January 22, 2026

The Government of New Brunswick has announced $5.8M in new funding for Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick’s Bathurst campus renewal project. The funding will support the continuation of design work and cover construction preparation costs. “The funding for this modernization project will enable us to meet the needs of the labour market and foster technological innovation in New Brunswick,” explained CCNB CEO Pierre Zundel. CCNB expects site preparation to begin this year.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan have announced a combined $4.5M in funding to support 25 livestock and forage research projects as a part of SK’s Agriculture Development Fund. Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald explained that the projects are aimed at helping livestock producers operate more efficiently and sustainably into the future. Institutions with approved projects include the University of Saskatchewan (17 projects), the University of Regina (2), the University of Alberta (1), and Lakeland College (1). An additional $1.3M in industry partner co-funding will support 13 of the projects.

Aurora College’s makerspace and digital media marketing studio INNOVATE has pivoted to become more community-focused. The studio has introduced a new interior layout with new signage, QR-code-based membership cards, and the use of informative equipment labels with QR codes linked to advice from other members. INNOVATE’s membership pricing structure has also changed to better accommodate part-time designers. Looking to the future, Aurora says that INNOVATE will focus on building stronger relationships with the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, and the Town of Inuvik, as well as developing a “community of builders” in the Inuvik region.

In a recent article for the Globe and Mail, University of Toronto doctoral candidate Peter Zhang argues that universities should take steps to cultivate “scholar-entrepreneurs” on campus. Zhang defines scholar-entrepreneurs as “students or faculty who offer additional sources of funding by commercializing their work.” While commercialization and entrepreneurship are more common in areas like business and management studies, Zhang asserts that institutions need to facilitate this more broadly across the disciplines. He writes that supporting entrepreneurship-focused learning opportunities would create more revenue generation opportunities for institutions, ensure great ideas do not go undiscovered, and better equip students for their future careers. “Forgoing our chance to transform more of our universities into hubs for venture creation would be a lost opportunity,” concludes Zhang.

Burman University has partnered with Mitacs to create new opportunities for academic–industry collaboration and innovation. Through this partnership, Burman will gain access to Mitacs funding in order to support the university’s work connecting local organizations to talent at the university. In particular, Burman and Mitacs will work to bring research projects from local Albertan organizations to the university’s students, enabling students to gain hands-on experience by solving real-world challenges while also contributing to the region’s economic wellbeing and growth. “This partnership promises great opportunities to benefit our campus,” said Burman President Dr Loren Agrey.

Sheridan College has launched a Master of Animation, Games, and Immersive Experiences program that it says is the first of its kind in Canada. The interdisciplinary program will cover a variety of topics, including advanced applied research methods and entrepreneurial and leadership skills, and will include work-integrated learning and hands-on training opportunities. “[This] is more than a new program — it’s a catalyst for change that adds fuel to our institutional response to the changes across creative industries,” said Sheridan Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design Dean Mark Jones.

Dalhousie University has reportedly revoked the honorary degree that it awarded to Buffy Sainte-Marie. CBC News states that the decision follows a formal request from Dal medical student Aaron Prosper, who is Mi’kmaw from Eskasoni First Nation. In his request to Dal’s senate committee, Prosper cited a CBC investigation into Sainte-Marie’s claims of Indigenous identity, past instances of revoked honorary degrees at other institutions, and the termination of Sainte-Marie’s Order of Canada appointment. Dal carried out the revocation in December according to its Senate Honorary Degrees Committee’s criteria and procedures. This is reportedly the first time that the university has revoked an honorary degree.

MaKami College has introduced a new wellness support for students: Social strategists. Social strategists will help students create wellness strategies, brainstorm solutions-focused plans, and connect with internal and external services and departments. MaKami Social Strategist Stephanie Urquhart explained that the role differs from counselling in that it is focused on immediate needs, brief emotional support, and wellness strategies. “We can all do tough things and cope through difficult moments, but none of us have to do it alone,” said Urquhart. “Roles like the social strategist can bring in that connection piece and give us somewhere to start when everything feels like too much.”

St Francis Xavier University has launched a redesigned magazine for its alumni and friends called the xaverian. The magazine’s name is a reference to the university’s former title for its yearbook. It contains updates, stories, and community highlights and will be published in a mixed format: a print edition in December/January followed by three digital issues. StFX said that the xaverian is part of the university’s new strategic approach to alumni communications. “We’re looking forward to this new chapter and sharing the stories that connect us, inspire us, and remind us why being a Xaverian is a lifelong journey,” said StFX Alumni Affairs Director Shanna Hopkins.

Former USherbrooke psychologist Grégoire Lebel has pleaded guilty to five counts of voyeurism that took place at the university in 2024, according to Radio Canada. USherbrooke reportedly launched an internal investigation immediately upon discovery of the allegations. TVA Nouvelles reports that Lebel has not been employed by the university since his arrest. Sentencing and victim statements will take place in March. Lebel is seeking a conditional discharge, while prosecutors are seeking a suspended sentence which would include a criminal record.