Ottawa has long been home to federal institutions and a quiet but formidable tech sector — but a new publication is making the case that the capital deserves a much bigger seat at the table when Canada's economic future gets mapped out.
What Is Pointing North?
EY Canada, in partnership with Telesat and the Ottawa Business Journal, launched Pointing North, a magazine focused on Ottawa's evolving role in shaping Canada's economic trajectory. The launch event, held on May 26, 2026, brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to dig into the big question: what does Ottawa need to do to strengthen its position as a national economic powerhouse?
The publication zeroes in on themes like innovation, public-private collaboration, and the industries where Ottawa already has a competitive edge — from aerospace and satellite technology to cybersecurity and government procurement.
Why Ottawa, Why Now?
The timing isn't accidental. With federal spending under scrutiny, global trade tensions reshaping supply chains, and Canada doubling down on homegrown tech capacity, Ottawa finds itself at a unique inflection point. The city's Kanata North tech park is one of the largest technology hubs in North America, and companies like Telesat — one of the event's co-organizers — are putting Ottawa on the map for next-generation satellite broadband.
EY Canada's involvement signals that major advisory and professional services firms are paying close attention to how Ottawa-based businesses scale and compete globally. The Pointing North magazine is positioned as a platform for that conversation — giving local industry a voice beyond the Queensway.
The Bigger Conversation
Discussions at the launch touched on Ottawa's perennial challenge: bridging the gap between its government-heavy economy and a more diversified, entrepreneurial ecosystem. The city has made real strides — attracting international investment, growing its startup scene, and building out talent pipelines through Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, and Algonquin College. But sustaining that momentum requires coordinated effort across sectors.
Telesat's presence at the event underscored the aerospace angle. The company's Lightspeed satellite constellation project, which is being developed with significant Canadian government backing, represents exactly the kind of high-stakes, high-tech initiative that Ottawa boosters want to see more of.
What's Next
The Pointing North magazine is expected to publish ongoing features exploring Ottawa's economic strengths and the policies needed to support them. For Ottawa's business community, it's a rare opportunity to see local stories told with national context — and to make the argument that Canada's future runs through the capital in more ways than just politics.
Keep an eye on future issues for deep dives into sectors where Ottawa is quietly leading the country.
Source: Ottawa Business Journal / EY Canada Pointing North magazine launch event, May 26, 2026.
