pipelines, mines, and infrastructure projects shaping our economic future. But before you start redirecting your TFSA contributions, let's break down exactly what this fund is, what it promises, what it costs — and whether it might belong in your financial plan. What Is the Canada Strong Fund? A sovereign wealth fund is a state-owned investment vehicle. Countries like Norw...
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Empty Chair Diplomacy: U.S. Boycott Clouds Africa’s First G20

Banners of various G20 leaders are displayed along a Johannesburg freeway, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025


The historic G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa—the first ever held on African soil—has been overshadowed by a dramatic dispute over U.S. participation. What was meant to be a moment of continental pride has instead turned into a diplomatic standoff, with Washington and Pretoria trading barbs in the days leading up to the meeting.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the United States had signaled a last-minute reversal of its boycott, suggesting that American officials might attend in some capacity. This claim was quickly denied by the White House, which insisted that no U.S. representatives would take part in official talks. The contradiction sparked confusion and heightened tensions, leaving organizers scrambling to clarify the situation.

The controversy stems from President Donald Trump’s decision to boycott the summit, citing grievances over South Africa’s domestic policies, particularly claims about the treatment of white minority farmers. His refusal marks the first time in the G20’s 26-year history that a major member has opted out entirely. While Ramaphosa framed the alleged U.S. change of heart as a diplomatic victory, Washington dismissed the reports as “fake news,” further deepening the rift.

The fallout has been immediate. The so-called “empty chair” crisis has become a symbol of fractured global cooperation, undermining the unity the G20 is meant to project. Other nations, including Canada, have seized the opportunity to advance trade and climate discussions in the absence of U.S. leadership. Yet the dispute threatens to overshadow the summit’s broader agenda, which includes tackling climate disasters, global inequality, and economic recovery.

As leaders gather on November 22–23, the focus has shifted from Africa’s milestone moment to the diplomatic drama between two key players. Whether the U.S. ultimately participates or not, the episode underscores the fragility of multilateral forums in an era of rising geopolitical tensions.


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