June 24, 2025

Lambton College is breaking ground on a new student residence building through a public-private partnership with Tilbury Properties Corporation and Fengate Asset Management. This five-storey residence will offer space for up to 311 students in hybrid and apartment-style suites. It will include quiet study and communal spaces, lounges, and an outdoor patio space. Tilbury and Fengate will be responsible for designing, constructing, financing, operating, and maintaining the residence. Construction is anticipated to be complete in time for the building to welcome students in September 2027, replacing Lambton’s current residence which is approaching the end of its lifespan.

Mount Allison University has announced that its new multi-sport complex will be named the Scott McCain and Leslie McLean Centre for Health and Wellness, in recognition of a $5M donation from alumni Scott McCain and Leslie McLean. The facility will initially serve as an interim library during renovations to the R P Bell Library. It will later operate as a sport and recreation space for students and the broader community, with features such as removable turf and a walking track. “This facility represents our commitment to student success in every form — through sports and athletics, and academic success with a focus on wellness,” said MtA President Dr Ian Sutherland.

Universities must be allowed to do their job to support leadership, innovation, and community impact, but policy changes by the federal and provincial governments are making this difficult, writes Bishop’s University Principal Sébastien Lebel-Grenier. Lebel-Grenier writes that these policy changes affect who participates in higher education and the society that is shaped in the process. He further highlights the need to protect the role of universities as “engines of democratic life and innovation in Canada” and urges the government to give institutions the space they need to “educate, inspire and prepare the next generation.” “Let us do our job,” concludes Lebel-Grenier, “for the sake of Canada’s continued leadership, innovation, and our role as a global force for good.”

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has received a $1M gift from the Malcolm J Jenkins Family Foundation in support of the Joseph A Remai Saskatoon Campus. The donation will help create culturally welcoming spaces that support Indigenous student success and foster a strong sense of belonging. As part of Sask Polytech’s Time to Rise campaign, the donation will fund efforts to consolidate the institution’s older buildings into a modern, technology-rich learning environment. “This generous gift from the Jenkins family strengthens our ability to continue to honour our commitment to miyo wahkohtowin—good relation —with Indigenous students and communities,” said Sask Polytech President Dr Larry Rosia.

The University of King’s College has launched the African Nova Scotian Journalism Initiative, which will fully cover tuition for up to three African Nova Scotian students who are completing an undergraduate or postgraduate program in journalism. Beginning in 2026, this initiative will ensure that tuition costs are not a burden for these students or their families. “This initiative reflects our commitment to becoming a more inclusive university—one that actively supports African Nova Scotian students, not just in admission, but through to graduation and beyond,” said U of King’s College President William Lahey. “It’s a proud moment for King’s and a meaningful step forward.”

The traditional model of postsecondary education is failing to meet the needs of today’s diverse learners, explains Lisa Marsh Ryerson (Southern New Hampshire University) in a recent piece for the evoLLLution adapted from their Illumination Podcast. Ryerson argues that institutions must move beyond outdated assumptions about learner demographics—18 to 22 years old, living on campus, and studying full time—and instead adopt a “people-first philosophy” that reflects student diversity. This can include acknowledging prior learning, offering wraparound supports, and using technology to deliver timely, personalized assistance. “Designing for flexibility, responsiveness, and inclusion isn’t just smart policy—it’s a moral imperative,” Ryerson concludes.

The University of Alberta will be constructing a new gallery space on its North Campus. The Kenneth and Sandra Wong Gallery, named in honour of the project’s lead donors and their children, will be used to showcase the objects in its 30 collections in original and innovative exhibitions. The gallery will also provide UAlberta students with hands-on learning, internship, and job opportunities. Additionally, the community will be able to use the space for interactive learning experiences, workshops, lectures, and events. Construction will begin in July, with plans for the opening exhibition in early 2027.

A University of Regina professor has been found liable for defamation and interference with contractual relations after calling a journalist’s book “racist garbage” in a 2017 Facebook post. The book, which challenges the findings of the Neil Stonechild inquiry, was the subject of public criticism by Dr Michelle Stewart. CBC reports that Stewart had not read it and was contacting venues to encourage cancellation of signing events. The Regina Court of King’s Bench ruled that Stewart’s actions were reckless and damaging. Author Candis McLean sought $165.6K in damages and was awarded $6K, writes SaskToday.

Algoma University has marked several milestones recently. The university recently came together with the Children of Shingqauk Alumni Association to mark the official turning of the earth for Makwa Waakaa’igan, a National Centre of Cultural Excellence. The centre, which will reportedly be the first of its kind in the province, will be used to teach Canadians about residential schools and celebrate Indigenous culture and research. AlgomaU is also sponsoring the City of Brampton’s Heartbeats in Arts & Culture Program, which connects Black and Indigenous high school students with artists and professionals for mentorship.

George Brown College and the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières are launching new training initiatives to address evolving workforce demands. GBC is launching a Customs and Trade certificate in January 2026. The program will prepare graduates for careers in customs, compliance, and international trade through hands-on training with industry software and up-to-date regulatory knowledge. Meanwhile, UQTR and the Association québécoise du loisir public have begun a one-year partnership to deliver a non-credit continuing education program for public leisure professionals. The program includes six sessions focused on topics such as leisure values, municipal environments, facilities development, and inclusive recreation planning—particularly for aging populations.