Canadians, through Parliament, decided long ago that foreign investment is good for our country. This position has been held by successive governments stretching back to the 1980s, and has resulted in an Investment Canada Act that, on the whole, welcomes investments in Canadian companies.
Under the act, the federal government must approve a proposed investment if it determines that the transaction would be of net benefit to Canada. This usually means ensuring that jobs are protected, that Canadians take leading roles in the governance and management of the business, and that capital expenditures and research and development continue to occur in Canada.