June 26, 2025

The University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Arts has launched an initiative called “Human Intelligence for human futures.” The initiative introduces a suite of online humanities courses for 2026 that emphasize the importance of experiential learning, critical thinking, and human agency in an AI-driven world. These courses will explore topics such as ethics and digital culture as students learn how to navigate and challenge algorithmic influence. As part of this effort, UOttawa has also launched a video series called Futures Foretold, which features UOttawa students speculating on what a human future could look like.

In Alberta, several institutions in the Calgary region are preparing for the internationally renowned Calgary Stampede. Institutions like ABM College, MaKami College, and the University of Alberta have announced that they will be hosting special breakfast events. Meanwhile, the University of Calgary is continuing to work with the stampede on research into animal welfare at the event. “We’re very fortunate to have the luxury of this research that takes place here at the Stampede,” said Calgary Stampede Director of Agriculture and Western Events Kristina Barnes. “We have the ability to work with researchers, to work with animal behaviour specialists, to continue to grow the sport, to improve the sport and make it even safer.”

US News recently published its 2025-26 Best Global Universities ranking, as well as its Top Global Universities by Subject Area. A total of 43 Canadian postsecondary institutions appeared in the global rankings, three of which appeared in the top 100: University of Toronto (tied for #16), University of British Columbia (tied for #41), and McGill University (#62). Several institutions appeared among the top institutions for various subject area rankings. Some of the highest rankings included U of T (#3 for Endocrinology and Metabolism), UBC (#12 Ecology), Dalhousie University (#16 for Marine and Freshwater Biology), and McGill (#16 for Neuroscience and Behaviour).

Georgian College has received a $7.5M investment from the City of Barrie to support the creation of a downtown location. The new downtown Barrie location will offer programs in areas such as design, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship to up to 1,000 students. “Our new downtown location will offer cutting-edge facilities, strengthen our connection to the city, and provide students with immersive, real-world learning opportunities,” said Georgian President Kevin Weaver. “We’re deeply grateful to the City of Barrie for their investment in our shared future.” Georgian anticipates welcoming students to the new location in September 2026.

Students are struggling to find employment this summer as the national unemployment rate for people under 24 rises. CBC reports that youth unemployment is at one of its highest points since 1999. Several students and recent graduates spoke to CBC and CTV News about how difficult it is to connect with employers and how the lack of jobs has impacted them. “Honestly it’s making me sad and frustrated because after all my hard work and spending time studying and stuff and then I don’t get responses,” said Algonquin College student Ben Sedrine. CBC reports that students and graduates are facing a variety of barriers: While some students may not have the experience required for certain jobs, others are navigating conflicts between their school schedules and work options.

Several postsecondary institutions have announced new program pathways that will create new opportunities for students. Holland College and Humber Polytechnic came together to create a direct pathway from Holland College’s Music Performance program into a Humber Bachelor of Music Degree. Humber has also renewed a pathway agreement with Northeastern University in Toronto that enables polytechnic students to pursue a Master’s degree. Meanwhile, the University of Waterloo and St George’s University in Grenada have created two pathways—a 5-Year MD Track and 6-Year MD Track—that students can enter either directly from high school or after starting an undergraduate program. The pathways allow students to skip the MCAT process and begin training as physicians sooner.

Using AI meaningfully can facilitate learning opportunities and open new possibilities, which is more important to consider than whether students will use it to cheat on assignments, asserts Karleen Pendleton Jiménez (Trent University). In an article for the Toronto Star, Pendleton Jiménez argues that educators should embrace AI while rethinking their evaluation and teaching strategies, noting that past technological advances have not stopped people from thinking. The author shares that she has seen her students searching for “meaningful relationships with AI” and using it creatively to enhance their assignments. “[T]he sheer scope of possibilities is why I think it’s not a question of allowing students to use AI or not,” writes Pendleton Jiménez.

The Justice Institute of British Columbia, Northwestern Polytechnic, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic have each announced new programs. JIBC’s Police Academy has launched an Indigenous Cultural Safety Training program that is now integrated into its police recruit curriculum. The training comprises a series of brief videos that feature interviews with Elders and Knowledge Keepers. NWP is launching a Graphic Design Diploma in Fall 2026 that will blend learning in foundational design theory, digital media production, typography, branding, and user experience design. Students will be able to develop their skills through lab-based learning and real-world projects as they prepare for careers in areas like advertising, marketing, and web design. Sask Polytech is launching a new Digital Marketing diploma, which includes a co-op option. Graduates who complete the diploma and attain one year of work experience, including through co-op, will receive advanced standing toward the Canadian Marketing Association’s Chartered Marketer designation.

A flight school in Gimli, Manitoba that lost its ability to host international students in early 2024 has also had its flight training certification revoked due to safety concerns, reports CBC. LS Airways Flight Academy’s designated learning institution (DLI) status was revoked by the Government of Manitoba in March 2024 following an unreported change in ownership, while Transport Canada cancelled its certification in November, citing repeated regulatory violations. CBC writes that at least four lawsuits and whistleblower reports—including one from former LS Airways instructor Wayne Liu—allege the school falsified flight logs, instructed students to take unsafe actions like flying with jerry cans of fuel, and exploited international learners. LS Airways’ owner denies all allegations. The allegations have not been tested in court.

St Francis Xavier University and the Government of Nova Scotia have partnered on a project that will add 104 child-care spaces to the university campus. The project will include the removal of a building on campus to make way for the construction of the new facility, which will provide child care to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. StFX will maintain the facility once it is complete. “The university is delighted to work with the province to support access to child care for families living in local communities as well as for students, faculty and staff at StFX,” said StFX President Dr Andy Hakin.