New CEO of CCI Vows to Enhance Support for Canadian Businesses

The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) has appointed Patrick Searle as its new chief executive, effective January 2026. Searle steps into the role as the organization navigates ongoing trade tensions with the United States and as the Canadian federal government introduces new technology initiatives. He succeeds Benjamin Bergen, the founding CEO, who will transition to lead the Canadian Venture Capital Association.

Searle, who has been with CCI since 2017 and served as vice-president of corporate affairs, expressed enthusiasm about the organization’s evolving mission. “I’m excited for the next chapter and big shift of CCI, which is becoming more the voice of Canadian business and not only for tech,” he stated. He emphasized that in today’s economy, “every company is a tech company,” underscoring the need for an advocacy group that represents Canadian-headquartered firms across various sectors.

Currently, CCI represents 175 businesses, including notable high-growth companies like Xanadu Technologies Inc. and Themis Solutions Inc., better known as Clio. Searle anticipates that 2026 will be a pivotal year for Canadian businesses, particularly as negotiations surrounding the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) continue and as the federal government unveils its updated national strategy on artificial intelligence (AI) and a significant quantum computing initiative.

The recent announcement of the U.S. national security strategy highlights a shift in how technology companies are perceived. The U.S. aims to strengthen its economy by linking technological advancements to national security. “If we take anything away from the U.S. announcement last week, it’s that they have shifted their view that technology companies are national security assets,” Searle noted. He added, “We do not have the same view in Canada. Our job at CCI is to make sure that the government is having those important conversations.”

Jim Balsillie, chair of CCI and former co-CEO of BlackBerry Ltd., echoed Searle’s sentiments. He criticized the unilateral nationalist behavior exhibited by the previous U.S. administration, stating, “Canada needs to come up with a plan and I’ve not seen it yet.” Balsillie pointed out that the latest federal budget failed to address crucial issues like data as an economic asset, artificial intelligence, and intellectual property, suggesting a missed opportunity for significant reform.

Under Searle’s leadership, CCI is also expanding its lobbying efforts. In October, CCI launched Signa Strategies, a for-profit entity aimed at assisting small and mid-sized Canadian companies in engaging with federal and provincial governments. Searle explained that this initiative offers personalized support, including meetings with policymakers, and aims to help Canadian companies better navigate government processes. He noted that the earnings from Signa will fund CCI’s programs and events.

Balsillie further contributed to the cause by donating $10 million to establish the Canadian Shield Institute, a think tank focused on national security, industrial strategy, and innovation. “This is the big moment for Canadians and our government to wake up to these tough conversations we need to have about what sovereignty in Canada looks like in 2026 and beyond,” Searle concluded. He expressed confidence that the upcoming year will be crucial for asserting Canadian sovereignty in an increasingly competitive global landscape.