April 16, 2025

Scientists from the University of Manitoba have penned an open letter calling on the federal government to prioritize research funding amid what they describe as an “international innovative vacuum.” Addressed to federal party leaders, the letter warns that recent US program cancellations and restrictions on scientific research could affect Canada’s own research landscape. The letter has been endorsed by more than 500 researchers across Canada. Among its recommendations, the letter urges the next government to remove the international student cap, establish a “research accelerator fund,” and increase funding for the Tri-Council agencies. “Canada must act—to protect our own scientific capacity, and to start filling the void that has been created in global science leadership and innovation,” write the authors.

North Island College has opted to end its lease for the Ucluelet Learning Centre, reports Times Colonist. Instead, the college will deliver programs through an “in-community approach” that uses online learning and classes taught by travelling staff. This approach will build on the college’s partnerships with local schools, WorkBC offices, and other locations. The site’s closure will reportedly involve some staffing changes, including the elimination of a seasonal position. NIC spokesperson Melanie Nagy said that the funds saved from the lease will be reinvested into programming. Ahousaht Nation First Council member Crystal Frank stated that the move will eliminate the need for nation members to travel to Ucluelet for classes by bringing education into the community.

The Government of Manitoba, Government of New Brunswick, and Government of Québec are each supporting the development of more student housing. MB, along with the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund and Prairies Canada, will contribute $2M toward the University College of the North’s new student housing project. The facility will open in Flin Flon in Fall 2025. NB has announced $569K in funding for the Université de Moncton and $555K for the University of New Brunswick to support student housing-related studies and planning work. Meanwhile, QC, the Ville de Gatineau, and the Université du Québec en Outaouais have marked the start of construction on a $36.6M housing facility that will include 91 affordable housing units for students. This will reportedly be UQO’s first student residence.

In an article for The Conversation, Andrew Maxwell (York University) argues that Canada needs a coordinated innovation policy. The author notes that, according to recent OECD data, Canada ranks among the highest in public research and development investments compared to global peers, but that it is among the lowest in innovation outcomes such as productivity growth and technology adoption. To close this gap, Maxwell writes that the country needs a non-partisan national innovation institution to advise on strategy, evaluate outcomes, and embed technical expertise into policy at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. “Let’s build the structures that allow Canadian ingenuity to thrive—not in theory, but in practice,” the author concludes.

Selkirk College will close its learning centres in Kaslo and Nakusp this year to address ongoing financial challenges. In a statement, Selkirk said that this decision was informed by enrolment trends and program delivery costs. “While this decision wasn’t made lightly, it’s part of a larger plan to ensure Selkirk College remains financially sustainable and continues to serve our region for generations to come,” said Selkirk President Maggie Matear. “In the meantime, we remain committed to supporting access to education and training for residents of Kaslo and Nakusp, and we’ll be consulting with them on what some alternative delivery models could look like.”

Cambrian College’s administration is reportedly recommending that the college suspend the intakes for “several programs,” starting this September. In a statement, the college said that most of the programs in question rely heavily on international student enrolment, are no longer eligible for post-graduate work permits, and/or do not have sufficient domestic enrolment to justify a new intake. OPSEU Local 655 President Neil Shyminsky stated that the faculty union was assured that the college “will make efforts to maintain as many positions as possible.” However, Shyminsky added that the scale of recent announcements across Ontario has left many faculty members concerned. The recommended suspensions put before the Board of Governors at an upcoming meeting.

The College of the North Atlantic will receive $650K from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to develop a virtual research and training facility using digital twin technology. The facility—which will be developed in partnership with technology company GRi Simulations—will be tailored to the mining industry and draw on data from key mine sites. “The Mining Simulation Lab emerging from this work will result in both advanced simulator development for mining operations and state-of-the-art training capacity to foster next generation operators in the industry,” said CNA Dean of Applied Research and Innovation Dr Michael Long.

The University of Toronto and chemical company BASF Canada have signed a master research agreement focused on streamlining innovation and increasing collaboration. This agreement BASF will gain access to U of T’s research and innovations, benefit from significant cost savings through government matching funds and tax incentives, and increase its visibility in Canada’s research community. U of T Acting AVP of International Partnerships Dr David Wolfe explained that partnerships with global leaders like BASF are crucial if the university wants to “truly move the needle in this field” through research. As part of this partnership, U of T and BASF have launched five projects focused on sustainability and innovation in agriculture and chemistry.

The Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal’s hate crimes unit is investigating vandalism at Concordia University’s Azrieli Institute of Israel Studies. According to Concordia, on April 10, five masked individuals spray-painted the institute’s door and surveillance camera and broke a window. Concordia President Graham Carr has condemned the actions, stating that they were “rooted in hate and intended to intimidate” and “have absolutely no place in our community.” Carr added that Concordia officials will work closely with the Montréal police on the investigation. At the time of writing, no arrests had been made.

Laurentian University’s End-of-Life Doula program has earned national accreditation from the End-of-Life Doula Association of Canada (EOLDAC). The association recognized the program for the structure of its curriculum, teaching competences, and student resources. “This program opens doors,” said program alumna Rikki Sibbald. “It’s changed the way I think about death, and it’s given me the tools to help others do the same.”