July 12, 2024

Several Canadian postsecondary institutions have ranked among the leaders in Forbes’s Canada’s Best Employers For Diversity 2024. Forbes ranked large employers from across Canada according to the findings of a survey of employees and an analysis of employers’ practices. 26 Canadian postsecondary institutions appeared in the overall rankings, with six ranking among the top 50: Brock University (#10), Dalhousie University (#16), Wilfrid Laurier University (#28), Concordia University (#32), University of British Columbia (#43), and Western University (#44).

The Government of Alberta and Government of Ontario have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on several fronts related to skilled trades certification. As part of this agreement, the provinces will share expertise and information as they explore an international credential recognition framework for the skilled trades. They will also work together to create more post-journeyperson certifications in order to support graduates of apprenticeship programs with upskilling opportunities. “By expanding our international credential recognition and working with our partners in the Government of Ontario, we can welcome more talented individuals and ensure our economy remains competitive and dynamic,” said AB Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney.

The Government of British Columbia’s Post-Secondary Overdose Prevention and Response Steering Committee has issued several recommendations for postsecondary institutions to improve student safety. These recommendations include providing clarity on when emergency services must be called, expanding awareness on the toxic drug alert services and information, and ensuring access to naloxone. The committee is also currently developing an awareness campaign focused on overdose-prevention. The Vancouver Sun reports that BC will supply nasal naloxone kits to all 25 public postsecondary institutions, with the expectation that institutions will make the kits “readily available and accessible” to students.

With the Calgary Stampede well underway, several local institutions are involved in the festivities. Several colleges hosted breakfasts, such as MaKami College and ABM College. MaKami was recognized by the Calgary Stampede Committee after it hosted a pancake breakfast over the weekend. “This breakfast is an opportunity for us to help feed individuals and families that are really struggling right now with food scarcity,” said MaKami CEO Marija Pavkovic-Tovissi. “We’re glad we can help alleviate that a little bit with events like this.” The University of Calgary held a Stampede BBQ hosted by UCalgary President Ed McCauley. During the Stampede Parade, UCalgary also debuted its “Space Rex” float, which featured the university’s mascot in a spaceship.

The University of Windsor has come to an agreement with protesters, bringing the Pro-Palestinian encampment on campus to an end. UWindsor reportedly agreed to demands such as expanding research ties with Palestinian universities and disclosing public investments in exchange for the encampment disbanding. The agreement did not include a commitment to divestment. Protester Jamiel Nasser noted that the protest group had been monitoring the events at other encampments and stated that “we are very grateful that we are able to come to a peaceful agreement with the university.” The Windsor Star states that the university ratified agreements with two separate groups: Windsor Divest, which reportedly organized the protest, and the University of Windsor Student Association.

Vancouver Community College has announced a new cybersecurity post-degree diploma program that will equip learners to defend digital assets. Learners will develop their knowledge of cybersecurity fundamentals and foster their skills in project management, data privacy, and policy development. Students can alsoo participate in experiential learning through activities such as hands-on labs, analyses of cybersecurity breaches, and a capstone project. VCC states that graduates will be prepared for careers such as cybersecurity analysts, security auditors, and policy/compliance analysts. The program will start in Fall 2024.

The University of New Brunswick has announced two partnerships that will create new opportunities for UNB students. UNB’s Bachelor of Health program and the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) have signed a partnership agreement that is focused on health leadership skills development. Under the agreement, UNB health students will be able to pursue their Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation. CCHL Senior VP Brenda Lammi added that UNB will incorporate the Lead Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, and Systems Transformation (LEADS) in a Caring Environment framework into its curriculum. UNB also recently partnered with SpacesShared to connect students with affordable, safe housing opportunities with local hosts in Fredericton and St John.

The University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business recently received continued accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. AACSB assesses an institution’s progress across nine guiding principles and standards for business accreditation, emphasizing engagement, innovation, and impact. Throughout the accreditation process, Asper School of Business was especially commended for its experiential learning opportunities. “This announcement is exceptional news for the Asper School of Business,” said UManitoba Dean Bruno Silvestre. “AACSB accreditation reflects our commitment to offering exceptional business education to students in Manitoba with a focus on pursuing continuous improvement and making a positive societal impact.” This accreditation will extend until 2029.

Selkirk College and the Li Ka Shing School of Professional & Continuing Education (LiPACE) in Hong Kong have signed an articulation agreement to create a new academic pathway for business students. Graduates of LiPACE’s Higher Diploma in Business Administration & Management Program will be able to continue their education on Selkirk’s Castlegar Campus through the two-year Postgraduate Business Management Program. Up to 35 students can take advantage of the opportunity each year. “It’s exciting to have this new partnership in place because we know that our postgraduate programs fill an important need within our communities when it comes to bringing new talents and ideas to the regional labour market,” said Selkirk Dean for the School of Business Tiffany Snauwaert.

McMaster University medical students have launched an initiative dubbed the SkinCARE Project, which provides essential skin care kits and resources to people experiencing homelessness in Hamilton. Led by first-year McMaster medical student Miranda Branyiczky, the project aims to help address the need for dermatologic care among Hamilton’s unhoused population. “In my classes, we talk a lot about preventative health care and thinking about what can be done further upstream to prevent what we’re seeing in the ER,” said Branyiczky. So far, the student-led initiative has distributed more than 100 kits through The Hub and the Shelter Health Network, with plans to distribute more soon.