March 5, 2026

The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that it will continue to allow Ukrainians arriving under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program to pay domestic tuition rates. The program was first launched in 2023, and the newest extension will ensure the program continues until 2030. “Extending this support to 2030 ensures learners have the stability, opportunity and encouragement they need to complete their education and potentially contribute to Saskatchewan’s future,” said SK Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff. SK will reassess the program in 2029 to decide on a further extension.

The Government of Canada and six research funding organizations are investing over $41M in cancer prevention research. The funding will go to 19 teams completing work on new approaches to cancer prevention, cancer risk reduction, and early cancer detection. These teams include researchers from postsecondary institutions such as McGill University, Queen’s University, Université Laval, the University of British Columbia, the University of Calgary, the University of Manitoba, and the University of Toronto. “Research can save lives and reduce the burden of cancer. Scientists, clinicians, trainees, survivors, families, cancer advocates, and others all have a role to play,” said Federal Minister of Health Marjorie Michel.

A Queen’s University field study group has been stuck in Qatar since Friday, following the closure of the region’s airspace. Queen’s Professor Stephen Lougheed and 16 students were flying home from a biology field study in Sri Lanka when their flight was forced to land in Doha. Qatar Airlines has relocated the group to a local hotel where they await the opportunity to return to Canada. Lougheed said that he and the students regularly gather to share updates, eat meals, and provide mutual support. Queen’s expressed that the safety of the group was their top priority, and that they have been in touch with students’ families about the current situation.

In addition to the recently announced Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy, there have been several additional announcements and investments into the Canada-India relationship that are pertinent to postsecondary education. The Government of Canada announced $10M through the Indo-Pacific Scholarships and Fellowships for Canadians program, including support for Canadian graduate students and researchers interested in collaborating with Indian academics. Canada and India have also announced partnerships related to space, culture, and economic and commercial opportunities. Canada also highlighted the University of Toronto’s recent announcement that it will offer an additional 274 scholarships ($25M value) this admissions cycle to support Indian students.

The University of Prince Edward Island celebrated the launch of an undergraduate major in Indigenous Studies yesterday. The program, which is accepting students for the Fall 2026 semester, will cover topics such as Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation, and will contain both land-based and traditional classroom learning. UPEI VP Academic and Research Dr Greg Naterer said that the major builds on the institution’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #63: “Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.”

Medicine Hat College has received $2M from the Government of Alberta toward the planning and design of its proposed Centre for Community Wellness. This centre will support health and community service programs with expanded experiential learning and simulation spaces. It will also house campus wellness supports—such as childcare, counselling, Indigenous student supports, and medical services—for students and community members. “We are grateful for this planning investment, which allows us to take the next steps toward building a facility that meets the wellness needs of our students and community while preparing the next generation of health and social service professionals,” said MHC President Kevin Shufflebotham.

The Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE) has published the results of its annual members survey, which examines continuing education (CE) activities. The 44 participating institutions reported more than 576,000 CE registrations, of which about 289,000 were in career and workforce development programming. “The data shows that continuing education plays a far greater role in Canada’s learning and workforce landscape than many realize,” explained CAUCE Data Collection Committee Acting Chair Lisa Rochman. CAUCE notes that more than half of respondents’ CE registrations are not captured in government enrolment reporting. Among those that offer programming to international students, 79% reported a decline in international registrations.

Sheridan College and International Business University have signed an MOU outlining several new initiatives. The institutions will work together to create pathways for Sheridan graduates to enter IIBU’s master’s programs, as well as to create transfer credit agreements, exchange opportunities, and expand research collaboration. “This partnership reinforces Sheridan’s commitment to fueling our communities and economy through the development of future-ready business leaders,” said Sheridan Provost Mary Vaughan. IBU President Dr Asima Vezina added that the college-university partnership would expand access to education for learners, providing opportunities that “might otherwise feel out of reach.”

Université de Montréal has launched an inaugural diplomat in residence role in its Faculty of Arts and Science. The role will be held by alumnus and former federal cabinet minister Stéphane Dion. In the role, Dion will offer his expertise to the UMontréal community on a variety of subjects, from democracy and international peace to climate change. “I’ll be able to share my experience in various courses, at the invitation of professors; I’ll participate in conferences or perhaps give some myself,” said Dion. “I’ll help students with research projects on which I might have an informed point of view.”

Providence University College’s Master of Management degree has formally received accreditation from CPHR Manitoba. Starting this year, eligible program graduates may qualify for a waiver exempting them from CPHR Manitoba’s National Knowledge Exam. “Partnering with CPHR Manitoba creates meaningful opportunities for our students to accelerate their professional journey and contribute to the HR profession with excellence and integrity,” said Providence Buller School of Business Associate Dean Nicole Barnabé. Providence says that this is its first recognition under CPHR Manitoba, and the first CPHR-accredited graduate program in Manitoba.