As part of the Government of Canada's infrastructure spending, the Balsillie School of International Affairs received a boost yesterday with the announcement of $50 million in funding for the construction of the new Balsillie Centre of Excellence, to be housed beside the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Waterloo. 

This donation was matched by school founder co-CEO of Research In Motion, Jim Balsillie who noted that "This is another positive step for the vision which we started to build with CIGI in 2002...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."

Once completed, the Balsillie Centre of Excellence will house three graduate programs including the Balsillie School of International Affairs.  With construction scheduled to begin this summer, the Balsillie Centre is laying a strong foundation towards becoming one of the premiere institutions of International Affairs in North America. 

To view a press release from this event please click here, or, for more information on the Balsillie School of International Affairs please visit their website here.