March 13, 2025

The Government of Canada has consolidated 11 existing scholarship and fellowship programs at the three federal granting agencies into the Canada Research Training Awards Suite. This new streamlined program aims to reduce the administrative burden on researchers and improve collaboration between CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. “The Canada Research Training Awards Suite aims to modernize federal support for future researchers,” said Canada Minister of Health Mark Holland. “By streamlining talent programs […] we make it easier for students and fellows to access funding and prepare for careers in Canada’s research ecosystem.”

In a recent University Affairs article, Ndeye Dieynaba Ndiaye (Université du Québec à Montréal) highlights the systemic challenges Black women professors continue to face in Canadian universities. Citing data from Statistics Canada, CAUT, and other reporting bodies, the author underscores major barriers for this demographic in the areas of hiring, pay equity, retention, and promotion. Ndiaye adds that despite ongoing institutional efforts to address these disparities, Black women still encounter implicit biases, discriminatory practices, and hostile work environments. The author concludes by underlining how structural transformation within the Canadian university system is “necessary to create an equitable and inclusive environment free of racism where every woman can thrive.”

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has released the World University Rankings by Subject 2025, which evaluates 1,700 universities in five broad faculty areas and 50 specific subjects. The University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University each ranked in the top 50 for all five broad areas. The University of Waterloo placed in the top 100 for Engineering and Technology and for Natural Sciences, while McMaster University and the University of Alberta were both listed in the top 100 for the Life Sciences and Medicine category. Within the specific subject areas, institutions such as McGill, UAlberta, UBC, the University of Guelph, and U of T appeared in the top 10 for one or more subjects.

Memorial University recently provided an update on its 2024-25 operating budget. Based on its financial data and projections, the university anticipates an $8.89M shortfall against budgeted tuition and student-related fee revenue for the 2024-25 year. To address this gap, Memorial plans to balance the budget using a combination of one-time savings and carryover funds. The university also announced refinements to its limited hiring program and added that it will maintain restrictions on funding carryover use into the 2025-26 fiscal year. Further, Memorial emphasized the need for increased funding, careful planning, proactive decision-making, and strategic solutions to mitigate future deficits.

Ambrose University, Northwestern Polytechnic, and the University of Regina have each announced programming updates. Ambrose relaunched its Certificate in Christian Discipleship and Diploma in Christian Ministry programs. Students who are currently serving in ministry in their community can pursue either of these programs through online synchronous courses. NWP will offer a Social Work Diploma starting this Fall. This two-year program will include hands-on practicum experiences so students can apply their knowledge. URegina has announced a three-year, flexible bachelor’s degree in Arts and Science. After completing foundational courses, students can choose to either widen or deepen their focus. Up to two years of this program can be completed remotely.

The Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick will modernize its heavy equipment operator training program, integrating more innovative learning methods better suited to the current job market. This modernization will include the addition of six state-of-the-art classroom simulators, a mobile training trailer equipped with two simulators, and four new heavy equipment units. CCNB CEO Pierre Zundel said that integrating simulators into the program’s curriculum will foster more efficient, environmentally friendly, and accessible learning opportunities. This modernization project is supported by $1.3M in combined funding from the Government of Canada’s Atlantic Canada Operations Agency and Government of New Brunswick’s Regional Development Corporation.

Humber Polytechnic has launched a new brand campaign: “The You You Knew Was in You.” The campaign, which is designed to break from traditional postsecondary marketing, spotlights students envisioning their future selves. The campaign includes a video set to an original song performed by Humber students and alumni. Humber says that this campaign provides a relatable message meant to inspire students and highlights the possibilities offered by an education at Humber. “This campaign reflects Humber’s commitment to helping students refine their abilities, challenge limitations, and unlock their full potential to become the person they know they can be,” said Humber President Ann Marie Vaughan.

Red Deer Polytechnic, Canadian Sport Institute Calgary (CSIC) and Bowhead Corp are collaborating on a project that will improve access to specialized parasport equipment. Using RDP’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing–Technology Access Centre, the polytechnic’s staff will work to create inclusive, cost-effective designs for equipment that meets para-athlete needs, with an initial focus on para ice hockey. RDP will work with the partners to optimize parasport equipment performance and comfort using knowledge from athletics and assistive devices. The project has received $860K in combined funding from an Alberta Innovates Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement grant, CSIC, and NSERC.

Students and staff at both Mohawk College and the University of Windsor are leading protests against ongoing program closures and layoffs. At Mohawk, students and instructors are speaking out against the closure of City School, a program that offers free postsecondary and employment pathway courses to adult students. Program supporters held a rally and launched a petition asking the college to consider continuing the program. At UWindsor, students, staff, and faculty led a rally protesting job cuts and service changes. The protesters marched to UWindsor President Robert Gordon’s office to draw attention to concerns about staff reductions. “Students are starting to come together and realize this is not okay,” said Communication Students’ Association President Sean O’Neil.

The international student cap and changes to post-graduate work permits (PGWPs) are hurting Alberta’s smaller postsecondary institutions, reports CBC. Leadership from several postsecondary institutions in the province highlighted the changes in enrolment at their institutions and provided their perspectives on the situation. Medicine Hat College President Kevin Shufflebotham discussed how the policy changes have contributed to instability, which has deterred international students. Lakeland College President Alice Wainwright Stewart explained that the drop in international student numbers will be felt in the local economy in the future. Red Deer Polytechnic President Stuart Cullum noted that these financial strains at a time when Canada hopes to become more self-sustaining will not set institutions up for success.