Robert J. Foster, C.M., B.A., M.A., C.F.A., is the Founder, President and CEO of Capital Canada Limited, an independent investment banking firm. Mr. Foster focuses on the entrepreneur in the private markets, negotiating and structuring mergers, acquisitions, and financings. He has a strong history of successfully supporting entrepreneurs, with a particular emphasis on aviation, media, sports and entertainment and real estate. His background includes periods as an analyst, director of research, corporate finance, sales, and director of sales.

 

Mr. Foster currently serves on the boards of Hunter Amenities, Securcor and Anthem Media Group. In the past, he has served on the boards of Intertape Polymer Group, CHC Helicopters, Golf Town, Cargojet, Canada 3000 and Canadian Airlines Regional.

 

Mr. Foster serves as Chair of Business and Arts, a national partnership between business & the arts focused on covering, advocating, facilitating, and educating within the sector. He also serves on the boards of the Ontario Arts Foundation, the Harbourfront Foundation, and the TO Live Foundation (Chair); he recently stepped down as Chair of TO Live, a board appointed by the Toronto City Council which is responsible for overseeing the business affairs and operation management of the Toronto Theatres, and previously served as the Co-chair of The Toronto Mayor’s Task Force- Arts & Theatre, Chair of Toronto Artscape, Chair of The Canadian Arts Summit, board member of The National Arts Centre – Ontario Scene and The Toronto Theatres Working Group.

 

In 2011, Mr. Foster was the lead Co-Chair for a year-long examination of Toronto’s cultural capacity and priorities, which resulted in the Creative Capital Report for the City of Toronto. This was embraced by the City Council and is a guiding document for the city’s cultural funding and growth. 

 

Robert Foster was appointed to the Order of Canada, awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal, and named co-recipient of the Rita Davies and Margo Bindhardt Cultural Leader Award. In addition, he has received 4 Citations of Appreciation signed by former Mayors of Toronto for his leadership contributions to the city over an extended period.

Mr. Foster is an active participant in the democratic process and has played leading roles with all three levels of government. As he stated, “Democracy is not a spectator sport.”

 

Over his lifetime, Robert Foster has generously donated his time, expertise, and financial support to more than 30 city and country-building initiatives and organizations.

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Mr. Foster was born in Vancouver and educated at the University of British Columbia and Queen’s University, where he received his B.A. and M.A. (Economics) and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charter holder.