February 11, 2026

The Government of Ontario has announced $30M in funding to train approximately 1,800 health professionals for primary care. The funding will allow 1,400 registered nurses to upskill for primary care roles, create 170 primary care nurse practitioner education seats, and add 150 physician assistant education seats. The new education seats will be distributed through institutions across the province, while upskilling will be provided through four partner institutions: Conestoga College, Lakehead University, Trent University, and Western University. Programming will begin this year for registered nurses and primary care nurse practitioners, with physician assistant programming beginning in 2026–27. The initiative is part of the ON’s larger $2.1B Primary Care Action Plan, which aims to provide everyone in Ontario with primary care by 2029.

Statistics Canada authors Tahsin Mehdi and Marc Frenette recently published an analysis on the impact of generative AI on the workforce. They note that while it is difficult to isolate the impact of generative AI from other labour market trends, overall employment grew between November 2022 and December 2025, regardless of occupational exposure to and relationship with AI. However, employment growth was generally weaker for those with less education (i.e. a high school diploma, incomplete PSE, or a credential below a bachelor’s degree, compared to those with a bachelor’s degree or higher) and for younger employees (15- to 29-year-olds, compared to 30- to 49-year-olds).

In a recent interview, Marie-Eve Sylvestre (University of Ottawa) shares her perspective on becoming the President of UOttawa and how she manages the responsibilities of the role in changing times. Sylvestre underscores the social and civic goals of universities, saying that research should be “socially engaged and relevant” and “[make] a difference in communities.” She goes on to say that, as parts of communities, universities must also uphold academic freedom and free speech to allow for new ideas and perspectives. Reflecting on underfunding, Sylvestre said that she sees an opportunity to change the social contract with the public: “you can count on us to train talent and produce the research our country needs. But in exchange, we need your support.”

The University of Prince Edward Island’s Faculty of Medicine has received a $1M gift from the Hewitt Foundation. The funds will support the faculty’s efforts to advance key priorities related to learner experiences, training and simulation-based education, and community-based medical training opportunities. “We are deeply grateful to the Hewitt Foundation for this transformative investment,” said UPEI President Dr Wendy Rodgers. “It strengthens our ability to educate all the various health learners here at UPEI and helps to advance our shared goal of addressing the province’s long-term health-care needs.”

The University of Saskatchewan has launched the Marcoux Leadership Program, supported by a $1M gift from donors Russel and Bonnie Marcoux. The leadership program will consist of a one-week intensive course where students will develop their leadership styles and skills through team-based projects and real-world challenges. The fund will be used to develop the leadership program, support teaching and hands-on learning, and create student scholarships. “The Marcoux Leadership Program reflects our shared commitment to strengthening essential leadership abilities, gaining hands-on experience, and cultivating the mindset of a business leader,” said USask Edwards School of Business Dean Dr Keith Willoughby.

Several institutions are considering or taking action to further stabilize their financial situations. Brock University has reduced its number of administrative jobs as part of a move to a new administrative model, which will respond to the fiscal challenges faced by the institution. Loyalist College has reportedly cut 36 faculty roles, which OPSEU Local 420 says included layoffs of 15 individuals. At a university Senate meeting, Concordia University President Graham Carr responded to questions about layoffs and the budget situation by indicating that the university is currently focusing on determining next steps.

Collège Montmorency has announced its plan to redevelop the space currently occupied by its swimming pool facilities. The cégep explained that the pool’s infrastructure is reaching its end of its lifespan and that no grant funding is available to fund its restoration. The City of Laval also recently constructed a new aquatic complex, reducing the need for the cégep to have its own facilities. The $10M redevelopment—beginning at the end of February—will help ease the cégep’s space deficit by increasing the cégep’s food service area and the number of sports fields.

The University of Northern British Columbia will be launching the LPN Pathway – NBNP this Fall to provide Licensed Practical Nurses with a new way to become Registered Nurses. The accelerated program will consist of five consecutive semesters of full-time study and placements in northern communities, and will lead to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This pathway is offered in a combined cohort model at both the Fort St John and Prince George campuses, as part of the UNBC School of Nursing’s current two-year Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program (NBNP). “This lines up with our regional mandate to support nursing education throughout the north,” said UNBC Interim President Dr Bill Owen.

MacEwan University has partnered with student mental health and wellness provider Uwill to expand online counselling and crisis support options for students. Through Uwill’s counsellor matching, students will be able to connect with counsellors of varied identities and experiences and get support that reflects their own lived experiences. “This partnership is an addition to the support services already available at MacEwan and strengthens our ability to connect our students with support in the moments they need it,” said MacEwan Provost Dr Craig Monk. “It reflects our commitment to student health and well-being, which is foundational to student success.”

Westen University has launched a Climate and Sustainability Strategy that seeks to go beyond a sustainability mindset to follow a more regenerative approach. This approach will see the university working towards a place of restoration and renewal through a variety of key priorities: education and research efforts, creating a regenerative campus, and fostering a healthy and connected community. Students from a wide range of disciplines and programs will be able to participate in the strategy through a Student Engagement Working Group.