CCG urges Ottawa to turn defence investments into local focus

Tashi Farmilo

The Gatineau Chamber of Commerce is urging Ottawa to put defence and cybersecurity at the centre of the 2025 federal budget, arguing that the region’s proximity to government institutions and its concentration of technology firms give it a natural role in shaping Canada’s security future.

In a joint statement with the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, the Chamber warned that record military spending could pass Quebec by unless deliberate steps are taken to channel contracts and opportunities into the Outaouais. The Chamber’s director general, Étienne Fredette, said the timing of the appeal was deliberate. “We know the government is preparing its next budget,” he said in an interview. “We hear about unprecedented investments in defence, and we want to make sure our region does not miss out. With ministries, federal agencies and firms already here, Gatineau has the expertise. Now it needs the contracts, the innovation and the jobs.”

Fredette pointed to the city’s established strengths in digital and dual-use technologies, which he believes could serve both military and civilian applications. “We won’t be building tanks or ships in Gatineau,” he said. “What we have is deep knowledge in digital technologies. If Ottawa works hand in hand with us, this region can become a real hub of innovation.”

The Chamber is also calling for tax measures to level the playing field with the United States, where lower corporate tax rates have made it easier for companies to reinvest in research and training. “It is simply more competitive south of the border,” Fredette said. “If we want to keep capital and talent here, the federal government must lighten the tax burden and make it easier for local firms to grow.”

The urgency of the Chamber’s appeal has been sharpened by recent events. Just last week, the House of Commons was hit by a cyberattack that disrupted parliamentary systems and raised questions about the resilience of Canada’s digital defences. Fredette said the incident was a stark reminder of the risks at stake. “The federal government has to lead by example,” he said. “If Canada is serious about investing in defence, it must also invest in protecting its digital infrastructure. Our companies here in Gatineau can play that role.”

Fredette acknowledged that the region’s business community must also do its part, noting that local firms sometimes compete when collaboration would make them stronger. The Chamber has been convening meetings with economic actors on both sides of the Ottawa River to present common priorities to federal officials later this month. “Each company pursues its own contracts,” he said. “But we need to work together if we want to attract and deliver on larger federal projects. Cooperation will make the region stronger.”

The Chamber hopes its message resonates with decision-makers in Ottawa, not only to preserve the federal jobs already in Gatineau but to increase them. “We are privileged to be so close to the seat of government,” Fredette said. “But proximity is not enough. We want to ensure Gatineau gets its fair share of federal jobs and investments.”