.svg)
About
The Council of Canadian Innovators was created in 2015 by Canada’s most successful technology CEOs to ensure their voice was heard in the public policy development process. Innovation experts say that one essential element in sustained regional growth is the presence of significant concentrations of homegrown high-growth scale-ups. Companies that scale from millions to billions provide the most returns to national economies. For far too long, Canada’s public policy regarding innovation has been dominated by foreign multinationals and other actors whose primary purpose is not to create economic growth in Canada.
Currently, the Council is composed of more than 150 CEOs leading high-growth companies headquartered in Canada. The Council is chaired by Jim Balsillie, former Blackberry Co-CEO and John Ruffolo, Founder & Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity, and Founder of OMERS Ventures.
Our history
2015
In September of 2015, former Blackberry Co-CEO Jim Balsillie speaks to a group of CEOs from Canadian technology companies during an event organized by OMERS Ventures, which was founded and led by John Ruffolo. Balsillie’s message to the group was that the federal government was setting policy which would impact technology companies, but Ottawa was not listening to Canadian tech companies. Out of this meeting, the seeds for CCI are planted.
In October, the Liberal Party wins the 2015 federal election on a platform which includes a promise to hike taxes on employee stock options, a policy which would severely harm scale-up technology companies’ ability to recruit skilled talent. This served to underscore Balsillie’s message about policy being created without consulting with domestic tech companies and acted as a galvanizing force.
CEOs begin a public relations and government relations campaign, penning opinion pieces and writing letters to the Minister of Finance. Ultimately, in response to pressure from the tech sector, the Liberal government revised the policy to exempt most scaling technology companies from tax hikes on employee stock options. Bill Morneau, who was finance minister at the time, remarked, “I heard from many small firms and innovators that they use stock options as a legitimate form of compensation, so we decided not to put that in our budget.” This proved to many CEOs on the sidelines of the CCI movement that advocacy worked and was essential for updating Canada’s economic playbook for the 21st century innovation economy.
2016
Benjamin Bergen hired as executive director as the first employee of the Council of Canadian Innovators. CCI begins working with then-Immigration Minister John McCallum, consulting with scaling technology companies. The result of this work would be the Global Talent Stream, which greatly reduced visa processing times for skilled workers coming to Canada — one of CCI’s first clear policy wins for members.
CCI brings around 50 CEOs to Ottawa for the first CEO Summit, which includes meetings with key federal ministers and civil servants and exposes CEOs to in-person advocacy firsthand.
2017
The federal government announces the Global Skills Strategy, which includes the Global Talent Stream pilot part of theTemporary Foreign Workers Program. CCI is selected as the only non-governmental referral partner to the program.
2018
CCI continues to establish itself as a leading voice for prioritizing homegrown Canadian technology companies through strategic public policy, including the North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations, ongoing federal government budget proposals, and the Sidewalk Labs project proposed for Toronto.
2019
CCI Expands to Quebec with a dedicated provincial affairs lead, followed by Alberta in 2020, B.C. in 2021.
2020
CCI becomes a vital voice for Canadian tech during the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for improvements to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, which proved to be inadequate for high-growth Canadian technology companies. Ultimately this advocacy focuses on the creation of the$250 million Innovation Assistance Program, which provided urgent capital to highly innovative technology companies, who did not qualify under other existing programs.
2021
CCI Launches the Innovation Governance Program to train prospective board members with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively provide corporate governance oversight in scale-up Canadian technology companies.
2022
CCI entrenches regional advocacy —galvanizing Alberta tech to sound the alarm on regulatory overreach of software engineers, and Quebec tech coming together to push back against overly onerous French language legislation. CCI is also an active voice of homegrown innovation in the Ontario general election.
2023
CCI hosts its first Capital Summit in Toronto, bringing together leading Canadian institutional investors and a CEOs of high-growth technology companies
The Government of Canada announces significant changes to Canada’s economic immigration streams, including a digital nomad strategy and a high potential tech talent stream, in response to CCI’s ongoing advocacy. Many of the policy changes were directly mirrored in CCI’s 2022 Talent and Skills Strategy.
Our Board
Our Team
Careers
Join a team of of professionals working at the intersection of public policy and leading-edge technology, on behalf of Canada's most dynamic, high-growth technology companies.
Director, Government Affairs (British Columbia)
The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) is a national business association representing over 150 of Canada’s fastest-growing technology-intensive companies. Companies within CCI’s portfolio are market leaders in their verticals and commercialize their technologies in over 190 countries, generating between $10M - $750M in annual recurring revenue. CCI’s member companies are all headquartered in Canada and collectively employ over 52,000 Canadians from coast to coast.
CCI was created in 2015 by the leaders of Canada’s most innovative companies to reorient Canada’s economic strategies towards supporting domestic scale-up companies to aid in their pursuit of becoming engines of Canada’s future economic prosperity. CCI works closely with our members and leaders within federal and provincial governments to develop economic strategies that increase access to talent, capital, and customers for homegrown firms, all while updating Canada’s economic playbook for the 21st century economy. Since 2015, CCI’s advocacy has led to government improving the way businesses access international talent, patent their inventions, and navigate the global data-driven economy. In 2020, CCI established a more formal advocacy presence in B.C. with boots on the ground to support its growing membership base in Vancouver and Victoria. CCI quickly mobilized tech leaders to advance priorities including the creation of an B.C. IP Strategy and Technology and Innovation Strategy. Today, local CEOs work closely with government officials to reorient B.C.’s economic strategies towards supporting high-growth companies headquartered in the province.
CCI is a peer network of Canadian business leaders and innovators who look to CCI’s leadership and membership for strategic advice and foresight, expert navigation of federal and provincial governments, and for connections to other innovators and institutions that can assist them in scaling their businesses worldwide.
Today, CCI is headquartered in Toronto and has staff located in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Montreal. CCI is established as a not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors, with Jim Balsillie, retired chairman and co-CEO of BlackBerry, serving as Chair, and John Ruffolo, founder of OMERS Ventures and Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity, serving as Vice-Chair. Both are also co-founders of CCI.
Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Vice President, Strategy and Advocacy, CCI’s B.C. Director will work closely with the B.C. government to advance CCI’s priorities and will work to ensure the government’s policies, regulations, and legislation reflect the needs of our members. CCI’s B.C. Director will be responsible for increasing the visibility of CCI in B.C., identifying opportunities for collaboration and dialogue between CCI’s members and the Government of British Columbia, cultivating and managing relationships with government officials, media, and stakeholder groups, and working to achieve CCI’s provincial advocacy priorities.
CCI’s B.C. Director will work on a wide range of public policy files and will be expected to immerse themselves in discussions taking place within the provincial government, so they become a resource to CCI’s membership. On any given day, CCI’s B.C. Director could be participating and advancing ideas in discussions on a variety of topics, including but not limited to procurement modernization, talent and skills development, data and privacy regulations, sectoral strategies, digitizing government, data and privacy regulations, and intellectual property frameworks. CCI’s B.C. Director will also be expected to become familiar with B.C. business support programs, tax regime, and immigration systems.
CCI’s B.C. Director will be expected to connect regularly with members of the media, at times acting as official CCI spokesperson on certain topics, and providing on-record statements to media communicating CCI’s position.
CCI’s B.C. Director will work closely with CCI’s Director of Member Success in developing membership recruitment strategies and ensuring CCI’s suite of member services are meeting the needs of current and prospective members of the council.
Essential Duties:
• Design, coordinate and execute a Government of British Columbia engagement strategy that supports member CEO advocacy;
• Abide by all provincial and federal lobbying rules and regulations;
• Organize discussions and forums between B.C. innovators and public-policy leaders related to the priorities of CCI and its membership;
• Assist in the education of CCI members regarding provincial and federal government business support programs;
• Develop a strong understanding of members' businesses, market landscapes and industry trends;
• Monitor current and upcoming provincial legislation and regulations that have an impact on B.C.’s innovation sector, and when necessary, coordinate industry responses to government measures and decisions;
• Contribute to the planning and execution of CCI’s national advocacy agenda, including large-scale advocacy events attended by senior government officials, policy makers and politicians;
• Support the Director of Member Success with the planning and execution of CCI’s regional growth initiatives, including business development in B.C. as well as onboarding of new CCI members;
• Support CCI’s Manager of Content and Communications in the development of media products, including opinion pieces, newsletters, budget submissions, and reports.
• Grow and maintain relationships with members of the local media by developing and delivering strategic and effective media pitches that advance our advocacy efforts;
Desired Skills and Competencies:
• A deep understanding of the Government of British Columbia and parliamentary processes will be essential to your success in this role;
• A strong understanding and passion for growing Canada’s innovation sector;
• The ability to work independently and telework collaboratively with a small team and thrive in a fast-paced environment;
• The ability to work at the pace of the private sector, responding to the needs of the innovation community and tech sector while meeting government deadlines;
• Consistently maintain a high level of professionalism with CCI membership, the Board of Directors, government officials and other key stakeholders;
• Attention to detail and with superior organizational skills;
• A self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimal oversight;
• The ability to think outside the box, be resourceful and solutions orientated;
• Be part of a highly driven, dynamic, inclusive team with energetic personalities.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary range $105,000 – $125,000 CAD
Education/training spend $2,500 per year
Generous benefits including dental & medical coverage
Parental leave benefits
CCI provides employees 3 weeks’ vacation each year, in addition to a summer closure in July of one week, and a winter closure of two weeks, totalling six weeks off during the year
Director, Government Affairs (Quebec)
Job Description
(English will follow)
Association représentant plus de 150 entreprises technologiques canadiennes à forte croissance, le Conseil canadien des innovateurs (CCI) agit comme porte-parole pour favoriser leur essor. Dirigées par des figures de proue de diverses filières industrielles et technologiques, les entreprises du portefeuille du CCI commercialisent leurs produits et services dans plus de 190 pays et génèrent des revenus récurrents annuels se chiffrant entre 10 et 750 millions de dollars. Comptant toutes un siège social au Canada, les entreprises membres du CCI, réparties aux quatre coins du pays, emploient collectivement plus de 52 000 Canadiennes et Canadiens.
Description du poste
Relevant de la vice-présidence de la stratégie et de la promotion, la directrice ou le directeur des affaires gouvernementales du CCI de la section du Québec collaborera étroitement avec le gouvernement du Québec pour faire avancer les priorités du CCI et veillera à ce que les politiques, les règlements et les lois du gouvernement reflètent les besoins de ses membres.
La personne titulaire du poste de direction des affaires gouvernementales aura la responsabilité d’accroître la visibilité du CCI au Québec, de cerner les possibilités de collaboration et de dialogue entre les membres du CCI et le gouvernement du Québec, de cultiver les relations avec les représentants du gouvernement, les médias et les acteurs du milieu des affaires. Elle veillera à concrétiser les priorités provinciales du CCI en matière de défense des intérêts de ses membres.
La personne titulaire du poste de direction des affaires gouvernementales se penchera sur un large éventail de dossiers de politiques publiques. Aussi, elle doit s’attendre à prendre part aux discussions avec le gouvernement provincial pour devenir une ressource pour les membres du CCI. À tout moment, elle peut être appelée à participer à des discussions sur divers sujets pour défendre les intérêts des membres qu’elle représente. Citons, entre autres, la modernisation des processus d’approvisionnement, le développement des talents et des compétences, la réglementation sur la communication des données et la protection des renseignements personnels, les stratégies sectorielles, la numérisation des services gouvernementaux et les cadres régissant la propriété intellectuelle.
Elle devra bien connaître les programmes d’aide aux entreprises, le régime d’imposition et le système d’immigration du Québec.Elle devra communiquer régulièrement avec les médias, agissant parfois comme porte-parole officiel du CCI sur certains sujets, notamment lorsqu’il s’agit de faire part de la position du CCI.
Elle collaborera étroitement avec la direction de la réussite des membres du CCI pour élaborer des stratégies de recrutement des membres et faire en sorte que les services offerts répondent aux besoins des membres (actuels et potentiels) du CCI.
De temps à autre, elle sera appelée à suivre les événements législatifs se déroulant au Canada (voire à y collaborer) susceptibles d’avoir des répercussions sur le secteur de l’innovation au Québec et sur les entreprises membres du CCI.
Responsabilités principales
- Concevoir, coordonner et mettre en œuvre une stratégie d’engagement du gouvernement du Québec qui défend les intérêts des PDG membres du CCI;
- Respecter les règles et les réglementations provinciales et fédérales en matière de lobbying;
- Organiser des forums sur les priorités du CCI et de ses membres et engager des discussions avec les forces vives de l’innovation québécoise et les responsables des politiques publiques;
- Participer à la formation des membres du CCI sur les programmes gouvernementaux de soutien aux entreprises;
- Acquérir une compréhension approfondie des activités des membres, de l’environnement des marchés et des tendances sectorielles;
- Suivre l’évolution des législations et des réglementations provinciales qui ont des répercussions sur le secteur de l’innovation au Québec et coordonner, s’il y a lieu, les réponses de l’industrie aux mesures et décisions du gouvernement;
- Contribuer à la planification et à la mise en œuvre du programme national de promotion du CCI, y compris des événements de promotion à grande échelle auxquels participent des fonctionnaires de haut niveau, des stratèges et des figures politiques;
- Soutenir la direction de la réussite des membres dans la planification et la mise en œuvre des initiatives de croissance régionale du CCI, y compris le développement des affaires au Québec et l’intégration des nouveaux membres du CCI;
- Soutenir l’équipe de communication du CCI dans l’élaboration de documents à l’intention des médias, notamment des articles d’opinion, des bulletins d’information, des présentations du budget et des rapports;
- Renforcer et entretenir les relations avec les médias locaux afin de présenter des argumentaires stratégiques et efficaces qui appuient nos efforts de promotion et font avancer notre cause.
Profil idéal
Aptitudes et compétences recherchées
- Une connaissance approfondie du gouvernement du Québec et des processus parlementaires est essentielle pour se qualifier à ce poste;
- Une compréhension approfondie et un intérêt indéniable pour le secteur de l’innovation, en plein essor au Canada;
- La capacité à travailler de façon autonome et l’aptitude à télétravailler en collaboration avec une petite équipe dans un environnement en constante évolution;
- La capacité à s’adapter au rythme du secteur privé et l’aptitude à répondre aux besoins des secteurs des technologies et de l’innovation tout en respectant les dates butoirs fixées par le gouvernement;
- L’aptitude à faire preuve en tout temps d’un professionnalisme exemplaire avec les membres du CCI, le conseil d’administration, les représentants du gouvernement et les autres acteurs de l’industrie;
- Une grande minutie et le sens aigu de l’organisation;
- L’esprit d’initiative et la capacité à travailler de façon autonome avec un minimum de supervision;
- L’ingéniosité et l’aptitude à relever des défis et à sortir des schémas habituels de pensée pour rechercher des solutions créatives;
- Le désir de faire partie d’une équipe très motivée, ambitieuse et inclusive, composée de personnalités dynamiques.
Ce poste représente une occasion unique pour un leader passionné. Pour soumettre votre candidature, veuillez faire parvenir votre demande et les documents connexes à mgaudreault@boyden.com avant le 4 décembre 2023 en indiquant le titre du poste dans l’objet de votre courriel.Nous remercions toutes les personnes de leur intérêt pour ce poste. Veuillez toutefois noter que nous ne communiquerons qu’avec les candidats retenus pour la suite du processus.Le Conseil canadien des innovateurs souscrit à l’équité en matière d’emploi. Nous encourageons fortement les femmes, les Autochtones, les personnes handicapées et les membres des minorités visibles à poser leur candidature. Conformément aux exigences de Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada, toutes les personnes qualifiées sont invitées à postuler ; la priorité sera toutefois accordée aux citoyens canadiens et aux résidents permanents.Conformément à la Loi sur l’accessibilité pour les personnes handicapées de l’Ontario (LAPHO), le Conseil canadien des innovateurs offre des mesures d’adaptation raisonnables aux personnes handicapées. S’ils sont contactés pour une entrevue, les candidats doivent faire connaître leurs besoins en matière d’adaptation à ce moment-là.
+++
Location: Montréal
The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) is a national business association representing over 150 of Canada’s fastest-growing technology-intensive companies. Companies within CCI’s portfolio are market leaders in their verticals and commercialize their technologies in over 190 countries, generating between $10M - $750M in annual recurring revenue. CCI’s member companies are all headquartered in Canada and collectively employ over 52,000 Canadians from coast to coast.
Position Description
Reporting to the Vice President, Strategy and Advocacy, CCI’s Quebec Director will work closely with the Quebec government to advance CCI’s priorities and will work to ensure the government’s policies, regulations, and legislation reflect the needs of our members. CCI’s Quebec Director will be responsible for increasing the visibility of CCI in Quebec, identifying opportunities for collaboration and dialogue between CCI’s members and the Government of Quebec, cultivating and managing relationships with government officials, media, and stakeholder groups, and working to achieve CCI’s provincial advocacy priorities.
CCI’s Quebec Director will work on a wide range of public policy files and will be expected to immerse themselves in discussions taking place within the provincial government, so they become a resource to CCI’s membership. On any given day, CCI’s Quebec Director could be participating and advancing ideas in discussions on a variety of topics, including but not limited to procurement modernization, talent and skills development, data and privacy regulations, sectoral strategies, digitizing government, data and privacy regulations, and intellectual property frameworks. CCI’s Quebec Director Lead will also be expected to become familiar with Quebec business support programs, tax regime, and immigration systems.
CCI’s Quebec Director will be expected to connect regularly with members of the media, at times acting as official CCI spokesperson on certain topics and providing on-record statements to media communicating CCI’s position.
CCI’s Quebec Director will work closely with CCI’s Director of Member Success in developing membership recruitment strategies and ensuring CCI’s suite of member services are meeting the needs of current and prospective members of the council.From time to time, CCI’s Quebec Director will be called upon to monitor and collaborate on legislative happenings across the country that may have an impact on Quebec’s innovation sector and CCI’s CEOs.
Essential Duties
- Design, coordinate and execute a Government of Quebec engagement strategy that supports member CEO advocacy;
- Abide by all provincial and federal lobbying rules and regulations;
- Organize discussions and forums between Quebec innovators and public-policy leaders related to the priorities of CCI and its membership;
- Assist in the education of CCI members regarding provincial and federal government business support programs;
- Develop a strong understanding of members' businesses, market landscapes and industry trends;
- Monitor current and upcoming provincial legislation and regulations that have an impact on Québec’s innovation sector, and when necessary, coordinate industry responses to government measures and decisions;
- Contribute to the planning and execution of CCI’s national advocacy agenda, including large-scale advocacy events attended by senior government officials, policy makers and politicians;
- Support the Director of Member Success with the planning and execution of CCI’s regional growth initiatives, including business development in Quebec as well as onboarding of new CCI members;
- Support CCI’s communications team in the development of media products, including opinion pieces, newsletters, budget submissions, and reports.
- Grow and maintain relationships with members of the local media by developing and delivering strategic and effective media pitches that advance our advocacy efforts.
Ideal Profile
Desired Skills and Competencies
- A deep understanding of the Government of Québec and parliamentary processes will be essential to your success in this role;
- A strong understanding and passion for growing Canada’s innovation sector;
- The ability to work independently and telework collaboratively with a small team and thrive in a fast-paced environment;
- The ability to work at the pace of the private sector, responding to the needs of the innovation community and tech sector while meeting government deadlines;
- Consistently maintain a high level of professionalism with CCI membership, the Board of Directors, government officials and other key stakeholders;
- Attention to detail and with superior organizational skills;
- A self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimal oversight;
- The ability to think outside the box, be resourceful and solutions orientated;
- Be part of a highly driven, dynamic, inclusive team with energetic personalities.
This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated and passionate leader. To apply for this position, please submit your application and related materials to mgaudreault@boyden.com before December 4th, 2023, and state the title of the position in the subject line of your email.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.
The Council of Canadian Innovators is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. In keeping with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requirements, all qualified persons are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
In compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Council of Canadian Innovators provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If contacted for an interview, applicants should make any accommodation needs known at that time.