April 21, 2025

Last week, postsecondary students across Canada cast their ballots in advanced polls for the upcoming federal election. Students told CBC and the Edmonton Journal that the issues driving their votes included relations with the US, education, gender and reproductive rights, and the cost of living. Several students also commended the convenience of having the opportunity to vote directly on campus. University of Calgary Students’ Union President Ermia Rezaei-Afsah told Livewire Calgary that the on-campus polling stations have been essential in ensuring that students have the time and opportunity to vote, especially during exams.

Concordia University has received a nearly $2.6M gift from Desjardins Group toward its ongoing fundraising campaign supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and professional development. The donation will primarily be used for two efforts: Campus Startup Desjardins—a suite of programs that accelerate the creation of scientific and technology start-ups—and Career Development Initiatives—such as an annual career fair, internships, and a women in finance effort. The gift will also support a variety of events. “This investment will not only directly benefit our students, but also support businesses throughout Quebec with greater access to top young talent,” said Concordia John Molson School Dean Anne-Marie Croteau.

CEOWORLD Magazine recently released its 2025 Best Business Schools in the World ranking and 10 Canadian business schools have made the list. The ranking is based on a survey of students, industry partners, and corporate recruiters. The three highest ranking Canadian business schools were the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business (#52), the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology School of Business (#53), and McGill University Desautels Faculty of Management (#80). These were closely followed by the business schools at Queen’s University (#90), the University of British Columbia (#91), the University of Alberta (#93), Western University (#97), York University (#103), Carleton University (#107), and the University of Guelph (#110).

Northwestern Polytechnic and Fort Vermilion School Division (FVSD) have established a partnership that will create a pathway for remote FVSD students to pursue NWP’s Bachelor of Elementary Education degree. Aspiring teachers will complete in-person and remote courses through NWP and take part in course practicums in FVSD elementary schools. FVSD Superintendent Mike McMann stated that the division is “beyond excited to pioneer teacher training with NWP – right here at home.” The pathway project will be piloted over the next four years.

The University of Northern British Columbia and the University of Victoria have each embarked on initiatives alongside Indigenous community partners in the spirit of reconciliation. UNBC has partnered with the Sahtú Land and Water Board on an oilfield reclamation project guided by Sahtú Dene and Métis perspectives. This project helps these communities participate in reclamation processes. UVic’s Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) and the First Nations Leadership Council have entered into a climate-focused Relationship Protocol. UVic PICS Executive Director Ian Munro explained that the protocol “creates a meaningful foundation for academic and community partnerships that benefit[s] First Nations and their lands and waters.” The four-year protocol is aligned with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The University of Saskatchewan and Die Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover (TiHo)—a veterinary medicine school in Germany—have signed a memorandum of understanding that will of foster research and economic connections. The MOU formalizes the preexisting relationship between USask and TiHo researchers, furthering connections in research and education. “Our university and our province have enjoyed strong relationships with our counterparts in Germany for decades,” said USask VP, Research, Dr Baljit Singh. “This newest MOU, witnessed by our premier, will give us the energy and capacity to address the greatest challenges of today as a unified, co-operative front.”

Portage College and the University College of the North are each offering new and expanded training opportunities. Portage is introducing the Apprenticeship Carpentry and Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician programs at the Lac La Biche campus. Students in these programs will be able to continue their studies to gain full journeyperson certification. UCN has expanded its Health Care Aide program from 30 training seats to 130, thanks to a $619K investment from the Government of Manitoba Advanced Education and Training. This expansion will increase access to health care education in The Pas, Swan River, and Thompson, as well as at rotating sites.

Indigenous leaders and organizations such as the BC Civil Liberties Assocation have spoken out against the lawsuit brought forward by a group of professors and a graduate student from the University of British Columbia. The Chiefs of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, and Westbank First Nation each issued statements expressing their disappointment with the lawsuit and supporting UBC’s current positioning. BCCLA Executive Director Liza Hughes issued a statement condemning the lawsuit as “a perverse interpretation” of the University Act, adding that BCCLA is “deeply disturbed” to see a former board member among the participants.

Several postsecondary institutions have recently embarked on nuclear power-related collaborations. McMaster University and the University of Saskatchewan have each independently signed agreements with Westinghouse Electric Company that are focused on the eVinci® Microreactor. McMaster is working to move this technology toward commercialization, while USask is working on technical development and deployment. George Brown College’s Brookfield Sustainability Institute and Ontario Tech University have partnered to explore how “nano reactors” could expand access to clean energy, particularly in remote and rural communities.

Collège Boréal, Lakeland College, and Okanagan College have received equipment donations that will support student learning. Boréal has received a scooptram —donated by global mining company Vale Base Metals—that will provide Heavy Equipment Technician program students with additional hands-on learning opportunities. Lakeland has received a 5,000-bushel grain bin from Meridian Manufacturing Ltd. This bin will provide crop technology students working on the student-managed farm on campus with additional storage, giving them a larger window of time to market grain. Meanwhile, Okanagan has received six global navigation satellite survey systems from GeoVerra, which will be used in the Civil Engineering Technology program to provide students with hands-on experience with tools used in the construction industry.