June 24, 2026

Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu has received approval and $28M in support from the Government of Québec to begin construction on its planned global health clinic. The building will house several programs, including the cégep’s biomedical analysis technology, physiotherapy techniques, social work techniques, and nursing programs, and will contain active learning classes, observation rooms, a collaborative student space, and a clinic where services will be provided to the community. Nathalie Beaudoin, directrice générale of Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu explained that the building will simultaneously strengthen links between programs at the cégep and meet the population’s growing health needs. Construction will begin this month and is expected to take two years.

The University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health has received a $6M donation to establish two endowed professorships focused on advancing Indigenous health research in Canada. The Ozhaawashkobinesiik Professorship in Indigenous Health Systems Research and a second, unnamed professorship will focus on research and education initiatives that will address systemic health inequities and improve health outcomes for Indigenous people. “These new professorships in Indigenous health systems research and Indigenous public health research will build on the school’s interdisciplinary scholarship, policy development and capacity building,” said U of T Dalla Lana School Acting Dean Audrey Laporte.

Queen’s University and Université de Sherbrooke have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance sovereign computing within Canada. The partnership will involve quantum sector experts from USherbrooke working with a global top-10 AI supercomputer which will be hosted at Queen’s. The universities will also collaborate with other Canadian partners to strengthen Canada’s computing capabilities. “By bringing together leadership in supercomputing and quantum technologies, we are helping create a national ecosystem that will accelerate discovery, strengthen Canada’s digital sovereignty, and support innovation for researchers, industry and the public sector,” explained Queen’s Vice-Principal, Research Nancy Ross.

When AI can be increasingly used to mask one’s true competencies, oral communication becomes the new key skill that students should focus on developing, argues Bruce Hood (University of Bristol). Bristol uses the results from a 2024 National Association of Colleges and Employers survey to explain that oral communication is seen as one of the most sought-after skills by recruiters. To improve oral communication skills, he suggests that universities begin treating these skills as core learning components of programs. Citing solutions like the “Three Minute Thesis” competition, he argues that students should have opportunities to hone their oral communication skills, as well as ways to prove to employers that they have done so.

Collège Lionel-Groulx will undertake preliminary studies and planning to potentially expand its Sainte-Thérèse campus as the institution continues to contend with increased enrolment. This project would add spaces to the college’s Sainte-Thérèse campus to accommodate the growing student population, support student success, and improve teaching and learning conditions. The college will use a $7.5M investment from the Government of Québec to complete these plans and improve the college’s real estate portfolio.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) have signed an MOU to formalize their relationship and strengthen opportunities for students in Saskatchewan. This five-year agreement will provide students from middle school to postsecondary with access to flexible learning opportunities, which will in turn support the province’s skilled workforce development. Through the MOU, the partners will explore further opportunities to expand student experiences. “Our partnership with Sask DLC builds on our shared commitment to flexible, hands-on learning opportunities that connect students to high-demand careers and support the province’s evolving workforce needs,” said Sask Polytech President Dr Larry Rosia.

Cambrian College, Niagara College, and Northern College have partnered on the SkillShift-04 Mongolia project, which will support vocational and technical teacher training in Mongolia. Northern will lead the consortium in creating a competency-based teacher training program that can support reforms in Mongolia’s education sector. The consortium will work with the Mongolian Ministry of Education, General Education Authority, and polytechnic institutions on this program. The project team will return to Mongolia later in the year to deliver its first training component, while representatives from Mongolian institutions will visit the three colleges in 2027.

The now defunct University of Regina Student Union and UR Pride have signed a settlement agreement to end a legal dispute between the two organizations. Regina Leader-Post reports that URSU has agreed to pay $225K in fees that it allegedly withheld from UR Pride in 2024. UR Pride Board VP Style Stenberg confirmed that URSU had paid “the bulk” of the amount as of mid-June and that UR Pride is “ready to move on.” URSU lawyer Michael Scott also stated that URSU was “glad to come to an agreement.” The settlement also stipulates that neither party admits to any “fault, wrongdoing, or liability of any kind” in the interest of ending the dispute.

The University of Prince Edward Island’s Atlantic Veterinary College will expand its seats to meet the demand for veterinarians. In August 2027, the college will introduce an additional 25 seats to the program. “Our primary mission is the Atlantic provinces, and we’re very aware that there’s certainly a veterinary shortage being felt close to home,” said AVC Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs Dr Anne Marie Carey. “By graduating more veterinarians, we hope that more people will stay in this region and address some of that shortage.”

Fleming College has introduced Lacrosse Sixes to its athletics program, creating an opportunity for students to learn more about Indigenous cultures, traditions, and history. In its first season, the Fleming Phoenix lacrosse team will play against other postsecondary institutions across Ontario. “Athletics play an important role in building community, leadership and personal growth,” said Fleming AVP, Student Experience Joanne Spicer. “This program not only expands opportunities for our student-athletes but also creates pathways for cultural learning and understanding.” Fleming states that the introduction of the game is also part of its commitment to Indigenous learning and reconciliation.