January 12, 2026

The Government of Ontario is investing $26M into training additional frontline staff for long-term care. This investment will be used to train nearly 3,000 new staff members and support professional development, while offering students in related programs the opportunity to study within their communities through Living Classrooms. Of the funds, $5.5M will support upskilling and training for staff already working in long-term care homes, while $21M will go towards the Living Classrooms model, where students can apply their learning as they work with residents in the long-term care homes.

In a recent conversation with battlefordsNOW, North West College’s new VP Academic Dr Jonathon Penny said that he is challenging the college to “think more ambitiously” about its future in Saskatchewan. He explained that he believes that the college should expand beyond its existing trades and health programming to become a “full spectrum college.” Regional colleges like NWC, he said, are crucial to providing students with an education close to home, and graduates strengthen their communities. Penny concluded that his first focus as VP Academic will be learning the Saskatchewan regional college system while seeking to deepen and expand partnerships.

Government of Canada MP Garnett Genius has reportedly accused a student group at York University’s campus ofan “attack on free speech.” Genius had planned to sit at a table in a common area of campus and discuss challenges facing young people, but he was reportedly denied permission to hold an event. York University Student Centre Executive Director Jason Goulart clarified that the centre had not approved the event due to gaps in organizers’ application and invited them to reapply. The campus conservatives organizing the event told TorontoToday that the university’s student union, through the student centre, has repeatedly made the booking of events difficult for the group, which Goulart denied. Genius said that he intends to visit YorkU in the future.

In a recent update from the university on its residences, St Francis Xavier University VP Students Elizabeth Yeo shares how the university has worked to strengthen its culture of community on campus. Guided by an institution-wide strategy focused on building a culture of community, the institution’s residence life team has implemented a model of proactive, individualized outreach; created dedicated on-campus programming and events; and had staff build their social media presence and offer more aide to incoming students to help them plan. Student-led residence councils are also helping to shape programming and peer leadership. “When students feel that they belong, they take care of themselves and each other,” said Yeo.

The PIE News has released their list of countries outside of the big four (Australia, Canada, UK, and US) to watch for changes during 2026’s postsecondary recruitment season. The PIE team explores the attributes of countries such as China, France, Germany, India, and South Korea and what they offer to international students. In particular, the article discusses several facets of the selected countries international study landscape including trends in enrolment, economic impact, regulatory changes, and political considerations.

Canadian Federation of Students-Newfoundland and Labrador (CFS-NL) representatives have called for an investigation at Memorial University following the resignation of the Vice-Provost of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Delores Mullings. Mullings spoke to The Independent in December about her experience in the role, including the challenges she encountered and the initiatives she was a part of. CFS-NL issued a release indicating that students were “alarmed to hear of the treatment faced by Dr Mullings” and calling for an external investigation “with regards to all forms of racism within the institution.”

Faculty need renewal and forward-focused reflection to heal from burnout and increase their engagement, write Sarah Rose Cavanagh (Simmons University) and Jennifer Herman (Simmons). Faculty renewal and reconnection involves four key “ingredients:” time away from the work environment; reflection and goal setting; community; and a plan with next steps. Cavanagh and Herman discuss how events such as writing retreats can kick-start motivation by offering physical and social “nourishment,” reflection, and progress towards goals. They then describe how teams with varying levels of resources can create retreats. Taking control of renewal can help address anxiety about uncertainty about the future, conclude the authors.

Laurentian University faculty will be in a legal strike position if no agreement is reached by January 19th, reports CBC. Laurentian issued a no board report to the Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) in late December, starting the countdown to a legal strike or lockout date. LUFA President Fabrice Colin said that a key issue is pensions, and that members have indicated they want to transition to a jointly sponsored pension plan. Laurentian President Lynn Wells asserted that the “university remains dedicated to negotiating in good faith to find an agreement that is fair to LUFA members while protecting the long-term financial sustainability of the university.”

Crandall University and BorderPass have partnered to support international students from their application to their arrival in Canada. International applicants will receive comprehensive study permit application support from BorderPass at no additional cost, ensuring they can navigate the Canadian immigration system and transition to life in Canada with success. “This partnership reflects our commitment to welcoming students to New Brunswick, providing a high-quality educational experience, and helping them contribute their talents and skills to our campus and community,” said Crandall Vice President for Enrollment Management Chris Robb.

The Université du Québec à Montréal has renovated and revitalized its main hub to transform it into a brighter, more welcoming space. The project included the redevelopment of the junction of three buildings and of the basement spaces in one of these buildings. Common areas were redeveloped to increase the number of informal spaces available for students. UQAM also made updates to features such as the ceilings and lighting, upgraded electromechanical components, and added planters to help green the areas.