Ottawa, like other major cities, is finding creative ways to manage the effects of COVID-19. The nation’s capital is projected to have a strong economic recovery and a solid employment rebound. Combined with expected population growth, immigration and significant infrastructure investments, Ottawa is expected to be among the earliest mid-sized cities in North America to return to steady and sustainable growth.

Join Mayor Jim Watson and local business leaders as they discuss the strength of Ottawa’s public administration and technology sectors, and the anticipated challenges to rebuild and sustain small business, as well as rebuilding the tourism and event sectors. Hear about efforts to attract talent and advance skills to support growth, and how affordability and housing supply are affecting that effort. The panel will discuss Ottawa’s efforts to support growth through infrastructure investment, including the deployment of LRT service citywide, the evolving real estate market for new businesses, providing support to small businesses, and the emphasis on women entrepreneurs and employment and entrepreneurship in racialized communities.

Moderator:
Jon Willing, Reporter, Ottawa Citizen

Speakers:
Sonya Shorey, Vice President, Strategy, Marketing and Communications, Invest Ottawa
Sueling Ching, President & CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade
James Beach, Director, Real Estate Development, Broccolini