Ottawa Defence Tech Founder Eliot Pence Appointed to Canada–US Economic Advisory Committee

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

The role of DevOps engineers is increasingly vital as numerous tech companies seek to enhance their operational efficiency and service delivery. Several companies currently illustrate the demand for DevOps talent:

1. Evidence Partners is revolutionizing research workflow with its literature review system, DistillerSR. This SaaS company has shown remarkable growth, outgrowing its office within a mere four months and earning the Best Ottawa Business (BOB) award in 2019. With a focus on improving research processes in academia and healthcare, Evidence Partners is on the lookout for passionate Fullstack Developers and DevOps Engineers. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits from day one and flexible working options, making it an attractive place to work.
2. Kivuto aims to digitize educational resources through its Kivuto Cloud platform, which streamlines the logistics surrounding e-textbooks and license management for over 20,000 schools, significantly saving costs. In partnership with Pearson, Kivuto seeks individuals passionate about education and equipped with skills in technologies such as .NET Core, AWS, Azure, React, and SQL. This environment offers a promising ground for DevOps and Fullstack Engineering careers.
3. Rewind Backups specializes in automated backup solutions to protect businesses from data loss. The development team comprises small groups that focus on implementing and maintaining back-end services for high-traffic backup solutions. Projects range from supporting new e-Commerce APIs to developing tools like Rewind-Connect, designed for seamless integration with AWS. Recognized with the Ottawa Business Journal’s Employee Choice Award for two consecutive years, Rewind is noted for being an excellent workplace for growth and innovation.
4. Tehama is at the forefront of developing tools tailored for the remote workforce. Recently backed with $10 million in financing, Tehama offers a service delivery platform that allows organizations to onboard and manage distributed teams securely. With over 150 corporate users and the delivery of 600,000+ hours of IT services without breaches, Tehama’s agile development team, led by VP Engineering Jacopo Toccacieli, is engaged in creating new features for its cloud-based solutions. Familiarity with APIs, React, Angular, and SQL are essential, and employees can work remotely or from the company’s prime location in Westboro, Ottawa, surrounded by shopping and dining options.

The tech industry is actively connecting skilled professionals with emerging opportunities. For DevOps engineers looking to advance their careers, these companies represent exciting avenues for professional growth, innovation, and teamwork in dynamic environments. By joining a talent pool dedicated to connecting professionals with leading tech firms, engineers can leverage their skills in an industry that values efficiency, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology.

The drive for digital transformation across sectors underscores the vital role DevOps engineers play in shaping the future of technology and business operations. With attractive offers and engaging working conditions, these companies highlight the high demand and promising prospects waiting for DevOps talent.