January 16, 2026

Greater Sudbury’s postsecondary institutions—Cambrian College, Collège Boréal, Laurentian University, and NOSM University—have signed a memorandum of understanding to create the Sudbury Partnership for Higher Education. The four institutions will collaborate on fronts such as the creation of student pathways, promotional efforts to recruit students to Sudbury, collaborative research projects, and shared administrative services. “Collaboration among our post-secondary institutions is a strategic advantage for Sudbury,” commented Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce Chair Zachary Courtemanche. “By aligning efforts, these leaders are creating pathways that help employers access the talent they need and position our community as a hub for innovation and economic growth.”

The Université de Sherbrooke is suing the contractors involved in its 2019 stadium renovation project for $5M in light of major defects observed in the Olympic-caliber synthetic track. The university has reportedly needed to undertake several repairs to the track over the last six years and now expects to need to fully replace the track. The track at USherbrooke has been granted Class 1 status by World Athletics, which enables it to host major international competitions; an expert report commissioned by the university indicated that it would need to replace the track to ensure its sustainability and level of performance. The case will be heard in court in April, according to La Tribune.

Holland College’s Atlantic Police Academy and the University of New Brunswick have partnered to provide students with an accelerated route to a criminology degree. The new program allows students to obtain their bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice in three and a half years. Students begin the program at UNB’s Fredericton campus for their first academic year, attend Holland College’s Atlantic Police Academy in Prince Edward Island for two academic terms, and then return to UNB for the remainder of the program. “This innovative program will allow students to complement their practical training with comprehensive academic learning, preparing them for well-rounded careers in law enforcement and justice,” said UNB President Dr Paul J Mazerolle.

The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario has published a case study on a City of Hamilton initiative to support international students as they transition into the labour market. After the Canadian Bureau for International Education discovered that international students faced several challenges in the local job market, Hamilton, its postsecondary institutions, and community organizations responded with the launch of a variety of supports. These included co-op and experiential learning programs, mentorship and networking events, and large-scale job fairs. The city is also developing a pilot program called the Hamilton Workforce Ready pilot program that will streamline career services and targeted supports for international graduates. HEQCO states that this collaborative approach serves as a transferrable model for smaller and northern communities.

North Island College’s Board of Governors is reportedly considering 15 programs for possible suspension. NIC VP Academic Tony Bellavia explained that the college is in the final stages of a review process to ensure its programs are responsive to student needs, efficient, and sustainable. The NIC Faculty Association and NIC Student Union have both voiced their concern about the suspensions and their impact on faculty and students, respectively. The board will reportedly confirm on February 5th if the programs will be suspended; CHEK News reports that any affected students would be able to complete their studies.

Suspects in a theft of over $5K from Université Laval have been detained as a result of a chance traffic stop, reports Le Journal de Québec. The officers pulled over the suspects’ vehicle after they committed a Highway Safety Code violation, which resulted in officers discovering narcotics in the vehicle. Officers then became aware that the individuals were wanted in connection to the theft of several items, including money and computer equipment, from the university. Following the arrest, a home in the Limoilou area has been searched and several items were recovered.

A committee of citizens have reportedly renewed their efforts to call for a name change at the Université de Moncton by proposing the creation of an official commission. This commission would be composed of representatives from the university and the broader Acadian community, and would evaluate a potential name change for the institution. The group has also proposed two actions: the use of an alternate name such as the “Université Acadian” to refer to the institution in the interim and the addition of a statement to land acknowledgements indicating the connection between the name of Moncton and British officer Robert Monckton. The university has reportedly not responded to the committee’s invitation to discuss the creation of a commission.

The Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles will now offer wind turbine maintenance training certified by the Global Wind Organization (GWO). The cégep says that it is the first in Québec to obtain GWO certification. The training courses consist of three safety components as well as a Basic Technical Training component. Certification was achieved after the cégep expanded its wind turbine maintenance offering to remote communities in the province. Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles coordonnatrice de la formation continue Geneviève Milot explained that the courses will now allow locals to become certified without needing to travel to the US.

The University of British Columbia has announced the new name for its forestry faculty. Now the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, the faculty’s name reflects an updated mission, broader areas of expertise, as well as a commitment to Indigenous environmental governance, according to the university. “Our work is rooted in forestry, but it extends across the entire environmental spectrum,” said UBC Dean Rob Kozak. “Our Faculty has been a global leader in conservation science, environmental education, research and action and the new name reflects that commitment.”

Collège de Maisonneuve has announced that it will be offering a new management and administration program in Fall 2026. The Techniques d’administration et de gestion program will offer students the choice of two specializations: one in accounting and finance and one in marketing and event management. Students will develop their knowledge and skills through coursework, practical learning opportunities, and an internship. Graduates will be prepared to either pursue further education at the university level or to pursue a career in an area such as advertising, event planning, finance, or project management.