The cities of Ottawa and Gatineau are launching a new task force to turn the national capital region into “Canada’s Defence Innovation Hub,” including leading the bid to be the new home for the proposed global Defence, Security and Resilience Bank headquarters. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette unveiled the task force at the Mayor’s Breakfast on Friday, saying it will advance implementation of the global defence innovation hub strategy for the two cities. According to Invest Ottawa, the task force will be chaired by retired Gen. Rick Hiller, and include 33 defence decision-makers, investors, innovators, industry leaders and policy experts. “Together, they will activate Ottawa-Gatineau’s unmatched concentration of defence, diplomatic and technological strengths to operationalize key defence innovation priorities; drive strategy execution; and mobilize public and private resources in support of shared goals,” said a media release by Invest Ottawa. The task force will focus on: “Ottawa–Gatineau is uniquely positioned to lead as a global defence innovation hub in support of Canada’s security and prosperity,” Sutcliffe said in a statement. “This Task Force will turn our region’s strengths into real opportunity by attracting investment, accelerating innovation, and unlocking up to $3 billion in new economic activity.” The head of the Ottawa Board of Trade says Ottawa-Gatineau is the “strategic nerve centre” of Canada’s defence economy. “This Task Force will help secure Canada’s future while positioning our region as the epicentre of next-generation defence innovation and the future headquarters for the Defence Security and Resilience Bank,” Sueling Ching, president and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, said in a statement. “Strong cities power Canada’s future. Strong capitals safeguard it.” The 33 members of the task force include Ottawa Coun. David Hill, Gatineau Coun. Tiffany lee-Norris-Parent, MPs Marie-France Lalonde and Jenna Sudds, Calian president Chris Pogue, Telsat senior-vice president Michele Beck, Dominion Dynamics founder and CEO Mitch Carkner, Kanata North Business Association executive director Kelly Daize, Motorola Solutions president Michael Martin, University of Ottawa President Marie-Eve Sylvestre and Ottawa Airport President and CEO Susan Margles. The proposed international Defence, Security and Resilience Bank would be spearheaded by NATO countries, and is meant to reduce borrowing costs for military spending by pooling credit strength. Canada’s Big Six banks have expressed support for the project. Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the Liberal government will boost defence spending to two per cent of GDP this year and meet NATO’s five per cent defence investment pledge by 2035, which would raise the military budget to $150 billion in 10 years. With files from The Canadian Press
