Gatineau creates a strategic committee for defence and cybersecurity to boost economic development
Sophie Demers
Amid increased federal defence spending and cuts to other sectors, the City of Gatineau has created a strategic committee on defence and cybersecurity to attract industry and diversity to the local economy.
The new committee will gather key stakeholders in the region with expertise in cybersecurity, defence, quantum technologies, and innovation. The committee will include representatives from Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), Cégep de l'Outaouais and École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP), along with ID Gatineau, Axeo, and Export Outaouais.
The committee will also include four companies and two defence experts. One of the companies is Spiria, a software development company. A spokesperson from the mayor's office explained that the other three companies and the defence experts do not wish to be named, as strategic elements for the development of their business will be discussed.
The committee aims to analyze geopolitical, technological and market trends in relation to the C5ISR field. C5ISR stands for Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, and is a military framework. The committee also aims to build a strategy to enhance and promote Gatineau as a strong choice for industry. The committee will also identify needs in talent, infrastructure, and ecosystem and create an innovation hub.
“As a city, we have a clear responsibility: to diversify our economy, attract new businesses and seize the opportunities that present themselves to us. The current context, marked by the recent announcements of the Canadian government regarding defence, represents a strategic opportunity for Gatineau and for the entire region," said Tiffany-Lee Norris Parent, President of the Economic Development Commission and Touraine councillor.
This year, the Gatineau Economic Development Service underwent a major restructuring to optimize its work in the development of priority sectors and attract investment. In the past few weeks, Gatineau launched several initiatives in collaboration with the City of Ottawa. These include the creation of a tactical committee, co-chaired by Gatineau mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette and Ottawa mayor Mark Sutcliffe. Another initiative is hosting the InCyber Canada forum in December.
“This regional vision is essential, but Gatineau must also have its own strategy. We need to ensure that we capture our fair share of investment and position ourselves clearly,” added Norris Parent.