July 25, 2025

The Government of Canada has launched the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada, a national initiative focused on addressing the challenge of wildfires. Thompson Rivers University and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (affiliated with Western University) are among the consortium’s five foundational partners. The consortium will increase wildfire resilience by bringing together Indigenous knowledge holders, researchers, practitioners, and industry leaders to advance knowledge sharing, technology, and Indigenous fire stewardship.

University researchers are reshaping Canada’s wildfire response with new tools and expertise. At the University of Toronto, Adjunct Professor Dr Mike Wotton is helping update the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System, while Professor Emeritus Dr David Martell, a pioneer in wildfire modelling, has mentored many of today’s leaders in the field. At the University of Alberta, Dr Jen Beverly and doctoral candidate Air Forbes have developed fireexposuR, an open-source mapping tool that helps municipalities and Indigenous communities plan wildfire defences. These efforts have and continue to support a growing network of wildfire specialists across Canada.

Languages Canada reports that over 13% of Canada’s accredited language education programs were shut down in the first quarter of 2025, reducing the number of accredited official language programs to its lowest since 2011. The closures follow a series of changes to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s International Student Program that, while aimed at addressing broader issues like housing, have disproportionately impacted official language programs. Languages Canada reports that the remaining programs are facing reduced enrolment and financial instability, despite their positive impact on international student success.

Québec’s anti-corruption agency Unité permanente anticorruption (UPAC) is conducting a criminal investigation into fraudulent networks targeting prospective international students from African countries and QC universities. CBC reports that the investigation follows cases in the news where fraudsters posed as consultants who said they were able to submit applications on the student’s behalf, charged the student fees, and submitted false documentation to the institutions. Université du Québec à Chicoutimi Directrice (par interim) Marie-France Audet said that UPAC’s investigation is good news, as fraud affects both the student victims and the institutions.

Royal Roads University has partnered with the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to launch the Namminiqsurniq Professional Project Administrator Program. The program aims to support the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement—the 2027 transfer of land and resource management from the federal government to the territory—through education and work placements. A group of 12 Nunavut Inuit will take part in paid public administration training delivered by Royal Roads, followed by nine months of applied work placements that will transition into roles with the Government of Nunavut. Throughout the experience, they will also receive wraparound supports through the Inunnguqsaivik Learning Community.

Loyalist College has launched two electrician apprenticeship programs in response to the region’s need for skilled trades professionals. The Electrician – Construction and Maintenance program and the Industrial Electrician program will combine class instruction with on-the-job experience to help students develop the skills they need for careers as electricians. Loyalist is working with industry partners to design curriculum that reflects workplace realities, with learners training on equipment that is currently used by local industry. These programs will welcome students in 2026.

Universities Canada has issued a statement welcoming a review from the federal Auditor General of Canada’s international student program. Universities Canada says that the review offers “an opportunity to strengthen oversight, reinforce integrity and rebuild public confidence.” The organization further emphasized the importance of international students to Canada and encouraged the creation of a roundtable that would bring together governments, employers, and postsecondary institutions to collaborate on an immigration strategy. “Canada can lead the world in education, innovation and opportunity,” reads the release. “Universities are ready to be part of the solution and to help build a system Canadians can all be proud of.”

Assiniboine College has announced a new micro-credential to help mid-career trades professionals gain in-demand skills in the renewable energy sector. The 16-week, part-time Renewable Energy Solar Systems and Installation program will be delivered remotely to support flexible learning. Designed for electricians and contractors, the program covers solar photovoltaic system concepts and safe installation practices, and provides students with hands-on experience with solar infrastructure. “This is a fantastic upskilling opportunity for participants and a great opportunity for employers,” said Assiniboine Dean of Community Development Michael Cameron. The program aims to address labour shortages while supporting economic growth.

Brock University, Humber College, and Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières are advancing construction projects to prepare new spaces for the upcoming and future school years. Brock is preparing its new space in the Robert Bateman Community Centre in Burlington, Ontario to welcome students this Fall. In addition to labs and active learning spaces, the campus will host the satellite office of the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre. At Humber, work is continuing on the Humber Cultural Hub’s second phase, which is anticipated to be complete in December 2026. Materials from a former building will be repurposed or recycled for the new building. UQTR is constructing the Pavillon Pellerin-Marmen, which will house over 15 research laboratories for experts from the institution. The building is anticipated to be complete in roughly a year.

Generative AI has become deeply embedded in campus systems through updates to LMS platforms, research databases, and accessibility tools, writes Marc Watkins (University of Mississippi). Watkins argues that the lack of transparency around this process of AI adoption bypasses shared governance and leaves faculty unprepared for the impact on teaching, research, and student privacy. To navigate this evolving landscape, he offers practical steps for faculty to stay informed, including conducting quarterly “AI audits,” creating shared resources, and updating course policies to reflect AI’s presence. “Doing nothing guarantees you will keep playing catch-up to tech updates you never asked for,” Watkins writes, urging faculty to lead with curiosity and clarity.