June 20, 2025

The University of Saskatchewan has raised over $570M through its Be What the World Needs campaign, exceeding its original $500M target. Described by the university as the largest fundraising campaign in Saskatchewan’s history, the decade-long effort drew more than 101,000 gifts from approximately 27,000 donors in 44 countries. The funds are already being used to support Indigenous achievement, infrastructure, research, and student success. “Thanks to this highly successful campaign, our students will see expanded opportunities to make a difference in Saskatchewan and around the globe,” said USask President Peter Stoicheff.

Lakehead University and the University of Guelph have received $10M from philanthropists Kim and Stu Lang in support of the forthcoming Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program. The funds will go towards the construction of a new animal education facility at Lakehead, which will be named Gakina Awesiinyag or “All Animals (Place For)” in the Anishinaabemowin language. “We were grateful to receive guidance from Indigenous Elders from the north to choose this beautiful, fitting name,” said Kim Lang. “It is our privilege to play a part in building this lasting legacy for northern communities.”

Quacquarelli Symonds has released the 2026 World University Rankings, which include 1,500 institutions from over 100 locations. Institutions are scored and ranked according to factors like research and discovery, learning experience, and global engagement. Four Canadian universities appeared in the top 100: McGill University (#27), the University of Toronto (#29), the University of British Columbia (#40), and the University of Alberta (tied for #94). Narcity reports that this marks a change in the order of Canadian institutions, as previous editions of the rankings—including 2025 and 2024—saw U of T claiming the highest ranking in Canada.

Alejandro Campos-Garcia, Associate Director of Human Rights and Accessibility at Royal Roads University, has outlined three strategies for creating more inclusive classrooms. Campos-Garcia encourages instructors to honour diverse learning styles through varied formats like discussions, reflections, or art. He recommends building flexibility into timing and assessments to support different learning paces. Finally, Campos-Garcia highlights the value of welcoming students to share their stories and perspectives, as students are more engaged when they see themselves reflected in course content. “When students with diverse voices come together, they contribute to building a more supportive and collaborative learning community,” Campos-Garcia concluded.

The Government of Ontario is refocusing the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) in response to US trade policies and tariffs. The changes are intended to protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of the trade changes, and secure new opportunities for the northern economy. As a result, funding will focus on economic growth, innovation, and job creation. ON also recently announced an additional $30M investment into NOHFC over the next three years. “The NOHFC’s new focus will help keep workers on the job and create more opportunities for businesses in Northern Ontario to thrive and grow in the face of US tariffs,” said ON Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth George Pirie.

In a defense of “silly science,” Carly Anne York (Lenoir-Rhyne University) discusses the importance of primary research. In an era of unprecedented cuts to research, York argues that researchers need to be able to explain to the public why we need research without clear applications. “Perhaps my research [into squid biomechanics] was useless,” writes York, “but I recognize now that it was not worthless.” York argues against the public perception that government money is “handed out willy-nilly” or used without accountability. She further points out that basic research often supports later applied research, concluding that the loss of a commitment to basic research would “risk stalling the very engine of innovation that has propelled us forward for generations.”

CBC reports that Western University is considering a new requirement for proof of Indigenous citizenship or membership that would apply to roles and opportunities designated for Indigenous individuals. The proposed policy, recently approved by Western’s Senate and now advancing to the Board of Governors, would apply to those applicants for Indigenous-specific jobs, awards, and admissions. According to The Western Gazette, individuals would need to provide documentation or community reference letters to confirm affiliation with an Indigenous nation. The purpose of the policy is to prevent identity fraud and support equitable access to designated opportunities for Indigenous Peoples.

The University of Manitoba is celebrating the official opening of Wiiji Bimoseyang Binesi (“Thunderbird Helping Them Walk”), a 10‑unit supported living complex for adults with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness. Developed in partnership with Sagkeeng First Nation, Indigenous leaders, and non-profit organizations, the facility offers a culturally grounded, community-based approach to care. Sagkeeng researchers Audrey Henderson and Sharon Courchene led the project in collaboration with UManitoba’s College of Rehabilitation Sciences and research students.

Cégep de l’Outaouais and Collège Ahuntsic, HEC Montréal, and Langara College have each announced that they are launching new programming. Cégep de l’Outaouais is developing an attestation d’études collégiales program in mammography that it will deliver in partnership with Collège Ahuntsic. The program is expected to launch in 2027. HEC Montréal Executive Education will be launching a leadership and management certification program that is designed for Black leaders. Langara has officially launched a one-year Infant Toddler Care and Education Citation program. The part-time online program is designed for ECE graduates looking to become certified as Infant Toddler Educators in British Columbia.

The Université de l’Ontario Français celebrated its first convocation and graduating class earlier this week. The university’s graduating cohort included just over 60 learners, who chose to begin their education at the new university in 2021—in the midst of a pandemic. “You are the first generation to have chosen to place your trust in our bold university,” said Chancellor Paul Rouleau. As part of its coverage of the event, the Toronto Star interviewed UOF President Normand Labrie about the struggles the institution experienced at its launch, how its programming is evolving, and its goals for the future.