Hiring top talent is a critical part of expanding into new markets. For businesses looking to scale in North America, Ottawa presents a unique opportunity in this regard.

With a highly educated workforce, a strong tech ecosystem, and government-backed hiring incentives, Ottawa is a prime destination for businesses seeking skilled professionals. 

Canada’s capital is home to North America’s highest concentration of tech talent, tied with San Francisco at 12.3% of total employment, according to CBRE’s “Scoring Tech Talent 2024” scorecard. With a well-rooted foundation in AI, cybersecurity, SaaS, and telecommunications, the city attracts experts, specialists, and global businesses looking to innovate and grow. 

This guide explores Ottawa’s tech talent pool, strategies for attracting skilled professionals, and best practices for recruitment and retention. 

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Overview of Ottawa’s Talent Pool 

Ottawa’s workforce is distinguished by its innovation, education, and diversity. As Canada’s capital, the city offers access to world-class institutions and a thriving ecosystem of tech professionals, researchers, and business leaders. 

High Concentration of Tech Talent 

With over 91,000+ tech workers in the National Capital Region, Ottawa boasts a higher percentage of tech employment than other major Canadian tech hubs such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. The city’s workforce is diverse, working across many key sectors, including: 

• Software and AI 
• Cybersecurity 
• Aerospace & Defence 
• Semiconductors and Photonics 
• 5G and Telecommunications 

Ottawa is also #1 among North American cities with the highest tech talent concentration in non-tech sectors. Meaning, even if you are not a tech company that want to expand to North America, Ottawa is still a great choice! 

Academic Institutions Driving Innovation 

Ottawa’s universities and colleges supply a steady pipeline of skilled graduates to the local tech sector, producing thousands of industry-ready professionals annually. These institutions support innovation through specialized programs, research initiatives, and partnerships with global tech firms. 

University of Ottawa 

• Home to the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), producing over 1,500 engineering and computer science graduates annually. 
• Hosts diverse research facilities such as Advanced Research Complex (ARC), Max Planck – uOttawa Centre for Extreme and Quantum Photonics, Centre for Catalysis Research and Innovation, and Nexus for Quantum Technologies (NEXQT). 
• Ranked in the top 15 Canadian universities for computer engineering programs (Maclean’s, 2024). 

Carleton University 

• Offers 40+ engineering and IT-related programs, including Canada’s first bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and Canada’s first accredited Aerospace Engineering program 
• The Sprott School of Business collaborates with tech firms to develop entrepreneurship-driven talent. 
• Produces over 2,000 STEM graduates per year, many employed in Ottawa’s tech sector. 

Algonquin College 

• Specializes in applied technology training with programs in software development, AI, and cloud computing. 
• Runs the Research Development Institute (RDI), facilitating industry partnerships for R&D. 
• Graduates over 1,200 IT and engineering technicians annually, directly feeding Ottawa’s tech workforce. 

These institutions fortify Ottawa’s position as a leading tech hub by equipping businesses with a steady flow of skilled professionals in high-demand sectors like AI, aerospace & defence, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. 

Talent-Oriented Incentives Supporting Recruitment 

Several national and provincial programs help businesses tap into Ottawa’s talent pool through funded internships, co-op placements, and research collaborations. 

• Mitacs: A national non-profit that connects companies with graduate researchers for collaborative innovation. Businesses can access subsidized internships through programs like Accelerate and Elevate. 
• Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI): Supports talent development through programs like TalentEdge, which funds internships for students and recent graduates working on industry-driven R&D projects. Businesses can also benefit from collaborative R&D programs that connect them with academic researchers across Ontario’s post-secondary ecosystem. 
• Co-operative Education Programs: With over 12,000 CO-OP students available from four local postsecondary institutions, the Hire Local consortium aims to promote the hiring of local CO-OP as a great place to add young talent to your workforce.

Diverse and Multicultural Workforce 

Ottawa’s talent pool reflects the city’s global appeal, offering businesses access to a richly diverse and bilingual workforce.​ 

• Bilingual professionals: Approximately 36.4% of Ottawa’s population is fluent in both English and French, enabling businesses to effectively operate in both official languages. 
• Cultural Diversity: Visible minorities constitute 32.5% of Ottawa’s population—well above the national average of 26.5%. ​ 
• Immigrant Workforce: Immigrants make up 25.9% of Ottawa’s population, contributing significantly to the city’s skilled labour force. 
• Languages Spoken: Beyond English and French, common languages include Arabic (4.3%), Chinese (3.3%), and Spanish (1.4%), reflecting the city’s linguistic diversity. 

This diverse and multilingual environment provides businesses with a broad spectrum of cultural insights and language proficiencies, enhancing their ability to engage with varied markets and communities. 

How to Attract Top Talent in Ottawa 

Hiring the best candidates requires competitive compensation, a strong workplace culture, and access to professional growth opportunities. 

Competitive Salaries 

Ottawa offers competitive salaries that attract top talent while maintaining a significantly lower cost of living compared to Toronto and Vancouver. 

• Software Engineer: CAD $70,000 – $174,000 
• AI Programmer: CAD $65,000 – $130,000 
• Cybersecurity Analyst: CAD $79,000 – $144,000 
• Cloud Architect: CAD $69,000 – $175,000 

Benefits and Perks 

To attract skilled employees, businesses should consider offering comprehensive benefits such as: 

• Flexible work arrangements: Hybrid and remote options are highly valued. 
• Wellness programs: Mental health support, gym memberships, and wellness stipends. 
• Parental leave and family benefits: Competitive leave policies enhance employee satisfaction. 

Fostering a Strong Work Culture 

A collaborative, inclusive, and innovative environment is key to attracting talent. Companies that emphasize mentorship, employee engagement, and diversity initiatives see higher retention rates. This is especially important in Ottawa as Canadians have key expectations of the companies they work for. 

Recruitment Channels and Resources 

Finding the right talent requires leveraging local job boards, career fairs, and professional networks.

Top Job Boards for Hiring in Ottawa 

• Work in Ottawa – Global Talent Program Job Board: A dedicated portal for tech talent in Ottawa, helping companies find candidates aligned with global expansion needs. 
• Invest Ottawa Start-Up & Scale-Up Job Board: Focused on job opportunities with Ottawa’s fast-growing innovation companies. 
• KNBA: The Kanata North Business Association (KNBA) job board connects tech professionals with opportunities in Canada’s largest technology park. 
• Workopolis: Canada’s largest job site with a dedicated tech section. 
• LinkedIn: A must-use platform for sourcing tech talent and professional networking. 

Career Fairs and Hiring Events 

Attending local hiring events provides access to highly skilled professionals and new graduates. 

• Discover Technata: Annual event connecting employers with tech professionals. 
• University of Ottawa and Carleton University Job Fairs: A great way to recruit top students. 
• Invest Ottawa Hiring Events: Regular matchmaking sessions and career expos tailored to key industries like cybersecurity, AI, SaaS, and smart mobility: ideal for connecting with vetted local and international talent. 

Local Networks for Recruitment 

• Invest Ottawa: Ottawa’s lead economic development agency offers tailored recruitment services including: 
• Access to the Global Talent Program, helping companies bring international talent to Canada 
• Talent matchmaking sessions and hiring events across high-demand sectors 
• Co-op and post-secondary talent connections with local institutions 
• Job board promotion and visibility through Work in Ottawa 
• Kanata North Business Association (KNBA): As Canada’s largest tech park, KNBA supports more than 500 companies by facilitating access to skilled talent through: 
  • Community job boards and resources 
  • Local hiring fairs and talent showcases 
  • Strategic partnerships with Ottawa’s post-secondary schools and research hubs 

Retention Strategies: Keeping Your Best Employees 

Once businesses hire top talent, retaining skilled employees is just as important. That’s because companies with substantial employee retention benefit from higher productivity and lower hiring costs. 

Training and Development 

• Upskilling programs: Offer access to certifications, online courses, and workshops. 
• Professional growth paths: Clear career advancement opportunities increase employee satisfaction. 
• Mentorship and coaching: Senior employees mentoring junior staff fosters leadership development. 

Employee Engagement and Workplace Culture 

A strong company culture helps retain employees and fosters innovation. Best practices include: 

• Frequent feedback and performance reviews: Employees value transparency and recognition. 
• Team-building activities: Social events and networking help build strong workplace relationships. 
• Flexible work-life balance: Offering hybrid work options boosts employee retention. 

Work-Life Balance Initiatives

• Paid time off and wellness leave: Encouraging work-life balance reduces burnout. 
• Parental leave policies: Attracting and retaining top professionals often depends on family-friendly policies. 
• Remote work flexibility: 72% of tech employees prefer hybrid work models.  

 

Recap: Building a Talent Team in Ottawa 

Hiring top tech talent requires strategic planning, competitive compensation, and access to Ottawa’s business networks. By leveraging the city’s strong educational institutions, recruitment platforms, and employee retention strategies, businesses can build a skilled workforce and drive long-term success. 

Why Choose Ottawa? 

✅ Deep tech talent pool: Tied with San Francisco for highest concentration of tech workers.
✅ Access to government-backed hiring incentives: Programs like Invest Ottawa’s talent initiatives.
✅ Lower operational costs than major US and Canadian cities: Competitive salaries with high quality of life.  

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🚀 Looking to hire top tech talent in Ottawa? 

Connect with Invest Ottawa’s Global Talent Program today to access hiring resources, talent support, and expert insights to help you build a high-performing team in Canada’s capital! 

To learn about our Global Expansion Program, visit www.whyottawa.ca