April 8, 2026

Statistics Canada has released a report on the job mismatch experienced by core-aged workers with postsecondary education, which reveals that recent immigrants have a higher rate of job mismatch for their skills and experience. Based on Labour Market Survey data from September 2024 and September 2025, researchers found that 26% of recent immigrants with a postsecondary credential reported having jobs which usually require education at the high school level or lower. This contrasted with 13% of those born in Canada. Measures of job mismatch were also higher for recent immigrants, even when controlling for the education of the respondent. StatCan noted that measures of job mismatch were lower for recent immigrants from OECD countries, similar to levels for those born in Canada.

Camosun College, the College of New Caledonia, and Northern Lights College have received funding for new labour market training projects that will help those facing employment barriers. The colleges will use the funds for skills-development programs in different sectors, such as the trades, facility maintenance, and transportation. This will prepare youth, Indigenous participants, and those on income assistance for stable employment. “By investing in skills… matched to what employers actually need, we’re helping people across the province connect to good-paying jobs and building stronger local economies in the process” explained Government of British Columbia Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth Ravi Kahlon. The funding is part of a $6M investment from the provincial and federal government.

Grading students in their first year of postsecondary education ultimately does them a disservice, according to Rhonda N McEwen (Victoria University in the University of Toronto). McEwen notes that the importance of grades to postsecondary students is intensified relative to their primary and secondary education, resulting in many students choosing courses based on their “safety” rather than their actual interests. She says this system ultimately corrupts the purpose of postsecondary education, which is to strengthen curiosity and challenge oneself. McEwen proposes a pass/fail first year for students to allow for curiosity while also teaching students how to adapt to the postsecondary environment. Doing this, she says, will turn first year from a “sorting mechanism” into an education.

Assiniboine College will receive $2.2M from the Government of Canada as part of an investment into six new Brandon-based projects through PrairiesCan. The college will use the funding to help support mechatronics adoption and develop skilled labour growth in Manitoba’s agricultural sector. The funds will also support education in mechatronics through the renovation of an existing facility, which will house Assiniboine’s new Mechatronics Engineering Technology program. “When PrairiesCan came on board to help with some of the capital, it really made a difference,” Assiniboine College President Mark Frison told CBC. “It allowed us to accelerate the program, and to build in those things that take it beyond a regular educational program.”

Canada’s skilled trades labour force is running “dangerously low” and the polytechnic model for apprenticeship is the solution, according to Saskatchewan Polytechnic President Dr Larry Rosia. Rosia points to countries like the UK and the US that are modernizing their apprenticeship systems and explains that Canada needs to turn to the polytechnic model to remain competitive. Rosia says that apprenticeships require four things: consistent, accredited technical training; broad-based learning; alignment with industry; and a strong work-integrated learning model. Polytechnics, Rosia says, are the only institutions to offer all four. Rosia concludes that Canada does not need to reinvent apprenticeship training but should rather invest in polytechnics “that already deliver it best.”

Graduates of certain University of Guelph-Humber programs will now have an efficient way to continue their studies at the University of Guelph. The guaranteed admissions pathway will allow eligible UoGuelph-Humber students to enter UoGuelph’s Master of Arts in Mental Health. The pathway is intended for learners who wish to examine mental health in a societal context. “This pathway can support students who want to contribute to mental health in a range of ways, whether through community programming, workplace well-being, policy, advocacy, education, or other human service settings,” explained UoGuelph-Humber Psychology Chair Dr Alice Kim. The first cohort under this pathway will begin their master’s studies later this year.

The Université de Sherbrooke has announced that it will transfer the management of its student housing to the private company Groupe Custeau. USherbrooke Vice-recteur aux finances, aux infrastructures et au numérique Jean Proulx told CBC that the agreement was made because of the lack of government subsidies and the scale of renovations that the residences require. Two student groups have denounced the decision, arguing that the privatization may lead to unaffordable rent. USherbrooke said Groupe Custeau will be required to respect guidelines around annual rate increases.

As goose nesting season continues, a new app is helping students at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University avoid goose interactions. Waddleloo, an interactive map launched by first-year student Anirudh Dabas, allows students to enter the locations of geese, and uses AI to analyze photos submitted by users and classify their aggression risk. It also identifies the best way to navigate to class. “The goose problem at [the University of] Waterloo is funny right up until you are the one getting chased on your way to class,” said Dabas. “It genuinely changes how students move around during nesting season.” Dabas reportedly plans for future expansion of the initiative to McMaster University and Western University.

Students in British Columbia will have access to new bursaries through the Purple Cap Awards, funded by an annual investment of up to $1M from Beem Credit Union. The bursaries will include three new awards: the $25K Transformation Award, the $5K Momentum Award, and the $2.5K Opportunity Award. “By offering larger bursaries to all students – whether they are just starting out, returning to school or changing careers – we’re making a tangible investment in the people and communities we serve,” said Beem CEO Brian Harris.

Laurentian University has officially implemented the recommendations made by the Ontario French Language Services Commissioner Carl Bouchard, reports ONFR. The receommndations were made as part of the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation into Laurentian’s obligations under the French Language Services Act, amidst its restructuring under the CCAA. Laurentian AVP of Francophone Affairs Natalie Poulin-Lehoux stated that the university has taken the recommendations seriously, which it demonstrated by making changes to its policies and rebuilding trust with Francophones. With this accomplishment, the university will no longer be obligated to submit progress reports to the ombudsman.