June 25, 2026

The Government of Canada recently announced a new Nuclear Energy Strategy that seeks to build on the country’s position as a nuclear energy superpower. Humber Polytechnic and Ontario Tech University—co-leads of the Canadian Clean Energy Workforce Consortium—announced their support of the strategy. When speaking on the government’s plan to double the size of Canada’s nuclear workforce, the institutions called the scale of the challenge “significant,” but added that meeting this challenge is why the consortium was created. Speaking on behalf of their institutions, Humber President Dr Ann Marie Vaughan and Ontario Tech President Dr Steven Murphy each asserted that their institutions were ready to contribute to the sector’s increased development.

The Government of Québec has announced a $26.2M investment for the creation of a centre of excellence in shipbuilding and advanced robotics at Cégep de Lévis. The three-floor building will contain robotics and machine vision laboratories, a technology demonstration area, and offices for the centre’s partners. The project has already received an additional $5M from the City of Lévis and a pledge of up to $3M from shipbuilder Chantier Davie. Cégep de Lévis directeur general Philippe Aubé called the centre a perfect representation of the cégep’s role in workforce development and innovation.

eCampusOntario and RBC have co-launched two initiatives that will enhance training options across Canada. The partners will expand the Skills for Jobs Canada platform, which offers Canadians training opportunities from institutions across Canada. The second initiative includes free, bilingual upskilling courses that will be developed in collaboration with publicly funded institutions and made widely available. “By combining eCampusOntario’s national digital infrastructure with RBC’s commitment to skills development, we are increasing access to high-quality, labour market–aligned learning and helping Canadians move more quickly from disruption to opportunity,” said eCampusOntario Head, Sector Transformation Rich Louttet.

Memorial University has announced several new and expanded STEM outreach programs for K–12 students, funded by a $1.4M donation from the Hebron Project. Memorial’s Faculty of Science will offer programs such as the SciQuest Summer camp, hands-on STEM sessions for Grades 7–12 students, and an interdisciplinary conference featuring student and faculty research. The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science will offer programs such as a new Engineering Innovators summer camp, a Girl Quest engineering exploration summer camp, and a free biannual Engineering Club. “If we want our next generation of engineers to be innovative, diverse and prepared for real-world challenges, we need to actively create opportunities for young people and spark their curiosity early,” explained Memorial Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Interim Dean Dr Bing Chen.

Brock University’s senate has officially approved the institution’s new Degree Framework Policy, which prioritizes student choice, flexibility, accessibility, and customization in their studies. The new framework will include standardized degree and module requirements, faculty-led curriculum, and a student-selected “primary module” in each undergraduate degree to anchor progression decisions and degree adjudication. “The new degree architecture at Brock is at its core about providing students with the choice and flexibility to tailor their degrees in a way that suits their own individual and unique interests, goals and aspirations,” explained Brock Provost and VPA Arja Vainio-Mattila.

The University of New Brunswick’s McKenna Institute and the Joint Economic Development Initiative have taken STEAM education on the road with a mobile makerspace initiative. Funded by the Mastercard Foundation and the TD Ready Challenge, Wabanaki in Motion NB: Roots to Stars will travel to different communities to provide hands-on STEAM tools and workshops in areas including AI, cybersecurity, digital fabrication, and quantum physics. “Wabanaki in Motion NB: Roots to Stars will help Indigenous youth build practical STEAM skills, grow their confidence, and explore pathways into postsecondary education, entrepreneurship, and meaningful careers,” explained McKenna Institute Founder Frank McKenna.

York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering has launched its first professional master’s degree: the Master of Engineering (MEng) in Sustainable Energy Systems. This course-based program will prepare students to work as leaders in the energy sector through advanced coursework, applied learning, and professional development. The degree combines engineering training with training in areas such as project management, sustainability, and energy transitions. Students can choose from full-time and part-time study options to accommodate their other obligations, and can complete the degree in as little as 12 months.

Vancouver Island University will be offering a new pathway for aspiring leaders who are interested in practical leadership training. Starting this Fall, VIU’s Democratic Leadership certificate will be available as part of a degree program or as a standalone credential. This mentorship-based program provides participants with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to work within their communities. They will gain a foundation in democracy and political systems, engage in experiential learning, and work with leaders. Graduates become part of the “Jarislowsky Fellows” alumni network.

St Lawrence College has announced that its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has received a seven-year accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing. SLC explained that it is the first Ontario college to receive this Path B accreditation for a standalone BScN degree. “This achievement is a direct reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork shown across all groups involved in our nursing program,” said SLC Interim Dean, Health, Wellness, & Community Services and Academic Operations Laralea Stalkie. The accreditation also applies to SLC’s Practical Nurse to BScN Bridge program.

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and Mastercard have partnered to expand access to cybersecurity learning and strengthen the digital resilience of organizations in Western Canada. Business leaders from small businesses, non-profits, and social enterprises will be able to take part in the SAIT Cybersecurity Learning Collective, powered by Mastercard. This 10-week, 80-hour course will provide learners with the tools they need to assess cyber risks, implement protective measures, and prepare for cybersecurity incidents. Tuition for eligible participants is covered by funding from Mastercard.