March 13, 2024

The Globe and Mail and CIC News report that the federal government has indicated that the number of new study permits available for college and university undergraduate programs this year is “about 292,000.” Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller previously announced that about 360,000 new permits would be available in 2024, but the Globe reports that the federal government has since indicated that this figure included students—such as those in graduate programs or K-12 education—who are not subject to the cap. The Government of Alberta and Government of British Columbia have reportedly begun issuing attestation letters, while other provinces are still developing their processing systems.

The Government of Nova Scotia is assessing proposals from four universities that are hoping to offer accelerated education degrees, similar to that of Cape Breton University. CBU previously announced its intent to offer short-length online and in-person bachelor of education degrees in order to address labour shortages in Nova Scotia’s education system . The proposals from Acadia University, Mount Saint Vincient University, St Francis Xavier University, and Université Sainte-Anne would allow these universities to offer similar options. NS Education Minister Becky Druhan also noted that the province is working on regulatory changes related to teacher certification, which are hoped to be completed in time for the Fall.

In a recent Policy Options article, Institute for Research on Public Policy editor Rosanna Tamburri argues that postsecondary funding is vital to restore pride in the postsecondary education and immigration systems. Tamburri offers an overarching look at several aspects of the relationship that Canada has with these systems, including the current difficulties with immigration and higher education; the public-private partnerships in Ontario and a lack of related provincial oversight or risk mitigation strategies; and the rapid influx of international students and associated concerns regarding treatment of students, the housing shortage, and strain on health-care services. She discusses how these factors have led to the current cap on international student permits. The author concludes by calling for the provincial governments to restore adequate funding to postsecondary institutions and for postsecondary institutions to take the initiative to scale back operations to work with a smaller number of domestic students.

The First Nations University of Canada is launching a program that will prepare Indigenous students for careers in journalism and communications. The Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Journalism and Communication Arts will blend multimedia training with training on Indigenous issues and languages. “The degree is unique and long overdue,” said FNU President Dr Jacqueline Ottmann. “We need Indigenous voices and perspectives to tell our stories accurately and respectfully.” Students who are currently in FNU’s Indigenous Communication Arts program will be able to transfer into the program. The program has received financial supports from organizations such as Mastercard Foundation and the Inspirit Foundation.

Kenjgewin Teg and Mitacs have announced a partnership that will bring new funding and supports to Kenjgewin Teg’s staff, students, and partner organizations. Under the partnership, Kenjgewin Teg staff and students will have access to Mitacs funding opportunities, programs, and training. The institution’s partner organizations will also have the opportunity to secure funding in order to further advance Indigenous-driven research. “Kenjgewin Teg is excited to continue building a solid foundation as we begin moving forward in Anishinabek research in ways that are relevant and useful not only to Anishinabek education but to our Nation too,” said Kenjgewin Teg President Beverley Roy.

The University of Saskatchewan’s Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) has received a $15M investment from the Government of Saskatchewan over the next five years. This funding will support GIFS’ core operations and mission to research, develop, and deliver innovation for sustainable agriculture and food production. “The investment will enable collaboration with partners on our market-facing programs, including accelerated breeding, biomanufacturing and policy and regulatory—maximizing Saskatchewan and Canada’s sustainable production of safe and nutritious food for a growing world,” said USask GIFS CEO Steve Webb.

Vancouver Island University recently received a donation of nearly 1,000 comic books and graphic novels from former VIU Arts and Humanities Faculty Dean Dr Marni Stanley. The collection, which is now housed at VIU’s Nanaimo campus library, focuses mainly on graphic narratives from female authors, indie comics, autobiographies, graphic journalism, and LGBTQ+ comics from around the world. “This is an important, progressive and relatively rare corpus of material within the academic library context and is one of the most valuable in-kind donations ever received by VIU library,” said VIU Librarian David Alexander. “Access is fundamental to the values of the library, we are so grateful to Dr Stanley for sharing this significant collection with students, faculty and the community.”

Northlands College has inaugurated a coffee shop at the Canoe Campus that will provide students with work-integrated learning opportunities. Adult learners will be able to use the Canoe Café to gain practical workplace skills in a hands-on environment while earning their Adult 10 and 12 course credits. The café will also give students insight into business management and professional conduct to prepare them for the job market. “By providing a platform for learners to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, we are not only preparing them for successful careers but also instilling in them the confidence and resilience needed to overcome challenges and seize opportunities,” said Northlands President Karsten Henriksen.

The University of King’s College’s School of Journalism, Writing & Publishing has launched a new required course in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action 86. The Indigenous Peoples and Media course is designed to help students consider the media’s role in representing Indigenous peoples. The course is required for all students pursuing a single honours degree in journalism, and the university plans to make it a requirement for combined honours in journalism students in the fall. “Hopefully it provides a strong foundation for a new generation of young journalists to head out into Mi’kma’ki and beyond, and add to the narrative in a meaningful way,” said Assistant Professor Trina Roache, who is a member of Glooscap First Nation.

Embark Student Corp (Embark) is awarding $2.7M to seven postsecondary institutions across Canada to enhance student experiences. The 2024 recipients of the grant are Concordia University, Niagara College, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Toronto Metropolitan University, the University of Lethbridge, the University of Toronto, and Vancouver Island University. They will each receive between $250K and $500K to deliver innovative programs, services, and initiatives that are intended to improve student access and success.