Sutcliffe: Building a stronger economy for Ottawa’s future
‘Cities across Canada are competing for investment, talent and opportunity. Ottawa has what it takes to stand out,’ writes Mark Sutcliffe. / ISTOCK PHOTO
Ottawa has a strong local economy, but we’re facing some significant pressures and challenges right now. U.S. tariffs are impacting local businesses, federal workforce reductions are creating uncertainty for thousands of families, and costs continue to rise. In the face of this uncertainty, we need a plan to strengthen and diversify our local economy and create jobs.
We have a lot to work with. The Globe and Mail recently recognized Ottawa for having the best quality of life of any major city in Canada. We have talented people, innovative businesses, world-class research institutions, and a growing defence and technology sector.
I’m running for re-election as mayor to strengthen our local economy, protect affordability and improve our quality of life. My plan is to make it easier to do business, attract investment, work with Gatineau to build a strong regional economy and create more good-paying local jobs.
One of our biggest opportunities is defence and security. Ottawa is home to leading technology and cybersecurity companies, national defence institutions and the talent Canada needs to strengthen its defence capabilities. Our region has more than 330 defence and security companies and six NATO DIANA Test Centres.
By 2027, I will have fully implemented Ottawa’s Defence Innovation Strategy and worked to attract investment in this growing sector. I will also advocate for locating the proposed Defence, Security and Resilience Bank in Ottawa-Gatineau. With Canada committing $150 billion in additional defence spending, Ottawa can help Canada develop new technologies, strengthen national security and create high-skilled jobs. Our Defence Innovation Task Force is working to unlock up to $3 billion in economic activity and investment, creating opportunities for local businesses and workers while contributing to Canada’s broader defence and industrial capacity.
We can also grow our economy by creating freer trade with Gatineau. Despite the provincial border between our two cities, we are one economic region. Unfortunately, provincial rules make it harder for businesses to sell goods and services, hire talent and expand across the river.
I will work with Gatineau’s mayor and both provinces and the federal government to reduce barriers and create a special economic zone. This could generate up to $10 billion for our local economies. Together, Ottawa and Gatineau can attract more businesses, investment, workers, visitors and major events. At a time when cities across Canada are looking for new ways to grow their economies and create jobs, we can show what’s possible when governments work together to remove barriers to growth.
A strong economy also depends on vibrant downtowns. Cities across Canada are working to bring people back to their urban centres, support local businesses and create welcoming places to live, work and visit. I will continue revitalizing downtown Ottawa and the ByWard Market by supporting arts and culture and attracting major events, tourists and film and television productions. These investments bring people into our city, support local jobs and help businesses grow.
Small businesses create jobs, support local families and give our neighbourhoods their character. Over the past four years, business owners have consistently told me we need to make it easier to do business in Ottawa. Reducing red tape helps local businesses grow, attract investment and create jobs — priorities for communities across Canada.
Affordability remains a priority. Over the past four years, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver have seen property tax increases of 22 to 27%. In Ottawa, we’ve worked hard to keep taxes low. I will limit property tax increases to 2 to 2.5% over the next two years, maintain the small business tax reduction that saves the typical business nearly $4,000 a year and introduce interest-free property tax deferrals for eligible businesses.
Cities across Canada are competing for investment, talent and opportunity. Ottawa has what it takes to stand out: a highly skilled workforce, world-class institutions, innovative businesses and a quality of life that makes people want to live here. We’ve made real progress over the past four years, and our best days are still ahead of us, if we make the right choices today. I’m ready to get back to work, build on that progress and make Ottawa an even better place to live, work, raise a family and build a business.
