March 11, 2025

The Government of British Columbia has released Budget 2025: Standing Strong for BC, which focuses on protecting jobs and public services while preparing the economy to withstand unpredictable changes. For public postsecondary institutions, the budget projects an increase over the next three years in spending—by $547M to $9.54B by 2027/28—due to rising salaries, benefits, and operating costs, as well as in revenue—by $373M to $9.55B by 2027/28. There is a continued investment through the BC Health Human Resources Strategy to support health-care worker training. Budget 2025 also allots $4.7B over the next three years in capital funding for projects at postsecondary institutions.

Dalhousie University has launched the Community Hub, an online tool that will help nearby communities access the university’s activities and facilities. The hub offers information about Dal resources and programming that the community can access, making it easier for them to find educational programs, cultural events, support services, and volunteering opportunities. It will also serve as a gateway to partnerships, providing a way for students to give back through volunteer work, research, and hands-on learning. “We hope our new online hub serves as a virtual ‘open door,’ inviting people in and encouraging them to explore all the opportunities available to them,” said Dal Community Engagement Manager Emilie Mossman.

Toronto Metropolitan University has announced that it will prioritize Canadian businesses in its procurement and purchasing practices, wherever possible, in response to the recent tariffs imposed by the US. TMU previously had a policy to prioritize Ontario-based businesses for goods and services under $120K. However, effective immediately, it will expand this practice to Ontario and Canadian suppliers for all procurement activities. To support others in the community seeking to adopt a similar practice, TMU’s DMZ has also released the Oh Canada Tech Directory. This tool provides a database of Canadian tech companies to simplify procurement practices for businesses, policymakers, and ecosystem builders by connecting them with Canadian companies.

The Future Skills Centre (FSC) is investing $14.3M into 13 projects that prioritize taking innovative approaches to skills development. The projects focus on increasing worker mobility and supporting the business adaptability of small- to medium-sized businesses. This investment will support training in areas such as construction work, auto work, AI, skills development and job support, and culturally responsive training for Indigenous workers. Institutions receiving funding include the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Royal Roads University, the University of Alberta, and the University Health Network. “We’re identifying solutions that work and this investment will help us expand those innovations to reach more people in more regions,” said FSC Executive Director Noel Baldwin.

Vancouver Island University’s Board of Governors has responded to a non-confidence vote that was submitted by the Vancouver Island University Faculty Association (VIUFA) and the Vancouver Island University Students’ Union (VIUSU). CHEK and the Nanaimo News Bulletin report that this vote stemmed from student frustrations with issues such as “financial mismanagement, failed capital projects, and a leadership approach that has isolated students, faculty, and staff from decision-making,” while faculty added that administration’s “priorities […] are out of step with our mandate.” While acknowledging that the vote is non-binding, VIU said that its “Board of Governors will assess these community concerns in alignment with the university’s governance processes.”

Labour disputes at Queen’s University and the University of Manitoba have been temporarily resolved through tentative agreements with union representatives. Queen’s and the United Steelworkers Local 2010—which represents 1,200 general support staff—have reached a tentative agreement. The full details will be released following the agreement’s ratification. UManitoba also reached a tentative agreement with the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA), thus temporarily averting a strike that was planned to start this week. UMFA represents 1,300 professors, instructors, and negotiations. The union has been in negotiations with the university since August.

Collège Boréal will receive $932K for its Boréal Youth Employment Pathway program through the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). Boréal will use the funding to help young people overcome barriers to employment, including by offering employment services and holistic, tailored supports. “No young person facing hardship, disability or mental health challenges should have their future limited by systemic barriers,” said Boréal President Daniel Giroux. “With support from community partners, employers, and funding from Employment and Social Development Canada, Collège Boréal is proud to use its diverse expertise to help youth eager to enter the workforce, contribute to their communities, and achieve their full potential.”

Mount Royal University and Royal Roads University recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen their teaching and research relationship. The MOU sets out a framework for the two institutions to develop partnership initiatives, which may include academic pathways for credit recognition, student and faculty exchanges, collaboration on academic programming, and joint research projects. “MRU and Royal Roads University are committed to an outstanding student experience, experiential learning, Indigenization, and research and scholarship,” said MRU President Tim Rahilly. “We are pleased to sign this memorandum of understanding with Royal Roads to help both institutions deliver on our strategic priorities to serve our communities.”

A former Western University department chair is facing a sentencing hearing after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a colleague on campus. Justice Spencer Nicholson found former Western Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department Chair Ajay Ray guilty in November, a decision that Ray reportedly intends to appeal. The prosecution is reportedly seeking an 18-month jail sentence, while the defence is seeking a two-year sentence that can be served at home. “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the survivor and the trauma she has endured,” said Western in a statement. “All members of the University community must have the ability to work, learn, and live in an environment free from sexual violence.” The sentencing decision is expected by April 10.

According to La Presse, the Government of Québec’s recent cap on international students may disproportionately benefit private postsecondary institutions. Journalist Suzanne Colpron highlights how private colleges like the Collège supérieur de Montréal and Collège Ellis are receiving more provincially designated Certificats d’acceptation pour études du Québec (CAQ) than public universities like McGill University and the Université du Québec à Montréal. Cégeps are reportedly receiving even fewer CAQs. QC has defended its CAQ delegations, stating that private institutions typically enrol more international students and should therefore receive higher maximums. However, critics argue that QC’s new international student policy—which was introduced to prevent institutions from exploiting international students—is instead disadvantaging the public institutions that were not at the center of these concerns to begin with.