April 24, 2023

13 applied genomics research projects being conducted across Canada have received a combined $56.7M investment through Genomics Canada, healthcare organizations, and other partners. The research projects will be conducted by the provincial Genome Centres in partnership with industry and postsecondary institutions. Academic researchers involved in the projects hail from Institut national de la recherche scientifique, McGill University, Université Laval, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, University of Manitoba, University of Saskatchewan, University of Toronto, and Western University.

Université de Montreal recently announced that it will keep a donation it received in 2016 that was linked to an alleged plot to influence Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Global News reports that the university was unable to confirm the allegations, and UMontréal rector Daniel Jutras stated that repaying the money would require the university to convince the Quebec Superior Court to void the gift “on the basis of some form of defect of consent or impersonation.” Only $550K of the promised donation was ever received, and Global reports that the university is considering reallocating the remaining $507K in funds to support initiatives under a broader theme of democracy and international relations.

Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria have received $1M to support an interdisciplinary team focused on climate solutions for BC’s rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Researchers will examine how climate change will impact communities; what communities will need to flourish; and how communities, people, and economies can be prepared for climate impacts. The researchers will work with the First Nations Housing and Infrastructure Council, BC Housing, and Technical Safety BC and will draw on community findings and case studies to inform solutions, strategies, and practical frameworks to build climate resilience and capacity.

Bishop’s University has announced that it has achieved carbon neutrality well in advance of its original 2030 goal. The university sought to achieve neutrality in terms of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from owned and controlled sources and energy purchases. This was achieved through a variety of initiatives, including implementing a geothermal loop to cease the use of heating oil and reduce the university’s consumption of natural gas. The university will purchase carbon reduction offset credits to offset its remaining GHG emissions. “Bishop’s plans to address remaining emissions through initiatives that favour public transit, and by continuing to phase out natural gas heating in favour of electric heating,” said Bishop’s Vice-Principal, Finance and Administration Isabelle Goyette.

Queen’s University Smith School of Business has announced the creation of the Quinn Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Professorship. The professorship will focus on developing the next generation of business leaders and contributing to an inclusive, diverse, and sustainable society. The position is supported by a $2.5M gift from the Quinn Family Future Foundation. “Climate change and social issues are not only significant threats to Canadian business, they can also be tremendous opportunities for organizations and entrepreneurs,” says Francisca Quinn. “We want to equip every student at Smith to expertly navigate ESG – whether in business strategy, accounting, finance, technology, or organizational systems.”

Sask Today reports that a man has been arrested after causing a disturbance at the University of Regina. Police say the 33-year-old man was “hiding in a storage closet in one of the classrooms where children were present,” and “exited the closet causing a disturbance in the classroom and then locked himself in a nearby washroom.” Police accessed the washroom with assistance from on-site security and took the man into custody. The man has been charged with causing a disturbance, failing to comply with conditions, and breach of probation.

The Government of Ontario has announced new funding to support multiple initiatives in the postsecondary sector. ON invested over 15M investment to address veterinary shortages in rural and northern communities through the creation of a new Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program at the University of Guelph and Lakehead University. Additionally, the funding will support the creation of the Veterinary Incentive Program to encourage veterinary graduates to work in underserved parts of ON. The province also invested $294K into a one-year pilot project on intellectual property literacy involving Laurentian University, Lakehead, Nipissing University, and Trent University.

In a recent article for the Chronicle of Higher Ed, Catherine M Roach discusses how she both restored her love of teaching and decluttered her office by sharing books with students. Roach describes starting a book giveaway outside of her office for students where they could also leave a comment about their reading experiences. “The giveaway began to feel like a game, an interactive art installation,” writes Roach, who noted that students would often excitedly discuss their finds outside her office. “Witnessing their love of reading reminded me of a simple yet intoxicating truth: Books are fun.”

Vancouver Community College has announced that its Automotive Service Technician program has been accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation. Students completing the program will gain a trade certificate that is both nationally and internationally recognized. “The accreditation means better automotive technicians will join the workforce, which benefits vehicle owners,” said VCC Department Head of Automotive Service Michael Coard. VCC says that it is “the first and only institution outside of the US to receive ASE accreditation.”

University College of the North has announced the official launch of Computers for Schools (C4S) Manitoba – The Pas location. The purpose of the initiative is to support education, skills development, and environmental responsibility by refurbishing computers for clients such as schools and non-profit organizations. UCN students recently tested and refurbished 30 computers for the local Kelsey School Division and Opaskwayak Educational Authority schools. “It feels really good because I’ve attended the school where they’re going,” said UCN InTeRN student Lakota Blackbird. “My daughter is at that school. I know the kids will be so excited to get these computers. They’re going to get to learn so much.”