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TORONTO — Former BlackBerry executive Jim Balsillie is being appointed to a five-year term as chair of Sustainable Development Technology Canada.

The federal agency was set up in 2001 to support projects that develop and demonstrate new technologies that promote sustainable development.

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Balsillie was co-chief executive and co-chairman of the company that invented the BlackBerry smartphone.

Under the leadership of Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis, the company formerly known as Research In Motion became a leader in the global smartphone industry.

Both men have since left the Waterloo, Ont.-based company.

Industry Minister Joe Oliver announced Balsillie’s appointment to the post in Toronto.

© Thomson Reuters 2013