July 9, 2026

The Government of Québec announced this week that it would be providing $288M in funding to support research and innovation in the province. The Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) will receive more than $250M, which will be used to support the FRQ’s ongoing activities, expand excellence scholarships for graduate students, and further the province’s Stratégie québécoise de recherche et d’investissement en innovation. QC non-profit organization Axelys also received funding, which will be distributed to research institutions to further goals related to technological maturation, intellectual property protection, and the creation of technology companies.

As a result of the Government of Canada’s recent selection of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) as the preferred supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, Hanwha Ocean has indicated that it will withdraw from a partnership focused on creating a training hub in Ontario. CBC and the Toronto Star report that the South Korean shipbuilder had originally planned to work with Mohawk College and Ontario Shipyards to build a training hub in Hamilton. Mohawk and Ontario Shipyards indicated that they intend to continue to work together on the project, as they have a standalone agreement that will continue after Hanwha’s withdrawal.

Mount Royal University confirmed this week that student and employee data was compromised during a cyberattack that occurred last month. Investigation by cybersecurity experts revealed that the hackers accessed a drive that contained data stored by employees and students. Affected students and employees will be informed in the coming weeks. In addition to reporting the incident to the Alberta Information and Privacy Commissioner and law enforcement, the university is providing all current and recent past employees with two years of credit monitoring.

Trent University has launched a Master of Science in Computer Science program. This program will provide students with training in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and data science, supporting the digital economy. The program includes a thesis project, collaboration with industry partners, and opportunities to present work at conferences. “This program directly supports regional and national priorities for job growth in the digital economy, where demand for skilled talent continues to outpace supply,” said Trent School of Graduate Studies Dean Dr Craig Brunetti.

In a recent article for University Affairs, Fédération québécoise des professeures et professeurs d’université President Madeleine Pastinelli discusses how universities can keep tensions and conflicts from becoming destructive. Pastinelli writes that psychological harassment and mental health challenges are growing issues on campus, but that the nature of institutions, which are built upon debate, inherently leads to tensions between faculty members. The author argues that the line between harassment and necessary work must be drawn to protect individuals, and additionally calls for proper funding to support a healthy workplace by reducing competition for scarce resources. “It shouldn’t be a matter of choosing between psychological health and collegial governance, but rather of protecting the former without sacrificing the latter,” writes Pastinelli.

Acadia University’s Board of Governors has announced that it is moving forward with its plan to restructure its faculties in time for the 2027–28 academic year. The proposed restructuring, which would create a new Faculty and School structure, is expected to reduce operation costs by $1.34M annually. CBC notes that the changes include several changes to staffing, including the introduction of nine assistant director positions and the elimination of 15 department heads, four coordinators, and one assistant dean position. Acadia University Faculty Association President Geoffrey Whitehall expressed concern about the elimination of departments and positions, alongside the introduction of “administrative roles that are not currently in the collective agreement.”

The Government of Ontario is investing $2.2M into apprenticeship training in Windsor. Training will be delivered by three organizations, including St Clair College. The college will receive $641K to offer training in tool and die making and upgrade its Computer Numerical Control machining equipment and controls. “By supporting modern equipment upgrades and expanding training opportunities for youth and other underrepresented groups, this funding strengthens our local workforce and helps meet the growing needs of the automotive, aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors,” said St Clair President Michael Silvaggi.

The Institut national de la recherche scientifique is launching two research chairs in the areas of environmental health and biomedical chemistry. The chairs are affiliated with the Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre. The INRS Chair on Endocrine Disruptors and Mammary Glands will focus on understanding how endocrine-disrupting chemicals influence mammary gland development. The chair will be led by INRS Professor Isabelle Plante. The INRS Chair in Carbohydrate Chemistry focuses on antiviral development, vaccine design, and biosourced surfactants, and is led by INRS Professor Charles Gauthier.

Selkirk College has launched a micro-credential that will help licensed practical nurses transition into acute care. The LPN Transition to Acute Care Micro-Credential is a 16-week online program for LPNs who are registered with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives. Program participants will develop their skills in clinical decision-making, patient safety, and communication and documentation. “We know practicing LPNs bring valuable experience to patient care, and this micro-credential is designed to help them build on that foundation with confidence,” said Selkirk School of Health and Human Services Dean Tammie Clarke.

Two people in southwestern Ontario have been charged in connection with an immigration scheme that defrauded international students, reports CBC. The investigation started in February 2025 after Lambton College notified the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). CBSA alleges that the two accused had taken money from international students, promised that it would go towards their tuition fees, and produced fraudulent enrolment documents for them. Both individuals have been charged with four counts of fraud over $5K, four counts of uttering forged documents, and four counts of counselling misrepresentation. One individual is scheduled to appear in court, while the other is wanted on an arrest warrant and believed to have fled the country.