Mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau sign new cooperation agreement to establish one economic region, protect the local economy, and create jobs

Today, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette announced and signed a new Economic Cooperation Agreement between the two cities, reinforcing their shared commitment to building a stronger, more connected and resilient economy in the National Capital Region.

The agreement recognizes Ottawa and Gatineau as part of one integrated regional economy and establishes a framework for greater collaboration on issues that cross municipal and provincial borders. 

The Mayors called on the federal, Ontario and Quebec governments to recognize the unique attributes of the National Capital Region, the only major metropolitan area in Canada that straddles a provincial border and to declare it a regional economic zone. 

The agreement focuses on five key areas:

• Regional economic zone: Working with other levels of government to have the National Capital Region recognized and established as a distinct and integrated economic region for the purpose of removing barriers, freeing the flow of goods and labour, and attracting investment.
• Mobility: Strengthening regional transportation connections, supporting integrated public transit planning and improving the movement of people and goods between Ottawa and Gatineau.
• Defence and cybersecurity: Building on the region’s unique concentration of federal institutions, businesses, research centres and talent to strengthen Ottawa-Gatineau as a leading North American hub for defence, cybersecurity and related technologies, as well as the future home of the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB).
• Regional economic collaboration: Creating opportunities for greater cooperation among economic stakeholders and agencies, including through joint advocacy and networking events.
• Tourism collaboration: Promoting Ottawa and Gatineau as a complementary destination, including through joint marketing, major events and the continued development of “Discovering our downtowns” - an integrated tourism experience connecting the two downtowns and highlighting the region’s riverfront, culture, history, architecture and local businesses.

A joint Ottawa-Gatineau committee will be struck to help coordinate implementation, work with regional partners and develop short, medium, and long-term actions.

“Ottawa and Gatineau are two cities in two provinces, but we are one economic region. And we are stronger when we work together,” said Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. “At a time of economic uncertainty and additional tariffs from the US, this agreement reinforces our commitment to doing everything we can together to attract investment, create opportunities and build a resilient and competitive National Capital Region. This is about recognizing what our residents and businesses already know – that Ottawa and Gatineau represent one interconnected and strong economic region.”

“Working alongside the City of Ottawa is not a political choice; it’s a geographic reality,” said Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette. “This agreement gives us the opportunity to build on the collaboration that already exists and take it further. By continuing this joint effort, particularly in the areas of economic development, mobility and tourism, we can strengthen the National Capital Region and create lasting benefits for our residents on both sides of the Ottawa River.”

Today’s signing builds on growing collaboration between Ottawa and Gatineau and reflects the two cities’ shared interest in working jointly with the governments of Ontario, Quebec, and Canada, as well as regional economic, institutional, and community partners.