Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

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 the future of Canada’s
security.

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. Early this month,
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.”

Photo: Étienne Fredette, director general of the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce, is urging
Ottawa to make defence and cybersecurity central to the 2025 federal budget, saying that
recent cyberattacks show the urgency and that the Outaouais, with its expertise and proximity to
government, is well placed to benefit from federal investments. (TF) Photo: Courtesy