August 25, 2026

In a recent letter to Government of Québec Premier Christine Fréchette, LaSalle College President Claude Marchand stated that LaSalle may seek creditor protection if it is unable to reach an agreement regarding its $48M debt to the province. CBC reports that LaSalle is facing $29.9M in penalties and has been instructed to repay $17.9M in provincial subsidies. “The college is a non-profit organization: it does not generate the cash flow needed to absorb such a cost, as every dollar is reinvested in its educational mission,” said Marchand. Marchand is calling for revisions to its debt repayment schedule, the appointment of an interlocutor, and authorization to launch a science program to expand its pool of domestic students.

As the start of the school year approaches, some students in Alberta and Manitoba are finding it difficult to secure affordable housing. In AB, the Calgary Herald notes that while rents in Calgary have fallen significantly from their 2024 peaks, suitable housing can be difficult to find. “We still hear about students that are couch surfing or effectively homeless,” said Students’ Union, University of Calgary VP External Mahad Rzain. In MB, the Brandon Sun interviewed several students at Assiniboine College and Brandon University about their challenges finding housing. “The [housing units] that are cheap are like far away, and the ones that are not cheap are like extremely close, but then you’re paying $1,800 for a two-bedroom apartment, which sounds extremely unreasonable,” said Assiniboine College student Ibrahim Mirza.

Students at the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus will now be able to complete an entire Bachelor of Education (Elementary) degree at Augustana through a partnership with the Faculty of Education. The expanded offering will ensure students can become teachers while remaining closer to home. The program includes a rural placement in an elementary school in the area. “These field experiences will significantly widen opportunities for pre-service teachers to gain valuable experience in rural communities and after graduation, potentially increasing the pool of professionals available to fill vacant spaces in these schools,” said UAlberta Augustana Dean Dr John Parkins. The program will launch in Fall 2027.

Université du Québec à Rimouski Institut des sciences de la mer de Rimouski and the Exploramer science museum have partnered to create a hub focused on studying the St Lawrence River. The collaboration will see UQAR ISMER research teams taking advantage of Exploramer’s facilities, collections, aquariums, and vessels for conducting research on the river and engaging in new learning and hands-on training opportunities. The first research study being undertaken under this collaboration, led by UQAR professor Dominique Robert, will be used to develop educational activities for students and Exploramer visitors.

The Toronto Star reports that the Government of Ontario’s changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) are forcing some students to reconsider whether they can afford to stay in school. Students from George Brown Polytechnic, the University of Toronto, and the University of Windsor shared how the changes to OSAP have resulted in lower amounts of financial aid that will affect their living situation. “I’m one of many who will drop out, probably. I don’t see me being able to stay in school without some kind of adjustment to my OSAP funds,” said UWindsor student Justin Bysma.

The Vancouver School of Theology and the Canadian Shield Regional Council of The United Church of Canada have partnered on an Online Licensed Lay Worship Leader Program. VST will host, support, and develop this two-year program. The program has four modules—each of which is offered once every two years—as well as mentorship, practical assignments, engagement with worship resources, and more. Students can begin their studies with whichever module is being offered and complete their studies as the other modules are offered.

Cégep de Lanaudière’s L’Assomption college has launched its “360° sur ton cégep” website, a collection of resources and tools to help students in their academic journeys. On the website, students can manage their schedules, view a 3D campus map, and view the answers to frequently asked questions, in addition to accessing other resources. The cégep notes that the website was designed entirely by multimedia students, with the project receiving support from the Fondation du Cégep de Lanaudière.

Toronto Police Service is looking for a suspect in a Mischief Over $5K investigation at Seneca Polytechnic’s Newnham Campus. In the early hours of August 9, rocks were thrown through multiple windows at the campus. Police were called to campus to respond to the incident, but the suspect fled before the police arrived. The TPS has released images of the suspect and is requesting anyone with information to contact the police service.

A historic warehouse in downtown Edmonton, near MacEwan University, has been approved for redevelopment into student housing. Edmonton Student Housing Ltd has hired developer Faction to transform the warehouse into four six-storey buildings with nearly 700 units organized around two private courtyards. Construction will be completed in two stages, with the first stage projected to be completed in June 2028. “The proposed student housing development addresses a critical need for high-quality, off-campus accommodation while enhancing the vitality, resilience and sustainability of downtown Edmonton,” read a statement from Faction.

CIC News reports that international students in Ontario who are enrolled in the University Health Insurance Plan will see their premiums increase by $156 per person. This increase, which takes effect September 1, is approximately a 20% increase. The plan covers international students at 22 publicly-funded universities in the province and is mandatory for international students with some exceptions. International students with dependents living with them in ON are required to enroll their dependents in the plan as well. The total annual cost for an individual will now be $948, while a family of three will now pay $2,844.