Canadian innovation has a cost problem almost nobody talks about. Not the cost of building things, but the cost of giving them away after they work.

Jim Balsillie's argument is pointed: Canadian policy is captured by foreign corporate interests and still built on a 1970s production economy model. The result is that Canada funds the research, loses the IP, exports the data, and competes on cheap labour instead of owning value.

If Canada had kept pace with the US in the data economy since 2010, there would be an extra trillion dollars a year in the economy. The BBM conversation, what it could have been and what it became, makes the same case differently.

Topics: Canadian innovation, digital sovereignty, BlackBerry, data economy, IP policy

GUEST: Jim Balsillie | Council of Canadian Innovators

Originally aired on 2026-05-26

Canadian innovation has a cost problem almost nobody talks about. Not the cost of building things, but the cost of giving them away after they work.
Jim Balsillie's argument is pointed: Canadian policy is captured by foreign corporate interests and still built on a 1970s production economy model. The result is that Canada funds the research, loses the IP, exports the data, and competes on cheap labour instead of owning value.
If Canada had kept pace with the US in the data economy since 2010, there would be an extra trillion dollars a year in the economy. The BBM conversation, what it could have been and what it became, makes the same case differently.
Topics: Canadian innovation, digital sovereignty, BlackBerry, data economy, IP policy
GUEST: Jim Balsillie | Council of Canadian Innovators
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-26

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.