Think tank receives major government and private funding

Waterloo, Canada – May 25, 2009 – The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) welcomed the announcement by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario of building and infrastructure grants towards the creation of the Balsillie Centre of Excellence. CIGI founder and Chair Jim Balsillie made a private donation to CIGI to match the funds provided by the two governments.

The Government of Canada and Government of Ontario both pledged $25 million each to CIGI for building and infrastructure associated with creating the Balsillie Centre of Excellence. Mr. Balsillie’s matching donation of $50 million will be used to fund activities at CIGI in support of the centre. The City of Waterloo donated the land next to CIGI for the building of the new centre, valued at $5 million.

“We are grateful for the support we have received today and, from the very beginning, of both the federal and provincial governments,” said John English, executive director of CIGI. “These grants will enable CIGI to create a unique centre of excellence that will serve as a vehicle of partnership among CIGI, global research institutions and the academic and policy communities in Canada. Networking, capacity-building and knowledge sharing are central to CIGI’s work and our mandate.”

Under CIGI’s leadership and direction, the Balsillie Centre of Excellence will create resources and facilities to run programs of studies at each school in partnership with the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and other universities in Canada and internationally.

“This is another positive step for the vision which we started to build with CIGI in 2002,” said Mr. Balsillie. “Today’s support from both the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario is further proof that the most pressing issues of our time require investment and long-term commitment to build capacity in international affairs.“

CIGI will be responsible for the construction of the new buildings which will be built on the land next to CIGI. It will also assume responsibility for modifying and redesigning its existing interior, managing the facilities and negotiating partnerships for the centre. Construction on the Balsillie Centre of Excellence will begin in June 2009.