MINUTES – PUBLIC – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (EDC) – 2nd meeting – April 16, 2026 – 12:34 p.m. to 2:32 p.m.

6. Follow-up of previous meetings and file updates – Information item

An information document (follow-up file) presenting the progress of items from previous meetings was transmitted to members beforehand and integrated into the public meeting documentation. This information item is presented by Isabelle Veilleux, Director of the Economic Development Service (SDÉ).

Four subjects subject to follow-up are highlighted:

2026 Work Plan

It is indicated that the 2026 work plan was discussed, improved, and recommended by the Economic Development Commission to the municipal council during the February meeting. This work plan was subsequently adopted by the municipal council during the meeting held on March 17, 2026.

Industrial Development Strategy (Grant from the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy – MEIE)

It is recalled that the process, following the LGP report regarding reflections on the development of specialized economic spaces, was presented to the Economic Development Commission during the February 2026 meeting. The City obtained financial assistance from the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy to contribute to the development of this strategy. The chair mentions that public consultations are scheduled for April 22 and 23, 2026, on this subject. Commission members are invited to participate, with the goal of adopting a strong strategy to guide short, medium, and long-term decisions. It is also mentioned that correspondence was sent by the committees and commissions team with the details of this consultation.

Intervention Framework for the Vitality of the Territory of the Regional Rurality Fund (FRR)

The Intervention Framework for the Vitality of the Territory, based on a favorable recommendation from the Commission, was adopted by the municipal council at the meeting held on March 17, 2026. It will be published shortly on the City's website.

Priority Sector – Defense and Security

The priority sectors file was presented during the February 2026 meeting. The Commission had discussed these sectors in the context of the new mandate entrusted to the City regarding investment attraction. The Service had notably addressed the defense sector as well as various elements surrounding the defense strategy currently under development. It is specified that this file will be the subject of future presentations or discussions at the Commission. Appropriation and deployment work is underway, including the establishment of a Gatineau defense strategic committee, in which several people participate. Exchanges have begun with this committee to clarify certain economic sectors, relying on the expertise of its members as well as the recommendations of three studies conducted in 2025. The chair indicates that the City has already announced the creation of a strategic committee on defense, cybersecurity, and security. Several public and private sector actors have been brought together, including several Commission members who participate in the work.