The Ottawa Board of Trade welcomes Federal Budget 2026’s focus on investment, productivity, affordability, and economic growth at a consequential time for Canada.
Several measures reflect priorities advanced in our federal pre-budget submission, including investment certainty, innovation and commercialization, and opportunities to turn defence spending into Canadian business growth.
“A strong, competitive National Capital Region is an asset to Canada and should be a shared national priority,” said Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade. “Ottawa-Gatineau’s strengths in defence, technology, and research can help turn national ambitions into investment, good jobs, and lasting prosperity. Our opportunity now is to bring partners together to deliver those results.”
That ambition depends on businesses having the confidence to invest and grow. The budget confirms plans to proceed with the previously announced Productivity Mega Deduction, which would broaden eligibility for immediate expensing and make that treatment permanent. Proposed commercialization support can help bring Canadian innovations to market. Further tax and regulatory simplification, predictable federal programs, and practical AI adoption support will help smaller firms participate.
Defence investment presents a particular opportunity to build on the region’s strengths. We welcome confirmation that the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank will be headquartered in Canada. OBOT will continue to advance the case for locating it in the National Capital Region, where federal decision-makers, defence and technology firms, and research institutions are concentrated. Clear investment plans, predictable procurement timelines, and timely security clearances will help smaller suppliers compete and bring Canadian innovations into use.
The budget also proposes $393.2 million over three years beginning in 2027-28 for Canada’s Francophonie leadership and the 2028 Summit in the National Capital Region. Alongside investment in national cultural institutions, the Summit can strengthen our visitor economy. OBOT will work with partners to build lasting tourism and international business connections, advance Francophone trade and investment, and pursue the bilingual business-readiness and talent initiative proposed in our submission.
These opportunities depend on the infrastructure and talent to support growth. The budget’s electricity, housing, and skills measures can help when implementation reflects local infrastructure needs and employer demand. Coordinating housing with health and community services will also help people remain housed and strengthen the communities where businesses operate.
Building that foundation requires sound public finances and effective public services. As federal expenditure and workforce changes proceed, timely regional information and coordinated planning will help support affected workers and businesses. These changes also reinforce the importance of private sector investment and downtown renewal in building a more diversified regional economy.
OBOT thanks the National Capital Region Caucus for its continued engagement and advocacy on behalf of our region. Working with our members, chamber network, and regional partners, we will continue to advocate for accessible programs, predictable decisions, and measurable results. We look forward to building on this budget’s momentum, confident in Ottawa-Gatineau’s ability to help shape a more prosperous Canada.
– Sueling Ching, President and CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade