Insights from Building the Workforce for Ottawa’s Defence Innovation Hub
On August 19, 2025, the Ottawa Board of Trade convened leaders from government, academia, and industry for a pivotal panel discussion on Building the Workforce for Ottawa’s Defence Innovation Hub.
As Ottawa navigates major structural changes - from looming federal public service cuts to the rise of AI and shifting global markets - our city must chart a bold, diversified economic path. The panel underscored that positioning Ottawa as Canada’s Defence Innovation Hub represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to leverage our deep talent base, world-class post-secondary institutions, and thriving technology and defence sectors.
We extend our sincere thanks to our distinguished panelists:
- The Honourable Nolan Quinn, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
- His Worship Mayor Mark Sutcliffe
- Maureen Adamson, President & CEO of Colleges Ontario
- Steve Orsini, President & CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities
The takeaway was clear: Ottawa has the talent, the institutions, and the innovative spirit to lead in defence and dual-use technologies if we continue to scale training, accelerate commercialization, and strengthen cross-sector partnerships. This is about more than building an industry; it's about securing Ottawa’s future competitiveness and resilience.
Help shape Ottawa's future as a Defence Innovation Hub. Become an Ottawa Board of Trade Pillar Partner and join our Defence Policy Council by contacting Kara Higdon, Director of Business and Community Partnerships, at kara.higdon@ottawabot.ca.