Canadian Shield Institute | Ex-BlackBerry CEO donates $10 million to new political organization

Former BlackBerry CEO Jim Balsillie has donated $10 million to form a new political organization intended to boost Canada’s prosperity and resilience.

The Canadian Shield Institute takes its name from its goal of ensuring local innovation, economic leadership and defense.

It will be its own organization, but it will be linked to the Canadian Council of Innovators, an industry group co-founded by Mr. Balsillie in 2015.

The institute’s eight focus areas include transforming tax policy for global competitiveness, positioning Canada at the forefront of advanced technology, and modernizing government through institutional reforms.

The new organization will also push the country to adopt innovation strategies in energy, minerals, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, housing and healthcare.

The institute plans to work with industry leaders and philanthropists to ensure it has a long-term impact on the country.