December 4, 2024

The Government of British Columbia’s Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) has officially expanded to cover the province’s six research universities. Effective December 1st, the act will now cover Royal Roads University, Simon Fraser University, Thompson Rivers University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Northern British Columbia, and the University of Victoria. BC states that the act protects those who report specific types of wrongdoing, such as gross or systemic mismanagement, serious misuse of public assets or funds, and/or an act or omission that constitutes a federal or provincial offence.

The Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine has received $5M from the Moez & Marissa Kassam Equity Fund. The fund will support the construction of the School of Medicine’s future building and establish the Moez & Marissa Kassam Excellence through Equity Scholarship program. The scholarships will cover full tuition for students from underrepresented backgrounds who demonstrate academic excellence. TMU states that it will recognize the Kassam family’s generosity by naming the school’s central atrium the Moez and Karisa Kassam Atrium.

In light of recent fatal police shootings in Manitoba, CBC reports that many experts are calling for improvements to Canadian police education. University of Alberta Criminology Professor Temitope Oriola highlighted concerns with Canadian police training, such as the short training period, emphasis on marksmanship, and varied use of force standards. A previous inquiry report advised that the RCMP’s model of training is inadequate and pointed to Nordic countries’ police systems as a potential models for Canada. Oriola echoed this suggestion, noting that Finland and Norway require police to complete a dedicated three-year bachelor’s degree—more education than is required by the RCMP or Winnipeg Police Service, for example. CBC reports that the educational and ongoing training required in Norway help Norwegian police officers to feel prepared and safe, while limiting the use of force.

The University of British Columbia has received $1.5M as part of a broader federal investment into the development of clean technologies for industrial activities. lead one of these projects, which has received under $1.5M. The Government of Canada is distributing $12.5M to six projects in British Columbia that are focused on developing clean technologies for industrial activities. UBC’s project will focus on using byproducts from the pulp and paper industry to capture the carbon dioxide produced by the industry itself. “With a thriving research and development sector, British Columbia is well positioned to leverage the expertise of established innovators leading projects that reduce emissions and drive net-zero-focused innovation in Canada,” said Canada Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson.

International students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face multifaceted barriers to completing a postsecondary education in Canada, writes Zenith Bose (Mount Royal University). Bose discusses how many international students with ADHD are pushed to adapt to the rigid expectations of Western academic culture while also navigating an unfamiliar education system and managing financial and family responsibilities. To better support students, postsecondary institutions can take steps, such as: raising awareness about ADHD; implementing the Universal Design for Learning framework; simplifying accommodation processes; fostering peer support networks; and bolstering mental health services with culturally competent counsellors.

The University of Waterloo’s Velocity incubator has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Blockchain Center Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. This partnership will connect UWaterloo students, alumni, and entrepreneurs to a global network of experts and capital to advance blockchain applications in health care, governance, finance, energy, and e-commerce. The collaboration will also integrate UWaterloo’s co-operative program. “As we advance UWaterloo’s vision for a better future for humanity and our planet, we look forward to working together to explore the role of blockchain technology to unlock opportunities in health data, cybersecurity and beyond,” said UWaterloo President Vivek Goel.

The Government of Canada has reportedly withdrawn its funding from the Enhanced English Skills for Employment (EESE) program, which operates out of a space on the Canadian Mennonite University’s campus. The program serves 1,000 students annually, helping them to refine their English skills. According to Global News, the program—which relied on federal funding for 80% of its budget—will close within four months as a result. “We were absolutely shocked and when we informed our students, the response was devastating…. We’re a lifeline and not only that but we’re a community,” said EESE Executive Director Louise Giesbrecht for CBC. Global News adds that the Government of Manitoba acknowledged the funding cut and stated it will advocate for adequate federal support for newcomer settlement services.

The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and the University of Regina have signed an articulation agreement to expand academic opportunities for kinesiology students. Through this agreement, eligible students can attain both a URegina Bachelor of Kinesiology degree and a CMCC Doctor of Chiropractic degree in seven years instead of the usual eight. “[URegina] is pleased to partner with [CMCC] to provide our Bachelor of Kinesiology graduates with this exciting opportunity,” said URegina Provost and VP (Academic) david Gregory. “Chiropractors serve an essential role in our primary health care system and this agreement facilitates the recruitment and development of our graduates into this in-demand profession.”

Red River College Polytechnic is increasing campus security at its Exchange District Campus in downtown Winnipeg. The Winnipeg Free Press reports that, as of Monday, security guards have been checking IDs at three campus buildings and only allowing access to staff, students, or visitors who have “legitimate” reasons to enter. RRC Polytech has also added a second safe-ride vehicle to its fleet and will implement additional security measures in January. “Downtown does have some of its challenges, and what we’re trying to do is enhance what we have so people feel safe coming to campus,” said RRC Polytech Director of Safety, Health, and Security Jodi Pluchinski. CTV News reports that both Brandon University and the University of Manitoba have also recently upgraded their security protocols following recent safety incidents.

Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles will offer its Aventure-études program at its Carleton-sur-Mer campus starting Fall 2025. This program allows students in select pre-university programs to participate in outdoor adventure activities–including sailing, climbing, backcountry skiing, and kayaking–as part of their studies. The program fosters personal growth among students, developing their autonomy and leadership skills while taking advantage of the region’s outdoor offerings and attracting more people from across the province to the cégep’s pre-university programs. The program will have 12 seats for 2025.