Ottawa stands at a pivotal moment. As Canada navigates rapid technological change, global uncertainty, and evolving work patterns, our capital region isn’t just adapting, we’re positioned to lead the way forward.
Our foundation is strong
What makes Ottawa special? Start with our people. We have the most educated workforce in Canada, with over 110,000 federal public servants bringing world-class expertise to everything from policy to innovation. Add 94,000 tech workers across 1,800 knowledge-based companies, from global leaders to cutting-edge AI startups. Then factor in 130 embassies, five top hospital research institutes, and 65 research centers. This isn’t just impressive – it’s a competitive advantage few cities can match.
Our quality of life seals the deal. Ranked first in Canada and seventh globally for work-life balance, Ottawa offers what talent wants: affordability, safety, natural beauty, and opportunity. A quarter of our residents were born outside Canada, bringing global perspectives that fuel creativity and entrepreneurship.
The challenge: Diversify or die
Here’s the reality check: government and tech represent 37% of our GDP. That concentration served us well, but in times of transformation, we need broader shoulders. The shift to remote work has hit our downtown hard. Empty offices remind us that standing still isn’t an option.
The good news? We’re already moving. Two sectors offer extraordinary potential:
Defence and security are heating up. With federal budgets boosting military capabilities and domestic defence innovation, Ottawa’s cybersecurity firms, aerospace companies, and research labs are ready to deliver. We have the talent to be Canada’s defence innovation hub, creating high-value jobs while serving national security.
Health and life sciences is our sleeping giant. With 130 companies employing 6,000 people, world-leading research in genomics and cancer therapeutics, and a new $2.8 billion Civic hospital campus on the way, we’re building a health innovation powerhouse that can compete globally.
The federal budget gets it
And here’s what’s most exciting: Ottawa’s priorities are Canada’s priorities. Canada Strong: Budget 2025 directly supports what we need – tax incentives for business investment, R&D funding, defence innovation, clean tech support, and help for SMEs to scale and export. This alignment reflects a shared vision for competitiveness and growth.
Our Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda, housed at livingcapitalottawa.ca, aims for 40,000 new residents and 50,000 new jobs in the core. Federal focus can turn underused offices into housing, labs, and creative spaces. This is bold reinvention in action.
Time to act
Real success demands an all-hands approach. Business leaders: invest in your people, embrace innovation, and think bigger. Our ecosystem supports you – use it! Community leaders: recognize that thriving businesses fund the programs and quality of life we cherish. Government partners: Ottawa’s success multiplies nationally. Support transit, housing, skills training, and help us reimagine federal presence and properties downtown.
We’ve proven we can collaborate radically – across sectors, jurisdictions, and communities. Now we need to double down on that partnership.
Our shared future
Ottawa isn’t just Canada’s political capital – we’re an economic engine and innovation lab. When we succeed, we create a model of leadership for other capital cities. When we diversify, we strengthen Canada’s resilience. When we innovate, we export solutions the world needs.
The fundamentals are in place. The opportunities are clear. The federal support is aligned. Now it’s time to act with purpose and unity.
When Ottawa wins, Canada wins. We are making it happen – together.
