July 22, 2026

The Government of Canada has announced more than $289M through SSHRC to support social sciences and humanities research projects and partnerships. The 1,788 funded projects span a wide range of topics related to social and economic challenges, including climate change adaptation, economic recovery, and the impacts of emerging technologies on society. The funds will be administered through four SSHRC programs: Insight Grants ($162M), Insight Development Grants ($64M), Partnership Grants—Stage 2 ($42M), and Partnership Development Grants ($20M).

Two recent articles in University Affairs’s Prof vs Prof debate whether universities should align their curricula with the labour market. In the argument against, Mazen Maurice Guirguis (Kwantlen Polytechnic University) asserts that a focus on economic and professional outcomes overly narrows the scope for defining a university’s impact on society. In the argument for, Matthew McKean (Business + Higher Education Roundtable) and Valerie Walker (BHER) encourage universities to instead consider alignment with the labour market as “making sure every student has the chance to connect what they learn to the futures they hope to build, deliberately and by design.”

The University of Saskatchewan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Redberry Lake Biosphere Region (RLBR) to promote research and education relating to the UNESCO-designated biosphere region. The MOU formalizes the existing partnership between the university and RLBR, which has been the site of several USask research projects since its inception in 2000. “I want to bring school groups out here to see what USask students and researchers are doing […] to see what’s possible and inspire them,” explained RLBR Executive Director Terry Gagne, calling the site a “living demonstration” of people and nature coexisting.

In a recent interview with The evoLLLution, Tim Fricker (University of Toronto Mississauga) discusses how institutions can encourage student success through relationships and evidence-based action. Fricker explains that students are used to personalization, so they expect this from their postsecondary institutions. In light of this, colleges and universities should focus their structures, strategies, and culture around relationships that strengthen students’ relationships with their institutions. To improve the learner experience, Fricker encourages asking questions about who is not engaging or represented, recognizing that this work should not fall only on specific departments, and evaluating programs and services to improve them.

Students from private colleges in Québec that have had their permits suspended by the Government of Quebec Ministry of Education are holding protests. Permits were suspended at Collège supérieur de Montréal, Collège supérieur de Sherbrooke, and Collège de technologie Veritas, as well as for the permit for vocational training at Collège Herzing. QC stated that it is prioritizing ensuring the students can continue their studies, but students told The Canadian Press that they were encountering issues with the continuation plans and, by extension, their immigration status and study permit renewal. “There is no coherent, strategic plan that’s being put in place,” said student Leila Batatache.

St Lawrence College has launched three new certificate programs that will help registered nurses specialize. The Mental Health Nursing, Registered Nurse Critical Care Nursing – Neonatal Intensive Care, and Registered Nurse Perianesthesia Nursing certificates are all offered in flexible online formats to allow nurses to continue in their employment while enrolled. “As health-care systems across Canada continue to evolve, there is growing demand for nurses with specialized expertise to support increasingly complex patient needs,” explained SLC Dean of Health, Wellness, & Community Services Laralea Stalkie. SLC plans to announce additional nursing certificates in the coming months.

Assiniboine College will be offering Construction Mini-Trades courses at its Parkland campus this Fall. These courses cover five construction-related areas: concrete forming, drywall installation and finishing, exterior finishing, interior finishing, and painting selection and application. The courses each take three weeks to complete. “As we look to build practical, job-ready skills in a short amount of time, these programs are designed for flexible, affordable, hands-on training options that allow learners to explore a range of in-demand trades within the construction industry,” said Assiniboine Parkland Campus Director Carol Stewart.

The University of Guelph has partnered with SpacesShared to connect students with safe and affordable housing. The SpacesShared platform matches students with hosts based on their compatibility, which helps ensure that matches are successful. “For students navigating a competitive rental market, alternative housing options like this can provide an affordable and supportive living arrangement while making use of existing housing capacity in Guelph,” said UoGuelph Neighbourhood Relations and Off-Campus Living Coordinator June Baldwin. Baldwin explained that the partnership’s goal is to expand available housing options while strengthening community connections.

Loyalist College and Mount Royal University are continuing to investigate and respond to the cyberattacks that occurred earlier this summer. The Belleville Intelligencer reports that Loyalist College has made significant progress in restoring the affected systems and services, including Microsoft 365, Canvas, and Workday. At MRU, faculty, staff, and students told CTV News that the ransomware attack continues to have an impact on their lives. “A lot of personal information on employees potentially is out there, as well as students,” said MRU Criminology Professor Kelly Sundberg, who is calling for an investigation by the Government of Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education.

The Jewish General Hospital in Montréal has officially received university hospital designation in recognition of its work in research, teaching, and care. The designation will introduce the opportunity to secure funding and grants for which the hospital was previously ineligible. “By officially becoming a university hospital, the institution will be able to continue this great legacy by training the next generation of healthcare professionals, advancing knowledge, and developing innovative practices that will benefit our entire health and social services network,” said Government of Québec Health Minister Sonia Bélanger.