March 10, 2025

Genome Canada has launched the Canadian Precision Health Initiative, which will invest $200M into the creation of a public genomic data resource that reflects Canada’s population. This resource will be used to create more precise and personalized health care options for Canadians, drive economic growth through the development of the next generation of health solutions, and strengthen Canada’s health security and data sovereignty. Funding will be distributed through the six regional Genome Centres—Genome Alberta, Genome Atlantic, Genome BC, Genome Prairie, Génome Québec, and Ontario Genomics—to support projects led by researchers from postsecondary, health, and other research organizations in their respective regions.

Carleton University, McMaster University, and Western University have recently received federal funds for projects related to clean energy. The Government of Canada’s Decarbonization Incentive Program has provided Carleton with $1.6M to replace a natural gas steam boiler with an electric boiler and McMaster with a combined $1.4M to implement air-to-water heat pumps and reactor heat reclaiming. Western has received $5M from the Government of Canada to conduct a study of TRISO-based used fuel properties and characteristics. The funding is part of a broader federal investment into Canadian-made nuclear energy projects.

Last Thursday, Aurora College officials faced questions from a standing committee of Government of Northwest Territories MLAs about the decision to close the college’s 19 community learning centres (CLCs). Several MLAs outlined their concerns about the impact that the closures and the move to an online delivery model will have on communities. “Not everybody’s got computers, not everybody’s got internet in small communities,” said Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon. Aurora defended the decision, stating that closing the centres will help the college to save over $8M and that moving to an online delivery method would enable the upgrading program to reach more communities. Cabin Radio reports that the buildings used by the CLCs will be transferred back to NWT.

York University’s Schulich Venture Academy has received $3M to expand its programming and support more entrepreneurs and businesses. The academy, which delivers specialized training to entrepreneurs and startups, will launch 10 cohorts with an enhanced curriculum that includes training in emerging sectors such as AI and clean technology. Schulich Venture Academy Executive Director Chris Carder and Executive Education Lead Cherry Rose Tan stated that this Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario funding will be used to arm entrepreneurs with the insights, strategies, and systems that they need to “ignite our economy.”

In a recent episode of the Illumination podcast, Ailsa Craig (Memorial University) discusses the benefits of diversifying credential offerings. Craig explains that diversifying the range of credentials that an institution offers—such as by offering short-cycle or alternative credential programs—enables the institution to better meet changing labour market needs. These institutions can also meet the needs of more students, including those who may not be able to commit to a traditional full-time, multi-year program. Craig asserts that continuing education departments are well suited to supporting this diversification effort, as they are often already accustomed to accommodating the need for agility and flexible structures. The conversation concludes by discussing the relationship between continuing ed and the rest of an institution and the importance of ensuring that this is a strong relationship.

Royal Roads University and Tyndale University have both announced international partnerships focused on creating new learning opportunities. Royal Roads and National Economics University in Vietnam recently expanded their partnership to offer project-based learning (PBL) teacher training. Tyndale and Dordt University in the US partnered to create a fast-track pathway for Tyndale psychology and human services students to pursue a Dordt MSW degree. The pathway offers a streamlined path to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Lethbridge Polytechnic has announced two new certificate programs that will launch in the Fall semester, as well as a revised existing program. The first program, General Arts and Science – A’paitsitapisksinimaattsaa (Weasel People Education), is an introductory certificate program that teaches students about Blackfoot identity and relationships through land-based learning. It is open to both domestic and international students who are interested in the Blackfoot culture, heritage, and people. The second program—a General Arts and Science – Kinesiology certificate—will prepare students for related degree programs by teaching them about theory and practice. Leth Polytech has also unveiled its revamped Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk certificate, which covers topics such as medical terminology, reception and administration, and health-care records management and includes work-integrated learning experiences.

In a recent Nature article, Elizabeth Gibney discusses a growing movement to use AI tools to identify errors in research papers. Gibney explains that an error in a research paper that caused widespread alarm in 2024 spurred on two projects that use AI to identify errors in scientific literature: the Black Spatula Project and YesNoError. These tools flag papers with potential errors for further evaluation. The goal of these tools is to provide researchers and journals with a way to identify mistakes before papers go to publication. While some researchers have said that the tools will help support research integrity, others are concerned about the rate of false positives and the potential for reputational damage.

Université TÉLUQ has launched a new platform devoted to helping the university’s language learners practice their oral interaction skills in French, English, or Spanish: LinguaTÉLUQ. The platform offers activities and resources for learners at different levels of competency, ranging from beginners just getting started to those with advanced competency who are comfortable with in-depth discussions. Learners at each level can practice with exercises and discussion or book training sessions with supportive oral practice trainers. TÉLUQ Département Sciences humaines, Lettres et Communication directrice Nancy Gagné explained that the interactive program promotes autonomy and interaction, while also providing an enriching learning environment for language learners.

The City of Quinte West’s city council has approved a resolution that supports Loyalist College. This resolution was adopted after Loyalist President Mark Kirkpatrick spoke to municipal councils in February. It supports Loyalist’s commitment to educating the region’s domestic and international students; expresses concern about the Government of Ontario’s postsecondary funding; requests that ON reconsider its funding model, review tuition fees, and work collaboratively with the province’s postsecondary institutions; and urges Canada to recognize international student contributions. The council also reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for postsecondary funding. The council unanimously voted in favour of the resolution and put it forward to the federal and provincial government.