December 12, 2025

Statistics Canada has released a report on new registrations, certifications, and pathway indicators of registered apprentices in Canada in 2024. The report indicates that new registrations have increased to 101,541 (+5.9% from 2023) in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth. Growth was noted in the provinces of Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia and in the fields of interior finishers, hairstylists and estheticians, and construction workers. Declines were most prominently noted in Quebec and Nova Scotia and in trade groups such as machinists and stationary engineers and powerplant operators. Certifications in 2024 stayed relatively steady with a slight increase to 46,971 (+1.0% from 2023). Looking at the pathway indicators, the certification rate of apprentices increased by 1.1%, while the discontinuation rate declined by 0.3%.

In a recent article for University Affairs, reporter Doug Ronson offers an overview of the international campuses operated by institutions across Canada. Ronson explores the closure of international campuses by institutions like Algonquin College and the University of Calgary, as well as the challenges and conversations around operations abroad at institutions like McGill University, Memorial University and Queen’s University. Ronson explains that international campuses can yield potential reputational and financial rewards, but come with unique risks and challenges related to quality assurance, staffing, cultural and geopolitical considerations, and financial considerations.

A recent Nature article highlights the memorable scientific gifts that have shaped academics’ interests and careers in science. Several academics highlighted gifts they received as children that sparked their interest, including a refractor telescope, a sheep skull, and cow eyes for dissection. Others spoke about handmade gifts that bolstered their interest in their research areas, including a needle-felt brain, a plushie representing a permuted protein, and a bacteriophage cheese board. Several researchers highlighted gifts they had received that held special meaning, including special memories of how family members made it possible for them to pursue their scientific interests.

Dalhousie University and Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University have signed a letter of intent to expand their current 4+0 Joint College education program. The planned expansion centers around the addition of a new Bioveterinary Science program, which—if approved—would bring 120 new students and significant revenue to the joint college. Dal said that, since 2024, the 4+0 Joint College program has shown strong enrolment and academic outcomes.

In an article for Nature, journalist Jackson Ryan examines the current state of AI-led education, and what an “AI-first” university might look like in the future. He begins by exploring how two private institutions use AI to personalize admissions and curriculum, positing that future AI-first institutions will use similar personalization. Ryan goes on to say that this AI-led personalization would come with costs, given recent research and expert commentary on how AI models may influence beliefs and how over-reliance on AI can result in weakness in situations lacking AI integration. University of Johannesburg sociologist Anthony Kaziboni concludes by telling Ryan that “what’s needed is not an AI-first university, but an education-first conversation about AI.”

Researchers from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières will be supporting a research project involving 17 municipalities in Québec that are working to operationalize sustainable development. The initiative will equip municipalities with a framework and tools that enable them to integrate sustainable development into their practices and decisions. The project includes analysis of municipal practices, adaptation of self-assessment grids, and the development of a practical guide for the province’s municipalities. Tools and the guide will be published in 2027 and provided at no cost to municipalities.

As the campus radio stations at Fanshawe College and the University of Ottawa wind down, students are concerned about the potential impacts on their studies. At Fanshawe, students currently enrolled in the institution’s radio broadcasting program are reportedly seeking compensation for the loss of the station. They assert that the loss of the station deprives them of the hands-on experience that they were promised. UOttawa’s campus radio station CHUO 89.1 FM will also be shutting down in March 2026. The station had unsuccessfully attempted to raise $150K to continue operations, but the board of directors recently decided to end the campaign and shut down the station.

The University of Manitoba has opened a new multi-faith centre on its Bannatyne campus that will be open to Rady Faculty of Health Science faculty, staff, and students. The space recognizes all faith traditions and affirms religious pluralism. “As educators of future health professionals, we have increasingly come to understand that health-care providers must take care of their own health and well-being in order to be of service to others,” said UManitoba Dr Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry Dean Dr Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis. The space includes storage areas for sacred texts and prayer mats, ablution stations, and furnishing and artwork selected to be neutral and welcoming to all.

The University of Saskatchewan and its community recently honoured outgoing USask President Peter Stoicheff with a series of special gifts. The university recently unveiled Stoicheff’s official portrait, painted by Phil Richards, which depicts Stoicheff in a standing pose. Stoicheff was also presented with a traditional Starblanket from USask alumnus Max FineDay and Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice-Chief David Pratt. A musical piece called “From the East to the West,” representing Stoicheff’s journey from Eastern Canada to Saskatchewan, was commissioned from USask alumnus Paul Suchan and performed publicly at the farewell event. “It’s been a wonderful decade for the university, and it’s been a wonderful privilege to be the president of it,” Stoicheff told CTV News.

As the holiday season approaches, postsecondary institutions and student associations in MB are raising awareness of and responding to food insecurity. Red River College Polytechnic Students’ Association President Jasmine Lucero told CBC that the food bank is seeing demand for support that exceeds its supply. At the University of Manitoba, a record 400 people signed up for the university’s holiday hamper, while Assiniboine College’s Students’ Association (ACSA) delivered 136 holiday hampers to students and their families. “I’ve seen firsthand how much these hampers mean to students, especially during the holiday season,” said ACSA Student Engagement Coordinator April Conkright. “It’s truly comforting to see our community come together to offer warmth, kindness, and support during a time that can be challenging for many.”