December 9, 2025

University leaders from across Canada recently spoke to the Globe and Mail about the headwinds facing higher ed and the role of universities in Canada’s pursuit of its future. While there has been some shift in public perceptions of higher ed, University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch noted that this has not affected enrolment and that families continue to see a university education as a strong path for their children’s futures. Simon Fraser University President Dr Joy Johnson asserted that universities need to continue to raise awareness about the advantages they offer to Canada. Royal Roads University President Philip Steenkamp and Concordia University President Graham Carr touched on the financial and systemic challenges facing the institutions.

Re$earch Infosource Inc has published a list of the top 50 research universities in Canada in 2025. This ranking takes into account factors such as sponsored research income and research intensity. The top three research universities were the University of Toronto (#1), Université de Montréal (#2), and McGill University (#3). Others in the top 10 were the University of British Columbia (#4), the University of Calgary (#5), the University of Alberta (#6), the University of Ottawa (#7), Université Laval (#8), McMaster University (#9), and the University of Saskatchewan (#10). In an opinion piece for the Calgary Herald, UCalgary President Dr Ed McCauley highlighted the benefits that the university’s status as a top research university will have for Calgary.

Canada and Germany have partnered to form the Canada-Germany Digital Alliance, which will accelerate collaborations between the two countries. As part of the partnership, Canada and Germany will launch a joint call for proposals in January 2026 focused on advancing commercialization of quantum technologies. This initiative will support quantum computing and quantum sensing technologies projects. The alliance will also include collaboration on large language models, generative AI, and algorithmic innovation. “The partnerships announced today reflect our shared commitment to building a modern, tech-enabled economy that will enhance productivity across our countries,” said Canada’s Minister of AI and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon.

Western University has launched the Western Centre for Bioethics, which will bring together experts to study the ethical issues that cause challenges for health-care providers, policymakers, and health systems. The centre’s inaugural chair Professor Maxwell Smith said that the centre will provide undergraduate and graduate students with more opportunities to observe ethics within clinical settings and give students from different departments a place to learn about bioethics and bioethics research. “Conversing and connecting with one another stimulates new research questions and more opportunities to address them,” said Smith.

A recent report from BCcampus explores the state of support for open educational practices (OEP) at British Columbia postsecondary institutions. Authors Rajiv S Jhangiani (Brock University), Oya Pakkal (Brock), Clint Lalonde, and Josie Gray discuss the findings of a recent study of BC postsecondary institutions. The study explored their capacity to support OEPs across six areas: vision and implementation; partnerships; policies, incentives, and professional development; institutional supports; leadership and advocacy; and culture change. The report concludes by offering 11 recommendations for how institutions can advance OEP, including in areas such as staffing, funding, and communication.

Six Nations Polytechnic has announced the launch of an Integrated Employment Service at its new SNP Career Centre to support jobseekers, learners, and community members. Delivered in partnership with Employment Ontario and Fedcap Canada, the service will offer coordinated wrap-around supports, such as employment counselling, training pathways, and engagement with local employers. “The new SNP Career Centre and Integrated Employment Service will ensure that both Indigenous and non-Indigenous jobseekers have access to high-quality guidance, training options, and employer connections,” said SNP Dean of Community, Health, Trades and Apprenticeship Amy Gleiser.

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix reports that Saskatchewan Justice Richard Elson has set aside a decision made by the University of Saskatchewan hearing board on a case with allegations of plagiarism. A USask assistant professor sought judicial review after the hearing board ruled that she had failed to give adequate credit to a colleague and breached policy. In his written statement, Elson noted several issues with the hearing board’s decision and concluded that “in my view, it does not, in a transparent way, demonstrate an internally coherent and rational chain of analysis that would support a finding that the alleged breaches occurred.” Any future hearing of the complaint will be required to be conducted by a different panel.

The Université de l’Ontario français and the University of Waterloo have each announced new programs for working professionals this week. The Université de l’Ontario français has partnered with Hôpital Montfort to collaborate on certificates, training, exchanges, and research. To kick off the partnership, UOF will offer a mental health micro-certificate for hospital staff this January to provide training in issues related to mental health and addictions. Meanwhile, UWaterloo has begun offering its Chief Technology and AI Officer program. Designed for senior technology professionals, the program covers topics including business fluency, modern technology stacks, and influencing leadership. Learners in the 25-week program will also create a 90-day CTO plan and an AI investment report as a part of a portfolio.

The Government of Manitoba has provided Saskatchewan Polytechnic with funding to double the number of seats reserved in its combined laboratory and X-ray technologist (CLXT) for students from Manitoba. Starting in January 2026, MB will fund five additional seats, increasing the number of students that the province supports in the CLXT program to 10. These seats, which are offered through an interprovincial training agreement, will fill a need while Assiniboine College completes the necessary work to launch its own CLXT program in Fall 2027. MB students are offered return-of-service agreements that will cover tuition and academic expenses in exchange for 5,000 hours of service.

The Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario has released the annual report of the French Language Services Commissioner Carl Bouchard. The report includes updates on cases related to Laurentian University and the University of Sudbury, both of which involved provincial ministries. In the case of Laurentian, the commissioner noted that five of the 19 recommendations that it made in a 2022 investigation report have been adequately implemented. At USudbury, the commissioner is continuing to monitor the university’s compliance with the French Language Services Act and the provincial ministries’ compliance with their obligations to the institution.