August 13, 2024

The Government of Ontario is investing $8.9M to support 25 programs across the province that provide career training opportunities for women. This funding will support training programs in four streams: skilled trades, entrepreneurship, information technology, and general employment. To remove barriers to participation for women, these training programs provide additional supports to their respective attendees, such as meals on training days, transportation to and from training, and assistance with finding childcare. The postsecondary institutions among the funding recipients include Canadore College, Collège Boréal, Collège La Cité, Conestoga College, George Brown College, Humber College, Seven Generations Education Institute, and Six Nations Polytechnic.

The Government of Alberta has paused the Canada-Alberta Job Grant program for the remainder of the 2024-2025 fiscal year. AB states that the federal government cut its Labour Market Transfer Agreement funding by $70.8M; as a result of the cut, employers will lose roughly $10M in skills and training funding this year. “Our government understands the impact a strong and skilled labour force has on the success of Alberta’s economy,” said AB Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones. “Alberta’s government is working hard to develop and implement new employer-led training programs that will provide Albertans with similar opportunities to learn job-related skills.” CBC reports that the federal government asserts that no cuts have been made; the funds stem from a one-year top-up that was announced in 2023 and will be expiring shortly.

Red River College Polytechnic has partnered with the Winnipeg School Division (WSD) to provide training to WSD employees and the local community. Under this partnership, RRC Polytech will provide eligible individuals with cost-free, flexible programs. The purpose of this initiative is to grow the workforce by empowering participants with the training they need to succeed in a variety of roles. In addition to the educational aspects of this partnership, RRC Polytech and WSD will build relationships with the community and make postsecondary training more accessible and inclusive.

In an article for Times Higher Education, Amanda Broderick (University of East London) emphasizes that university sport and exercise offerings should not be cut in an era of limited funding. Broderick, who is also the chair of British Universities and Colleges Sport, highlights the benefits of university sports programs for student recruitment, retention, and wellbeing; community relationships; and diversity and inclusion in the broader world of sports. “By promoting equal access to sports from youth to graduation and beyond, universities are helping to break down barriers and create more equitable, healthier communities,” concludes Broderick. “We must not let the financial pressures divert us from this vital mission.”

Durham College is partnering with ParaSport Ontario to expand opportunities for accessible sport. Together, the partners will improve regional access to adaptive sport, such as through the creation of a varsity sitting volleyball team at Durham. Durham Director of Athletics & Recreation Scott Dennis explained that the team came to fruition after conversations with ParaSport Ontario representatives. “We talked about some great ideas, and one was getting sitting volleyball involved at the varsity level,” said Dennis. Durham will also host the first college/university sitting volleyball tournament in the spring.

The Maskwacis Cultural College officially transitioned to an e-learning hub earlier this summer after closing its physical campus in May. The registrar’s office and administration team are working out of a shared office, while Elders, the president, and deans are working from home. The college—which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year—put out a call earlier this year for suggestions to inform future classes and programming. The Spectator reports that the college is continuing to offer classes and that it will begin to offer the public a microlearning series later this year.

The University of Prince Edward Islands is collaborating with the Government of Prince Edward Island’s Chief Public Health Office to implement the Take Home Naloxone Program. Through this initiative, UPEI students and members of the university community who are at risk of experiencing or witnessing a drug-related overdose can access free naloxone kits. These kits are equipped with medication that can be used to temporarily reverse an opioid overdose until medical help arrives. UPEI students and community members will also have access to an online training tool that expands on the purpose and use of the kits.

The University of Windsor recently confirmed its decision to cut the University Players, which will impact six positions. CUPE Local 1393 met with the university representatives to explore budgetary alternatives to the theatrical production unit’s closure and consequent layoffs. However, AM800 reports that UWindsor will proceed with the cuts. “A thorough evaluation of alternatives proposed by University Players employees found that none would achieve the required savings, and all would still result in significant financial losses,” read a statement from UWindsor. “This decision allows the University to prioritize academic programs and focus on ensuring new and innovative experiential learning opportunities for students.”

The Gabriel Dumont Institute’s Dumont Technical Institute (DTI) has officially opened the doors to its own state-of-the-art practical nursing lab. The institute has used Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s laboratory over the last two decades, but with this new space, DTI will be able to offer its students more flexible access to a space where they can practice their skills. Instructors can also use the lab to demonstrate practical skills and offer tailored support to students. The flexibility afforded by this lab will also benefit the DTI practical nursing program as it prepares to launch two simultaneous nursing cohorts for the first time.

The University of Niagara Falls Canada has responded to questions from Niagara city council’s regarding the strain incoming students may put on the city’s resources and supports. Niagara Councillor Lori Lococo recently raised questions about the availability of accommodation, food security programs, and space in local school boards for children of international students. UNFC President Cyndi McLeod said that since students will study in a variety of formats, not all will require accommodations. McLeod added that the university’s housing support program includes a housing team, a dormitory, and community partners to help students and clarified that few international students have minor dependents. “If students were to encounter food insecurity, or other personal challenges, the university has student advisers who can help them navigate these issues,” said McLeod.