January 29, 2026

Canada’s Top 100 Employers has released the Alberta’s Top Employers list for 2026, which recognizes 85 AB employers from across Alberta for their leadership in offering exceptional places to work. Employers were assessed according to criteria such as workplace, benefits, training, and community involvement. Three postsecondary institutions appeared on the list: Athabasca University was recognized for its work-from-home supports, MacEwan University was recognized for its parental leave and daycare services, and SAIT was recognized for its defined benefit pension plan.

Red River College Polytechnic and the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) Local 73 have signed an agreement to advance Truth and Reconciliation in the collective bargaining process. A joint Truth and Reconciliation Working Group was established to explore opportunities to advance Truth and Reconciliation within the polytechnic’s collective agreement across themes including inclusive language, family, and leaves. A total of 21 recommendations were made, and nearly all were implemented in the polytechnic’s 2025–2028 collective agreement. RRC Polytech President Fred Meier explained that the process sets a precedent for other postsecondary institutions across Canada.

Ontario Tech University and Thompson Rivers University both reported record levels of demand this academic year. Ontario Tech reports that its applications have risen by 5.3% compared to last year, with heightened interest noted among transfer students, mature learners, and out-of-province applicants. “[Applicants are] choosing programs that connect learning to real-world experience, innovation and meaningful career outcomes,” said Ontario Tech Registrar Dr Joe Stokes. At TRU, domestic enrolment reached a 10-year high of 2,139 in its last application cycle, representing an 11% increase over last year. TRU Associate VP of Enrolment Services Michael Bluhm said that interest was attributable to the university’s direct application process, rebranded flexible entry programs, and changes to application fees. Of particular note, Bluhm stated that the university saw a stark increase in the number of students applying directly from the local school district.

A recent article from the New York Times discusses how students in the United States are using AI chatbots and generative AI during the postsecondary application process. Students described how they are using these AI tools for late-night admissions support, determining what institutions might be a good fit, and getting a second opinion on whether they are likely to be accepted to their chosen institution. Admissions consultants, counsellors, and parents highlighted the challenges with chatbots flattering students, offering a false sense of security, or offering too much information.

London Police Service have arrested four men after an investigation that stemmed from a trespassing call at Western University. On Saturday, Western campus special constables reportedly arrested a trespasser at an engineering building on campus and seized a loaded handgun. The campus police called the city police service to take the man into custody and the university’s four engineering buildings were closed to accommodate an investigation. The LPS’s multi-day investigation ultimately resulted in the discovery of dangerous chemicals at a nearby home and a total of four persons being arrested. The individuals have had varying charges laid against them, including unlawful possession of explosives, break and enter with intent, and occupying a motor vehicle with a firearm.

In the first part of a three-part AI series, University Business reporter Alcino Donadel explores the security implications of how higher education leaders use AI chatbots. Donadel interviews several postsecondary leaders who say that they use AI for summarizing large documents, identifying trends, and supporting with basic email communication. Despite its benefits, there are risks to treating generative AI as a private confidante, explained interviewee Walsh College Provost Dave Schippers. “Administrators routinely paste more into chatbots than they would ever say out loud in a meeting because it feels like a private conversation,” he said, adding that discussing personal data of staff or students, as well as uploading non-public documents for analysis can have legal implications.

Seven Jewish students from Canadian universities recently spoke to The Hub writer Graeme Gordon to share their experiences with antisemitism on campus over the last three years. The students discussed their experiences with targeted harassment, threats, and ostracism, including being omitted from conversations about Israel and Palestine. They said that they find it difficult to make their voices heard with university administration. “People are sending anti-Zionist and antisemitic things in group chats that I’m in,” said Toronto Metropolitan University student Sam Sharrett. “And there’s no outlet for help, because you go to the student office and the person working at the desk is wearing a kaffiyeh.”

The University of Lethbridge’s Faculty of Fine Arts has launched a new major for its Bachelor of Arts program: Cinema and Media Studies. The program will cover a mix of theory and practical learning opportunities to prepare learners for careers in the arts and further education in areas such as filmmaking. “We live in a media-rich world and having the tools to navigate it are a necessity,” said ULethbridge Instructor Ryan Harper-Brown. ULethbridge states that Alberta and the local region have seen growth in their creative and cultural sectors, with increased job openings expected through to 2028.

The Université du Québec à Montréal has shared updates on its educational programming. The university launched a new postgraduate diploma in adult general education for individuals who are already working within a school but do not have legal qualification to teach. Students in the DESS will earn a probationary teaching license and will be able to obtain their teaching certificate after completing a probationary internship. UQAM is also overhauling its bachelor’s degree focused on early childhood and elementary level education for Fall 2026. The redesigned program’s first year focuses on preschool education, while the upper years offer subject-specific training and specializations leading to a teaching certificate.

Northwestern Polytechnic has partnered with Tallcree Tribal Government to expand options for students to complete NWP’s Educational Assistant Certificate program. This program—which will be offered through remote and in-person program delivery—will cover topics such as classroom management, instructional support, individualized student assistance, and working with diverse learners. “Through the partnership between Tallcree Education Authority and Northwestern Polytechnic, we are building a community of lifelong learners, where adults earn certifications and credits toward future degrees,” said Tallcree Tribal Government Chief Rupert Meneen.