January 20, 2026

Several members of the Ontario college sector have called for improved investments in their pre-budget submissions for the upcoming Government of Ontario 2026 budget. Speaking on behalf of Colleges Ontario at a recent pre-budget consultation, Algonquin College President Claude Brulé asserted that the provincial college sector is facing a significant financial challenge and that “the funding model is broken, period.” Colleges Ontario has called for over $1.5B in provincial investments to address the college operating funding gap; expand high-priority programs; maintain regional access for small, northern, rural and French-language colleges and campuses; and support sector-wide collaboration and sharing.

Okanagan College has announced that it is planning to launch a student-run café and restaurant specializing in Okanagan cuisine that will operate out of its new Centre for Food, Wine, and Tourism. The college is working with BC chef Ned Bell to design a vision for the new restaurant. When operational in Fall 2027, the restaurant will be a place where the college’s culinary students can gain experience in food preparation and menu design. In preparation for the opening, the current restaurant—Infusions—will be closing and alternative arrangements have been made at local restaurants for practical experiences for culinary students.

Mark Schaan (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) has shared his perspective on the crucial role Canadian PSE plays in Canada’s capacity to lead on the front of AI. He points out how universities and colleges have contributed to the development of AI, including through the offering of entrepreneurial and innovation supports and co-op programming. He concludes by sharing that Canada has “all the ingredients”—including education, research, and policies—to position the country for success in AI adoption and leadership.

Concordia University has reportedly secured a 10-day injunction against Polaris Aerospace co-founder Oleg Khalimonov. While studying at Concordia, Khalimonov worked in Space Concordia’s Rocketry Division and co-founded Polaris with another student. Polaris submitted a proposal without Concordia to the Government of Canada’s Department of National Defence for its Launch the North Challenge. The court found that the Polaris proposal’s contents relied on Concordia’s IP and constituted a violation of university policy and Khalimonov’s employment agreement with Space Concordia. The Superior Court of Québec granted the injunction and ordered the defendants to take actions that included the retraction of the proposal and cessation of the use or disclosure of any information and intellectual property belonging to Concordia.

In a recent article for Nature, Adrian Barnett (Queensland University of Technology) describes his response to the increasing expectations of publication output, which he argues is damaging the publication system. Barnett describes the current expectations that have led some researchers to boost their CVs using large language models or purchased papers. In response, the author says that he will only publish up to seven papers each year, halving his output and doubling the amount of time spent on each paper. Barnett also encourage reshaping how researchers are rewarded. “Unless the publication rate slows down, more parts of the publication system will crash, and scientific progress will be derailed,” argues Barnett.

North Island College and the Canadian Armed Forces base 19 Wing Comox have expanded an existing partnership through a temporary housing arrangement that will provide 60 beds to CAF members. The agreement, which is expected to continue until Summer 2027, will provide CAF members who are training at 19 Wing Comox with housing in the new NIC student housing complex while the base works towards longer-term housing solutions. Participating members will also become NIC students and will complete the Journeying to Reconciliation digital course. “This partnership reflects how we can work together to respond to real and immediate needs, while staying grounded in shared values of learning, service and community,” said NIC President Lisa Domae.

Yukon University workers have voted in favour of a strike mandate. The Yukon Employees Union and the university have been engaged in third-party conciliation after their previous agreement expired over 18 months ago. According to the union, key concerns include protections for precarious workers and fair wages. Union president Justin Lemphers explained that members are impacted by inflation and that the strike mandate “reflects the seriousness of the issues facing our members and the need for meaningful progress at the bargaining table.” CBC reports that though the union has not issued a formal strike notice, job action could begin in early March.

Two universities have announced new courses or programs in response to changes in the labour market. Trent University is responding to declining trust in public institutions by providing public service leaders with a Foundations of Public Leadership micro-credential. The credential offers leaders skills-based courses in several areas including ethical decision-making and intercultural communication. The University of Saskatchewan has also sought to meet demand for forestry professionals with its Forest Resources Certificate, which provides graduates with forestry-related skills including understanding of forest ecology and data collection.

Sault College recently hosted information sessions for Algoma Steel employees who are set to be laid off in March. These sessions were designed to prepare attendees for their careers after Algoma Steel. College staff, employment professionals, and officials with the Steelworker POWER Action Centre presented information on topics such as employment supports, available programs, and how to access these programs. The college also held an informational fair where people could discuss their career goals and access additional supports. “So far it’s been really helpful,” said Algoma Steel Employee Nick Cimino, who noted that the sessions offered a lot of information about how employees can retrain or get back into the workforce.

Providence University College Athletics has launched varsity men’s and women’s curling programs. Beginning in Fall 2026, the Providence Pilot’s men’s and women’s leagues will compete in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference with the goal of advancing to the CCAA/Curling Canada College Curling Championships. “Curling is a sport built on community, tradition, and excellence – and that fits perfectly with who we are,” said Providence Director of Athletics Joel Coursey.