March 25, 2026

The Government of Québec recently released its 2026-2027 Budget, which is focused on the economy and businesses. The QC higher education department will receive funds to increase its expenditures by 3.7%, due to rising enrolment, and QC has made investments of note in student financial aid, student mental health, and infrastructure. The budget has elicited mixed reactions: The Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire and the Fédération des cégeps generally welcomed the budget, though the Fédération noted that more investment was needed to meet infrastructure and maintenance needs, while student groups like Fédération étudiante collégiale du Québec were disappointed with the funding. Thousands of students from the Coalition de résistance pour l’unité étudiante syndicale (CRUES) are on strike to protest austerity measures in education, according to City News.

The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has released a report on the findings of its review of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s international student program reforms. The auditor general noted successes on the fronts of controlling the growth of the international student program and the implementation of new systems, while also identifying weaknesses on fronts such as the IRCC’s response to suspected cases of fraud and non-compliance. It also noted that the actual decrease in study permit approvals was much greater than projected and that the reduction in new study permits disproportionately affected smaller provinces. The report outlines several recommendations for IRCC, including changes to its response to fraud, its controls for study permit extensions, and its analysis for determining annual study permit allocations.

University of British Columbia and InBC Investment Corp have partnered to create the UBC Catalyst Ventures Fund, which will be used to accelerate and scale up innovative companies. As co-lead investors, UBC and InBC have each invested $10M, with the plan of securing additional investment from private investors to increase the investible capital to a total of $40M. “This partnership will enable companies to scale in B.C. and extend the impact of UBC’s research and innovation,” said UBC President Benoit-Antoine Bacon. “It is a perfect example of what we can do by working together.”

Luminary, an Indigenous-led innovation and economic collaboration hub, has published the results of a study of the state of Indigenous engagement at Canadian business schools. Through a survey of 48 business schools, Luminary explored Indigenous engagement strategies, student supports, curriculum, and partnerships and research with Indigenous organizations. Among the study’s findings, the authors noted that only 59% of business schools had an Indigenous strategy in place; 48% had a formal response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and 50% offered at least one Indigenous course. The report also noted a strong interest among business schools in expanding their Indigenous curriculum and engagement, even where their capacity remained limited.

Mount Allison University has received a $3M investment from the Government of New Brunswick to support the construction of its forthcoming multi-sport complex: The Scott McCain and Leslie McLean Centre for Health and Wellness. When it opens in 2030, the centre will serve the university’s 2,400 students and residents from the broader community. The complex will include a 2,400 square-metre playing surface, a walking track, and a multi-purpose space. “[The centre] will create a dynamic, accessible space that supports varsity and recreational athletics, strengthens community connections, and serves the region for generations to come,” commented MtA President Ian Sutherland.

Mount Royal University and Royal Roads University have partnered to expand access to graduate education in Alberta. Beginning in Fall 2026, Alberta-based learners enrolled in select Royal Roads graduate certificate programs will complete a required in-person residency in Calgary at MRU. The institutions say that this will reduce the amount of interprovincial travel and expand access to programs. Both MRU President Tim Rahilly and Royal Roads President Philip Steenkamp emphasized the importance of expanding access to graduate education and responding to learner needs.

Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College have announced that they are relaunching their Master of Journalism/Juris Doctor combined degree program. The program provides learners with a mixture of legal training and investigative reporting skills. Dal Schulich Law Associate Dean, Academic Jodi Lazare explained that the key forces driving the program’s revival were the issue of misinformation online and the weakening of journalism. U of King’s College Associate Professor of Journalism Lisa Taylor added that media literacy for lawyers is “invaluable” in the information age. The institutions are also exploring collaboration opportunities, such as having journalism students cover law students’ mock trials or offering cross-listed electives.

Durham College and the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland have announced that they are collaborating on a joint online Renewable Energy Project Management program. The program will provide learners with project management skills and knowledge of the renewable energy projects sector. “There is an immediate need for training that equips professionals with the expertise required to drive sustainable energy projects forward, and this collaboration helps us meet that need,” explained Durham Business and Workforce Development Managing Director Robin Young. The program is expected to launch in the fall.

The Cégep de Rimouski celebrated the opening of its Pavillon de l’éducation physique et des sports last week, following an $18.5M renovation. The building—built in the 1970s—was completely overhauled to refresh the gyms and dojo, and create more space for activities. In order to address the building’s renovation and maintenance costs, the cégep has also begun to charge students and staff to use the facilities. The cégep’s student association has called for free access to the facilities for students in the future. Cégep de Rimouski Directrice générale Julie Gass said she plans to discuss the matter with the student association in the future.

Striking workers at NSCAD University will return to work on Monday following a vote in favour of arbitration. Staff represented by CUPE 3912 voted 89% in favour, ending the ongoing strike that began earlier this month. CUPE Representative Mary-Dan Johnston explained that the move to seek first contract arbitration was done to protect employees, citing NSCAD U’s “unwillingness” to bargain, and that the union is confident that the arbitrator will agree with their requests. NSCAD U thanked CUPE members for voting to participate in arbitration and their commitment to “moving forward together.” The union says that further details will be provided upon finalization of the agreement.