The federal government has expanded its recently introduced Advisory Committee on Canada–United States Economic Relations to include Eliot Pence, founder and CEO of Ottawa defence tech startup Dominion Dynamics, strengthening representation from Canada’s innovation sector.
The committee was first announced on April 21 to bring together leaders from across sectors to provide advice on Canada–US economic relations, including ahead of upcoming reviews of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Pence’s addition was included in an April 27 update, amid broader calls for stronger representation from the tech sector in national economic and security discussions, as highlighted in recent industry commentary.
His appointment adds a voice from Canada’s growing defence and dual-use technology ecosystem, as innovation, sovereignty, and cross-border collaboration become more closely interconnected.
Ottawa’s role in defence innovation
Based in Ottawa, Dominion Dynamics is part of a new generation of Canadian companies building advanced capabilities in defence and security. Pence’s work reflects a broader shift toward homegrown innovation in areas critical to national and allied resilience.
The appointment also reinforces Ottawa–Gatineau’s position as a hub for defence innovation, with local companies and institutions contributing to Canada’s role within North American and transatlantic security frameworks.
Pence recently spoke about the company’s trajectory on Invest Ottawa’s Invested in Our New Reality podcast, where he highlighted the importance of Canadian-built solutions in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.
His appointment reflects growing recognition of how founders and operators contribute to shaping policy conversations at the highest levels.
- Learn more about Ottawa’s defence innovation ecosystem at dihub.ca.
Shoebox enables hearing care around the world. It creates, sells, and supports products that help clinicians identify hearing loss. The maker of Shoebox, Clearwater Clinical, hit a huge milestone in 2018 when they entered a strategic partnership with international hearing device company 
Transforming our data-driven world takes talent, and MindBridge is where it’s happening. This is where you’ll take artificial intelligence to enable and inspire humans to do more and be better. Our people, our customers, and our investors agree: No one else is accomplishing what we’re doing with data-driven AI right now. 
Tehama is enabling the digital workplace of the future. 150 companies are using Tehama. 600,000+ hours of IT services delivered. Zero breaches. The company’s head office is in the heart of the highly desirable Westboro neighborhood of Ottawa where you have your pick of the best of Ottawa’s cafes, restaurants and shops. Prefer to work from home? Tehama offers remote working options and flexible core hours. Join a team of the best and brightest and enjoy competitive salaries, benefits and a commitment to YOUR long-term success. 
Spartan Bioscience aspires to unleash the power of DNA testing for everyone. Like the Spartan warriors of Ancient Greece, our smart, hard-working, and honorable team members get things done. Learn