July 27, 2026

The Government of Canada announced more than $81M over the next ten years to support housing and postsecondary education in Nunavut. The funds for postsecondary education will go towards several projects, according to NU Deputy Premier George Hickes. “We’ve had opportunities with the Nunavut Arctic College where we have had federal investments in expanding existing resources,” said Hickes. “But now, it’s another opportunity to take a look at recognizing community learning centres at the [college] and how they roll out things with the Department of Education on much-needed infrastructure across the territory.”

Several postsecondary classics departments and groups are looking to build on the recent release of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, to foster interest in the field. The University of Waterloo’s student-run Epic Threads journal hosted a review contest of the Odyssey with prizes for the winning writers, while The Chronicle of Higher Ed highlighted US institutions that launched special courses, hosted book clubs, and shared ways to engage with interpretations of The Odyssey across other mediums. Several classics faculty members also reflected on how contemporary media based on classics can attract new students: University of Windsor Associate Professor Robert Weir told CNN that the release of Gladiator in 2000, for example, brought renewed interest to the field.

While many of humanity’s hardest problems in mathematics have remained unsolved for decades, using AI as a new tool has already proved fruitful, according to Trefor Bazett (University of Victoria). Bazett points to a notoriously difficult problem called the “unit distance problem,” explaining that while AI was able to provide the first solution to the problem, it was human researchers that were able to adapt the proof to solve another significant problem a week later. This combination of human ingenuity and technology is not new, asserts Bazett, with computers having been used to solve problems too expansive for humans since their invention. Despite this, Bazett concludes that many problems in math remain beyond AI’s capabilities, proving the necessity of human mathematicians for the foreseeable future.

University Affairs reporter Marie-Lou Bernatchez recently highlighted an ongoing situation between the University of Alberta’s Campus Saint-Jean and the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta (ACFA). The university is currently implementing a strategic plan for Indigenous reconciliation that some Franco-Albertans reportedly feel operates to the detriment of their own history. The Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta (ACFA) published an open letter expressing its concerns about the impact of the university’s policy and administrative decisions. UAlberta Campus Saint-Jean Dean Jason Carey responded with a letter indicating that the university has already responded to the association’s concerns and citing the ongoing legal action launched by ACFA against the Government of Alberta and UAlberta.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Molson Coors have unveiled a new research and development hop yard. The hop yard will be used as a living library of genetically-diverse hop plants, a dedicated space for applied research, and a place for hands-on learning opportunities with BC hop growers. “We’re excited to work with Molson Coors in supporting local farmers through this multi-year project,” said KPU Applied Genomics Centre Director Dr Paul Adams. “Partnerships like this really illustrate how cutting-edge research and innovation can address industry challenges and meet the needs of our local communities.”

Mount Saint Vincent University and Sault College have recently announced the launch of new courses and short-length programs. MSVU has launched a Special Topics course called Indigenous Perspectives on Aging and Wellbeing that is open to students in all programs. The course covers topics such as health inequalities, a holistic understanding of health, the effects of colonialism, and approaches to elder care and wellbeing. Sault has announced a free, self-paced online microcredential called Understanding Cannabis and Your Career. The course provides practical, evidence-based information about cannabis and the workplace, including topics such as Canada’s legal framework and workplace rights and responsibilities.

The University of Calgary will reportedly not be in the Calgary Pride Parade this August after the organization denied its application. Calgary Pride cited actions taken during the 2024 pro-Palestinian encampment protests, as well as subsequent legal action relating to the university’s response. Calgary Pride clarified that the decision is not intended to prohibit the UCalgary community from participating: “Student groups, alumni groups, unions, faculty associations, and other campus community organizations are welcome and encouraged to participate in Pride 2026, so long as they walk without explicit University of Calgary logos showing.” UCalgary stated that it intends to continue with campus pride week celebrations.

The University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (CDC) and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers have announced an agreement to advance lentil and faba bean breeding. The partners will work together to improve yield and disease resistance, with field testing in locations across Western Canada. Initial funding for the program will be provided by SPG, with Alberta Pulse Growers also contributing to the lentil breeding program. CDC Director Dr Curtis Pozniak highlighted that over 95% of acreage for lentil and faba beans in the Prairies currently use a CDC variety. “This renewed partnership with SPG will further strengthen pulse breeding and accelerate the development of new, high-performing varieties that meet the evolving needs of farmers,” concluded Pozniak.

The Government of British Columbia has announced a $3.5M investment through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to strengthen emergency operations centres across the province. The funds will support these centres on several fronts, including efforts related to training, planning, and community education. “Continued funding through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is critical to helping local governments and First Nations maintain strong emergency preparedness and response capacity,” said Union of British Columbia Municipalities President Cori Ramsay.

NOSM University and OPSEU Local 677 (Unit 1) have officially ratified a three-year collective agreement. The union represents full-time faculty, librarians, and professional staff at the university. The agreement is in effect from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029. The two parties have agreed to changes that include increased compensation, enhanced employee benefits, and other provisions.