June 28, 2024

The Government of Canada has announced an over-$18M investment through the Canada Foundation for Innovation to support research infrastructure projects at 21 cégeps, colleges, and polytechnics. The funds will be used to construct state-of-the-art labs, acquire cutting-edge equipment, and develop spaces for facilitating applied research partnerships and collaborations. “This funding not only bolsters innovation at the grassroots level, but also equips our students with the tools and opportunities they need to excel in a rapidly evolving global economy,” said Canada Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry François-Philippe Champagne. “By fostering collaboration between industry and academia, we ensure Canada remains at the forefront of technological advancement and economic growth.”

In a recent interview with Global News, Fleming College President Maureen Adamson said she was “perplexed” by a recent motion by the Peterborough city council. Adamson said that city council had not consulted with the college before its motion, adding that all three levels of government had already extended support to Fleming after the international student cap announcement. She noted that the college decided to cut programs that were either largely undersubscribed or had a high delivery cost that had been subsidized by the international revenue stream. York Region reports that Fleming has also cancelled its plans to open a Stouffville campus; Adamson said that the college was unable to proceed due to the student cap and changes to public private partnerships.

As the field of computer sciences finds itself at a crossroads, higher education must pivot to ensure computer science students are developing the skills and knowledge they need to contend with the ethics of their work, writes Beth Mynatt (Northeastern University). While enrolment is surging in computer science, Mynatt explains that as the world contends with the ethics of software and processes such as AI, social media data scraping, and open information and news sharing. This creates questions around how computer science graduates can be encouraged to engage in work that ultimately makes the world a better place. Mynatt encourages postsecondary leaders to take a more interdisciplinary approach to computer science education, launch efforts to foster diversity in the student pool, and cultivate a culture of ethics across and beyond the curriculum.

Cégep de Lévis and robotics equipment manufacturer KUKA Robotics Canada have partnered to offer specialized French-language robotics training to Quebec businesses. Companies looking for dedicated training for their KUKA robots will have access to KUKA-accredited trainers through Cégep de Lévis’s continuing education and business services department. The cégep states that it has offered training related to KUKA robots in the past, but this partnership offers the opportunity to expand course offerings. KUKA’s director for Québec and the Maritimes Patrick Beaumier stated that the partnership will ensure that companies that decide to invest in KUKA robots will have the full support they need to maximize their results.

McMaster University’s nuclear reactor has received a 20-year operational license renewal from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The renewal—which is the longest in the reactor’s history—will provide greater stability and strengthen the university’s efforts to attract staff and researchers. “That we were able to establish a safety case and all of the maintenance routines to allow the regulators to give us a 20-year licence like this is unprecedented,” said McMaster Professor David Novog. Norvog said that since the reactor runs at low temperatures and pressure, it experiences a much slower rate of degradation, which justifies the license extension.

After a three-year pilot period, the BMO Collaboratorium at the University of the Fraser Valley is becoming a fully funded research organization. The transformation is supported by a $440K donation over five years from the Bank of Montréal, which runs the initiative through a partnership with UFV. The funding will help seed partnerships to support community groups—including Indigenous communities—that may not have the budget to support a full student internship. “This support allows us to build on the solid foundation that’s been set in place, providing more opportunities for UFV students and impactful research with our many community partners,” said UFV President Dr Joanne MacLean.

The Algoma University Faculty Association has reportedly voted “no-confidence” in AlgomaU President Asima Vezina. The group argues that this vote is an effort to defend the university’s “quality education and reputation” and asserts that Vezina has made changes that prioritize profit and privatization over student interests. AlgomaU Board of Governors chair Mike Moraca issued a written statement saying that the board “has full confidence in the president and senior leadership of the university.” Moraca further asserted that the university is financially stable and investing in its academic programming and faculty.

Postsecondary institutions across Canada are gearing up for the summer with summer camps designed to give young people new experiences. A summer camp hosted by Nova Scotia Community College, the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, and industry and community partners will offer youth the opportunity to explore skilled trades such as construction, industrial/manufacturing, and cooking. Dalhousie University hosted its inaugural Indigenous Math Camp, which taught Indigenous youth about math and computer science. Laurentian University has created the Architecture Summer Camp to teach youth about architectural design, drafting, and drawing. The University of British Columbia is hosting CampOUT!, where youth will have the opportunity to participate in drag workshops and learn about makeup, movement, drag names, and more.

The University of Lethbridge has engaged in initial discussions around the expansion of its south campus. The University of Lethbridge Business Corporation (ULBC) says that the south campus land is not necessary for academic or research pursuits, but that the “size and location of the lands represent a once in a generation opportunity to build a people centered community that contributes to the vitality of the surrounding neighbourhoods and the city of Lethbridge.” Options for the land include building residential, office, retail, community, and recreational spaces with a mix of housing options and a focus on creating an inclusive, accessible community.

Capilano University, Carleton University, and Laurentian University are evaluating or pursuing projects to improve their athletics facilities. CapilanoU has announced that it will “kick off” the installation of a FIFA-grade turf field at its Squamish campus. The project is slated to be completed in advance of the 2024 CCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship in November CTV News reports that the City of Ottawa and Carleton are in discussions around the possible construction of an aquatic centre with an Olympic-sized swimming pool at the university. The two parties would jointly finance and build a competitive pool, a warmup pool, diving facilities, and stands for spectators. Laurentian has received a $250K donation from the Robertson-Martin family to fund the installation of a new international-quality sprung floor in its Ben Avery Gym. Work is expected to be completed by the beginning of August.