February 25, 2026

Okanagan College has received a $10M donation from the Hall Family Foundation to establish the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship. The gift—which Okanagan says is the largest given to a public college in the province—will also create the Hall Entrepreneurship Incubator. The donation will provide seed funding for entrepreneurs who are testing business concepts, support curriculum and program development and enable access to entrepreneurs-in-residence. “It is our goal to try to light that spark in many more young people today so that they, too, may enjoy the fruits of their entrepreneurial and business endeavors,” said Fraser Hall, speaking on behalf of the family.

The heads of Québec’s universities have published a joint response to the Government of Quebec’s Bill 1, offering suggestions for the province’s new constitution. The university leaders have called on QC to incorporate the principles of academic freedom and academic autonomy into the bill, which they say would protect the mission and identity of universities in the province. In the letter, they cite previous motions by the government that recognize these principles and urge QC to continue to honour them through acknowledgement in Bill 1. Public consultations on the constitution are ongoing.

Pacific Economic Development Canada has announced a $40.6M investment into five projects at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia that are focused on defence innovation. The universities will use the funds to build and/or equip test facilities and advance research in defence and dual-use industries. SFU will create and operate the Vancouver Quantum Network testbed and establish a computing network for AI models; UBC’s projects include upgrading the Quantum Matter Institute and establishing the Asymmetric Last Line research accelerator focused on creating and deploying defence and dual-use technologies. PacifiCan will also invest $6M to support the organizations offering the training, workforce development, and guidance that BC businesses need to enter defence supply chains.

The Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières has received $3.5M in support from the Government of Québec for its Terrebonne university district plan. The district—planned to open in 2030—would ensure that the university could accommodate more students enrolled in programs related to key labour needs. UQTR Rector Christian Blanchette told Mon Joliette that the university picked Terrebonne because of its match to the university’s vision for the district. QC Minister of Higher Education Marine Biron emphasized the importance of bringing expanded higher education options to Terrebonne.

Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business has expanded its MBA portfolio with the Global Online MBA. This program is designed to be flexible for working students, with both live online instruction and asynchronous learning. Students learn through applied coursework and international learning experiences. The program begins with a common first year, followed by 24 or 36 months of study. The Smith School of Business also introduced a full-time Master of Management Analytics program earlier this year and has revamped its Certificate in Business with a new asynchronous online format.

In a recent article for the Chronicle of Higher Ed, Jeffrey Sachs (Acadia University) discusses institutional neutrality, self-censorship, and freedom of speech. Sachs argues that institutional neutrality has little meaningful impact on campus and is ultimately a public relations move meant for the general populace. The author argues that faculty and student self-censorship typically stems from other causes, as the “band of acceptable opinions on campus isn’t established by the president’s latest email blast.” However, he notes that institutional speech and institutional neutrality is important to take note of because of the potential impact on public relations.

Bow Valley College has received approval to develop and deliver a Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Psychiatric Nurse bridging program. This program is offered in a competency-based education format, where students advance as they demonstrate mastery of skills and knowledge. This allows experienced LPNs to complete their education faster. The curriculum will equip graduates with advanced competencies in mental health care, preparing them to work with individuals with psychiatric conditions and emotional disorders. BVC says that this is the first time the program has been offered in AB in this format. The program is expected to begin in Fall 2026.

Cape Breton University and Colaisde na Gàidhlig/The Gaelic College have partnered to offer the first year of a program at The Gaelic College’s campus in Mabou. Students will be able to complete their first year of the Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management degree at the Beinn Mhàbu campus in Mabou, Nova Scotia and then transition to the CBU campus to complete their degree. “By collaborating with The Gaelic College, we are able to offer a distinctive first-year experience at Beinn Mhàbu that upholds the high academic standards of CBU while rooting students’ education in the rich culture and hospitality of the Island,” said CBU President David C Dingwall.

Durham College has partnered with eCampusOntario to deliver an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fundamentals micro‑credential series to people across Canada. This free, bilingual, fully accessible program is focused on teaching Canadians the AI skills they need for the workforce. The program offers seven brief modules that were developed by Durham’s AI Hub with non-technical learners in mind. They cover topics such as AI types, uses, data management, and tools. Upon completion, students will earn digital credentials and badges to recognize their progress. “By partnering with eCampusOntario, we are able to share these courses with learners across the country,” said Durham President Dr Elaine Popp.

The University of New Brunswick and the Association of University of New Brunswick Teachers (AUNBT) have signed a collective agreement for the union’s full-time membership. This renewed collective agreement covers 2025–29. It was ratified by UNB’s Board of Governors and AUNBT’s full-time membership, which consists of approximately 600 faculty, instructors, and librarians. UNB President Dr Paul J Mazerolle noted the professionalism and dedication of both bargaining teams, while AUNBT lead negotiator Dr Susan Blair mentioned the parties’ productive working relationship.