June 3, 2026

The Government of Alberta has announced $1B in funding for postsecondary student aid. As a part of the changes, non-repayable funding for applicants has been increased and funding will be based on an updated eligibility assessment framework. Financial contributions made by spouses or parents will now be considered for some applicants, which AB says will ensure that funding is allocated to those that need it most. AB Minister of Advanced Education Myles McDougall said that the change is due to financial pressures faced by students and families, explaining that “student aid can make the difference for staying in school.”

The Université du Québec network, Québec City, and the Government of Québec have announced their intent to develop a university district in the Saint-Roch district of Québec City. While the project is in its early stages, the partners have identified the region of the city that could be designated as a new university district. They will construct a new university building and student residences. The district would offer undergraduate training from institutions in the UQuébec network with the goal of attracting 1,000 students to the region. UQuébec President Alexandre Cloutier stated that the university network has a presence in the region, but that this initiative will create a true university district that is rooted in its community.

In response to an Ebola outbreak in the region, the Government of Canada recently announced temporary measures for foreign nationals living in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, including an immigration document processing suspension. Several institutions have taken action in response to the outbreak. Western University reportedly recalled staff and students who were on a learning trip in Uganda, according to the Western Gazette. Carleton University and McGill University have published information for applicants and travelling students. McGill suggested that applicants continue to monitor government travel information and recommended deferring admission if travel is still prohibited after August 31.

Holland College and the Aboriginal Women’s Association of Prince Edward Island (AWAPEI) have launched a research collaboration to support reconciliation at the college. Partners will inform institutional policy and practices by collaborating on focus groups, discussion, and artistic expression. In addition, Holland College will hire an Indigenous student researcher to contribute to the project. Holland College Culture and Inclusion Advisor Sasha V Nandlal explained that the perspectives of Indigenous women on postsecondary education are “too often unseen or unheard,” and that the partnership will allow them to share truths to improve the experience at the college.

Camosun College has officially begun construction on its first-ever student residence building. The building project will provide 429 student beds in a mix of dorm-style rooms, apartment-style units, and studio units when it opens in 2029. There will also be temporary housing for students experiencing a crisis, amenities such as coffee shops, meeting and study spaces, and commercial laundry facilities. “On-campus housing has many academic, personal and social benefits, including greater retention rates, while freeing up rental spaces in the surrounding community,” said Camosun President Lane Trotter. “Living on campus gives students better access to academic and wellness supports, and strengthens their connections to peers, which allows them to focus on their education.”

Cégep de Sept-Îles has joined the University of the Arctic international network. As a member, the cégep will be able to develop new applied research partnerships, access northern funding programs, promote student and faculty mobility, and strengthen its positioning on strategic issues. Cégep de Sept-Îles directeur général David Beaudin explained that the membership will enable collaborations with Nordic institutions that will benefit students, instructors, researchers, and the cégep’s broader community.

Yukon University and Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin have signed a self-government agreement that will support a more culturally inclusive education option for Trʼondëk students in Dawson City. The memorandum of agreement specifies that the First Nation will share responsibility for the design, delivery, and administration of the university programs offered in its traditional territory. “For Tr’ondëk students, it’s loud and clear — you belong here,” said Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation Director of Education Jody Beaumont. “This is your school. This is a school that is going to be shaped by your needs, your Nation’s needs and desires around education.”

Thompson Rivers University will be making several changes to its online courses. Among these include changing assignments and exams to make them more AI-resistant, removing print courses, and changing the delivery of class resources. The biggest change will be to assessments, which the institution plans to rebuild. This will include the addition of more verification of student identity. TRU Open Learning Director of Curriculum Development and Delivery David Cormier said that a transfer-credit group asked for changes to address concerns about students not completing their work themselves. Additionally, Open Learning will be phasing out 26 print courses and will be changing the way course resources are shared with students.

HEC Montréal announced updates on two of its programs this week. The Government of Québec has announced that it will provide HEC Montréal’s Pôle Entrepreneuriat with a $673K investment to support the setting up of its R+ entrepreneuriat par acquisition program. The program will train potential business buyers and raise awareness around purchasing existing businesses. QC ministre délégué à l’Économie et aux Petites et Moyennes Entreprises Daniel Bernard explained that the program will provide a solution to support the succession of small and medium enterprises, ensuring sustainable growth in the province. HEC Montréal will also launch a nine-credit Graduate Microprogram in Contemporary Philanthropy this fall, which it says will provide learners with knowledge of taxation, management, and marketing practices in philanthropy.

Memorial University and its unions have begun a new round of collective bargaining. Talks with the Canadian Union of Public Employees are happening this week, while talks are yet to be set with the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public Employees and Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty Association. “Collective bargaining is an important process and Memorial is ready to engage in meaningful discussion with our employee unions,” said Memorial President Janet Morrison. “We will be focused on the university’s priorities: academic quality, the student experience and financial sustainability.”