March 20, 2025

Faculty members and students are voicing concerns over the Government of Nova Scotia’s proposed Bill 12, which would grant NS greater control over university governance and the power to withhold funding if certain criteria are not met. Canadian Association of University Teachers President Peter McInnis said that the changes could lead to closure or amalgamation of programs, as well as cancellation of collective agreements. Saint Mary’s University Faculty Union President Cathy Conrad added that the bill opens the door to the erosion of academic freedoms, a concern that students echoed. Fédération québécoise des professeures et professeurs d’université issued a statement of solidarity with the Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers in which it referred to Bill 12 as a “posing a direct threat to institutional autonomy.”

NSERC and NRC are providing a combined $11M to support six collaborative research projects in quantum sensing technologies. These projects bring together postsecondary institutions, small- or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and other organizations. The six projects receiving funding will be coordinated by the Université de Sherbrooke, University of Alberta (two projects), University of British Columbia, University of Ottawa, and University of Waterloo. The investment’s goal is to advance quantum sensing in key sectors for Canada, including health care, environment, manufacturing, and natural resources.

Postsecondary institutions across Canada are recognizing Neurodiversity Celebration Week with various activities and events. The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Red River College Polytechnic, and the University of Calgary are hosting neuroinclusive activities, sensory experiences, trivia games, and seminars. ABM College published an article challenging myths about neurodivergence and offering information on supporting neurodiversity. UCalgary also shared several articles on how to build a more neuroinclusive campus, sharing reflections from Professor Zack Marshall on his vision for higher education and an article profiling how the Neurodiversity Immersive Campus Experience program is fostering a more supportive environment at the university.

Southeast College is planning strategic changes to its Assiniboia operations, particularly pertaining to its resources and educational offerings. Southeast Interim President Jody Holzmiller recently met with Assiniboia Mayor Sharon Schauenberg and Council Member Graham Harvey, and agreed to explore options to meet student and labour market needs. “The College is committed to continuing to offer the training and education that benefits the residents and businesses within the town of Assiniboia and its surrounding communities,” said Holzmiller. “We look forward to renewing community partnerships that support our goal of increasing programming opportunities in this corner of our region.”

The University of the Fraser Valley, the University of Waterloo, and York University have each announced pathway agreements with international postsecondary institutions. UFV and St George’s University (SGU) in Grenada have launched a 4+4 pathway program that will fast-track admissions to SGU’s medical or veterinary schools for UFV pre-medical or pre-veterinary sciences graduates. At UWaterloo, a new pathway option will allow students to complete three years of study at UWaterloo before continuing to four years of medical school at the American Canadian School of Medicine in Dominica. YorkU has partnered with Jiangnan University in China on a program that enables mathematics and statistics students to study for three years in China before transitioning to Canada to earn a YorkU master’s degree.

In a recent Nature article, Michael Brooks shares advice from scholars about how scientists looking to protect themselves from online hate. The author argues that as political divisions grow, today’s researchers face rising risks of digital harassment and data breaches. Brooks shares tips around proactive measures that scientist can take to enhance cybersecurity, such as seeking institutional support, removing personal information from the internet, and using password managers and VPNs. The author also advises encrypting communications with secure apps and backing up data across multiple sites. Ultimately, Brooks emphasizes that safeguarding personal and research data is an essential skill for scientists navigating today’s polarized digital landscape.

Trent University School of Education Professors Anne Corkery and Lauren Hill have launched a new podcast that challenges myths about education in today’s evolving postsecondary landscape. In each episode of The Informed Educator: Research and Teaching in the Anthropocene, they engage with guests from academic and community backgrounds to discuss how political dialogue can enrich classrooms, foster diverse perspectives, and empower students. Episode topics include student success in sustainability and Indigenous culture-based education. “By blending research with practical teaching strategies, we aim to provide valuable tools and perspectives that empower educators to navigate the complexities of our time, especially in a world that’s undergoing profound environmental, social, and technological changes,” said Hill.

Tax season is officially here, and several postsecondary institutions and student unions are offering free tax clinics to students and community members. At Algonquin College, four accounting programs are partnering with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to run an on-campus clinic and assist students with filing. The British Columbia Institute of Technology is offering clinics led by student volunteers, who will gain CRA certifications as they help community members with their tax preparation. Cape Breton University hosted a free clinic for individuals with modest incomes. The University of Manitoba Students’ Union is hosting a “Super Clinic” in partnership with the CRA to assist students with their returns.

Royal Roads University has received $677K from PacifiCan’s Community Economic Development and Diversification program to boost local economic growth. Royal Roads will use the funds to introduce targeted initiatives that strengthen municipal and First Nations economic development partnerships in the Westshore region of Southern Vancouver Island. “The funding will help Royal Roads expand community learning partnerships, deepening engagement with existing community partners, while extending outreach to new communities within this burgeoning region,” said Royal Roads President Dr Philip Steenkamp. This grant is part of a broader $6.4M investment from the Government of Canada to promote business growth in British Columbia.

Western University and York University have each launched certificates that will prepare more students for their future careers. At Western, the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship will offer its Certificate in Entrepreneurship to undergraduate students from all Western faculties. This for-credit certificate provides foundational entrepreneurship knowledge, preparing students to launch careers as entrepreneurs. YorkU’s School of Continuing Studies has introduced the Certificate in Penetration Testing, which will equip professionals with the skills to detect and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The three-course certificate includes a capstone project, through which students navigate simulated cyber-attack scenarios. The certificate aims to address the demand for cyber security professionals.