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Brookfield's Political Talent Grab Raises Eyebrows

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 6:37 GMT by The Globe and Mail
      Locale: CANADA

Montreal, QC - February 19th, 2026 - The steady stream of seasoned politicians joining Brookfield Asset Management under the leadership of former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor Stephen Carney is raising eyebrows and sparking debate about the increasing influence of the private sector in Canadian politics. Today's announcement that Conservative MP Michael Cooper is leaving Parliament Hill to take a position with the global asset manager marks the latest - and perhaps most significant - in a growing trend. Cooper, known for his staunch conservative views and expertise in international trade, justice, and border security, joins a rapidly expanding team of former public figures at Brookfield, previously including ex-MP Derek Sloan.

This isn't simply a case of one or two individuals seeking better opportunities; it represents a deliberate strategy by Carney to assemble a team capable of navigating complex geopolitical and regulatory landscapes. Brookfield, already a dominant force in infrastructure, renewable energy, and real estate, is clearly signaling its ambitions extend beyond pure financial management. The addition of Cooper, a vocal critic of certain international trade practices and a strong advocate for border security, suggests Brookfield is increasingly focused on sectors with significant government oversight and potential for public-private partnerships.

Cooper's departure further weakens the Conservative party, already facing challenges in maintaining unity and presenting a cohesive platform. While Sloan's move garnered attention due to his controversial positions, Cooper brings a different skillset - a deep understanding of legal frameworks surrounding trade and security - that Brookfield likely values highly. This begs the question: is Brookfield actively targeting MPs with specific expertise relevant to its core business interests?

Industry analysts suggest Brookfield's strategy is multifaceted. Firstly, assembling a team with political experience provides invaluable insight into the policy-making process. Former politicians understand the nuances of legislation, the motivations of key stakeholders, and the art of negotiation - all crucial when dealing with government contracts and regulatory approvals. Secondly, having individuals with established political networks allows Brookfield to cultivate relationships with decision-makers across all parties, fostering a favorable environment for its investments.

"Carney is essentially building a shadow government within Brookfield," says Dr. Eleanor Vance, a political science professor at McGill University. "He's leveraging his own credibility and network to attract experienced politicians, creating a powerful lobbying force that can shape policy outcomes to benefit the company."

This recruitment drive isn't happening in a vacuum. It coincides with increased scrutiny of artificial intelligence (AI) development, with the federal government recently announcing further efforts to regulate the sector. Experts anticipate Brookfield will be heavily involved in the infrastructure required to support AI development and deployment, making Cooper's understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks even more valuable. Furthermore, the ongoing legal challenges to Quebec's Bill 21, concerning religious symbols, continue to draw national attention. While Cooper's direct expertise isn't in constitutional law, his experience in navigating complex legislative battles will undoubtedly be utilized by Brookfield's legal teams as they assess potential risks and opportunities in a changing legal landscape.

The broader implications of this trend are concerning to some. Critics argue that the revolving door between politics and the private sector erodes public trust and creates a system where corporate interests are prioritized over the public good. The potential for undue influence is particularly acute when a company like Brookfield, with its vast financial resources, actively recruits former politicians.

"We need greater transparency and stricter regulations to prevent this kind of influence peddling," argues NDP ethics critic, MP Julie Dubois. "Canadians deserve to know what exactly these former politicians are doing at Brookfield and how their connections are being used to advance the company's agenda."

Brookfield has consistently maintained that its recruitment of former politicians is based solely on their skills and experience, and that they will adhere to all ethical guidelines and lobbying regulations. However, the sheer number of high-profile hires under Carney's leadership suggests a more deliberate and strategic approach. As Brookfield continues to expand its reach and influence, the debate over the proper relationship between the private sector and political life is only likely to intensify.