August 20, 2025

Dalhousie University has announced that Dal Innovates, Lab2Market, and ShiftKey Labs have officially launched AI2Market, an AI-focused entrepreneurship program. The program—which is open to students from any Atlantic postsecondary institution—prepares aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs to develop and launch AI-Driven Enterprises (AIDEs). The program follows three stages: Discover, an eight-week program where students learn about and gain hands-on experience with AI; Validate, an eight-week program where students will test their business idea and determine the best path forward for their venture; and Launch, a three-month, full-time experience focused on equipping student entrepreneurs and innovators with the skills, fluency, and mindset they need to lead an AI-enabled venture. The program launches this Fall.

The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) has released a report on how working-age adult Canadians view and experience postsecondary education, drawing on a national survey conducted by Abacus Data. The findings show that Canadians see PSE as essential to the country’s economic future and strongly support continued public investment in institutions and research. Postsecondary graduates reported lasting benefits such as stronger career opportunities, better mental health, and higher life satisfaction. However, the report also identifies barriers including affordability and high student debt, which CASA argues must be addressed to strengthen the system’s long-term value.

In an article for The Conversation, McGill University Lecturer Simon Blanchette argues that EDI initiatives are being rolled back under the guise of progress. Blanchette suggests that terms like “belonging” and “community” are increasingly replacing “equity” in organizational language, which may result in institutions losing focus on genuine engagement with communities affected by systemic discrimination. While equity frameworks offer measurable goals, Blanchette contends that “belonging” and “community” frameworks are more vague and easier to sidestep. To support those advancing equity, he makes several recommendations including that organizations set explicit equity objectives and empower diverse voices in decision-making.

Concordia University’s Department of Music is overhauling its programs to better reflect the realities of today’s music industry. Starting this fall, students will see new courses in music production and career management, with the renamed Specialization in Music Composition and Production launching next year. A new history course slated for 2026–27 will broaden student perspectives by examining music across cultures and media. The department has also expanded audition options to allow applicants to submit portfolios of songs or film scores. Faculty say that these changes will attract more songwriters and producers while preparing graduates with both creative and professional skills to succeed in fields from performance to film and gaming.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently pledged to legislate an end to medical testing on dogs and cats, saying that he would “start hunting down” scientists who do research with cats and dogs. This has sparked concerns among researchers in the province. Ford’s comments came after a University of Toronto investigation revealed dogs were used in cardiac studies at St Joseph’s Health Care London and the Lawson Research Institute. Carleton University Professor Andy Adler told CBC that though he is involved in research that he considers “very non-invasive,” he found the premier’s comments “enormously scary” and chose to close his project lab. Arthur Brown, Chair of Western University’s Animal Care Committee, also spoke to CBC noting that institutional oversight bodies already ensure humane practices. Brown warned that political directives could erode trust in science.

LaSalle College has moved 90 full-time students to part-time status to comply with Québec’s language reform, reports CBC. LaSalle Spokesperson Caroline Gervais said that the decision was made to ensure that the college remains “fully compliant for Fall 2025 with the requirements of the Charte de la langue française and the government-imposed quotas on English-language [Attestation d’études collégiales] programs.” Gervais explained that this change “reflects the constraints of the respective capacity of [Attestation d’études collégiales and Diplôme d’études collégiales] programs within those quotas, combined with scheduling realities.” CBC spoke to LaSalle student Alex Abraham, who explained how the change will impact his career plans and ability to work off campus.

The University of Niagara Falls Canada has signed two memoranda of understand with international universities. UNFC has partnered with Vistula University (Vistula) in Poland to focus on student mobility programs and academic pathway opportunities which allow Vistula students to enter UNFC’s Honours Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Management programs. Additionally, UNFC and Universidad del Valle Atemajac in Mexico will collaborate on joint academic programs and faculty exchanges with the objective of enhancing student educational experiences. The two partnerships will expand the academic opportunities available to UNFC students and open pathways for learners who want to study at UNFC.

The University of Victoria has dismissed high-profile environmental psychology professor Robert Gifford following two separate allegations of sexual harassment, CBC reports. The dismissal—which occurred in June 2024—was only recently revealed through a Labour Relations Board challenge filed by Gifford. CBC reports that the allegations stem from comments made to two students in 2018 and 2021. UVic declined to comment on the allegations, but noted that “[w]hat we can share is that UVic is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful environment in which to work, learn and teach.”

The University of Regina has unveiled a unified athletics identity for the Cougars and Rams, aligning colours, logos, and other visual elements to simplify marketing and strengthen brand recognition. Led by URegina’s Varsity Sport department, the refresh was informed by consultations with current athletes and staff; a campus-wide survey; and outreach to alumni, fans, and other stakeholders. “This stronger, unified brand for the university’s varsity teams will enhance their brand recognition and strengthen their presence on campus, in the provincial community, and on the national stage,” said URegina President Jeff Keshen.

Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Center for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE) has received a renewed $1.75M, five-year NSERC grant. The funds are intended to grow the polytechnic’s Integrated Agriculture Technology Centre (IATC), which provides agricultural producers with applied research, consultation, and problem-solving. “[This] funding will advance genomics-driven agricultural innovation, accelerate health sector innovation and accessibility, and strengthen critical minerals research for sustainable mining, among many other areas,” said NSERC President Alejandro Adem. Leth Polytech says that its IATC is one of over 60 technology access centres across Canada, which each serve to strengthen a particular industry in their respective regions.