BlackBerry launched its Q10 smartphone in Canada  here in the GTA.

The device has a traditional keyboard popular with government and business users.

A company spokesman says the release timing is to ensure that supply meets what he says is “absolutely phenomenal demand” for the Q10 from users who prefer the ease of typing with a hard keyboard.

The release at retailers and on several mobile network carriers will expand across Canada later in the week.

Blackberry stock closed on the TSX down 61 cents at  $15.89.