March 20, 2026

The Government of Saskatchewan has released its 2026–27 Budget, which is a deficit budget. The budget is primarily focused on measures related to affordability, bolstering the economy, and protecting health care. For postsecondary education, the budget includes a multiyear funding agreement that includes 3% annual operating increases over four years, a 40% increase to capital investments for postsecondary institutes, and the introduction of a tuition increase cap that ranges from 0% to 3%. The $847M investment into postsecondary students and institutions is a 7.5% increase over the last year, according to SK. There are also targeted investments to support program and facility development that will support training in key areas, such as health care and skilled trades.

The Government of Canada has announced a $20M investment into the launch of 33 genomics research and development projects as a part of its Canadian Genomics Strategy. The funding is provided through Genome Canada and regional Genome Centres with the intent of generating an additional $45M in funding from private and public sector co-investment. The projects’ goals range from increasing crop yields to introducing novel therapies for currently incurable diseases. Thirteen postsecondary institutions from across Canada are partnering on projects.

Colleges and Institutes Canada and a delegation of college and polytechnic leaders are currently engaged in a week-long mission to India. Several institutional leaders have joined the delegation: Ajay Patel (Vancouver Community College), Ann Marie Vaughan (Humber Polytechnic), Craig Stephenson (Centennial College), Laura Jo Gunter (NAIT), and Sean Kennedy (Niagara College). Building on the recently launched Canada-India Joint Talent and Innovation Strategy, the mission is focused on skills training partnerships and the alignment of workforce development priorities between the two countries. “This college leaders’ mission to India will lay the groundwork upon which both countries can build training and innovation partnerships to create a skilled workforce for tomorrow,” said CICan CEO Pari Johnston.

When it comes to exams in the era of AI, Armando Fox (University of California, Berkeley) and Craig Zilles (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) argue that computer-based testing is often a superior option to paper exams. The authors explain that computer-based testing offers more flexibility in question format and opens up the possibility of creating unique versions of exams for each student. This, they explain, nullifies the benefit of overhearing “what’s on the exam” and introduces more flexibility and efficiency for exam scheduling. Automated grading—with or without AI—of computer-based tests can also save time for instructors by letting a computer handle grading the simple portions of a test. They conclude by asserting that computer-based testing can leverage technology to the benefit of students and faculty alike.

In a recent interview with CTV News, Universities Canada President Gabriel Miller spoke about how universities across Canada are working with and teaching about AI. “Canadians are more worried about AI than they are excited about its opportunities,” explained Miller. “The reason they can be hopeful is that there are really exciting, important things happening on university campuses right across the country.” Miller shared how educators are working to enhance—rather than replace—learning with AI and ensure that students develop digital literacy. He also stated that Canada has maintained a leadership role on AI research, but has lost many of the commercial benefits that AI is poised to create. To fix this, he called for stronger academic–industry connections and increased investment in public AI infrastructure.

The University of Windsor’s student newspaper The Lance has returned to publication following a more than eight-year digital and ten-year print hiatus. UWindsor student and lead journalist for The Lance Molly Vaillancourt shared that the paper’s five-person team is excited to begin releasing editions, given the paper’s significance to its many past contributors. The paper’s first edition, published on Monday, focused on the history of The Lance. “Revitalizing The Lance was one of our main priorities this year because of how important it is to the student experience. A student newspaper is more than just a publication, it’s a platform for student voices, a space for creativity, and a record of campus life,” said University of Windsor Student Association President Husam Morra.

Langara College and Canada’s Logistics Association (CITT) have partnered to deliver a micro-credential focused on environmental sustainability. The Environmental Sustainability in Canadian Logistics courses will train logistics and transportation professionals who want to better understand sustainable supply-chain logistics and business performance efficiency. The micro-credential, which is composed of three courses, leads to an Environmental Sustainability in Canadian Logistics micro-credential from both Langara and CITT. “This new micro-credential gives professionals practical tools they can put to work immediately,” said Langara Dean of Continuing Studies Connie Chong. “It strengthens individual careers, yes, but it also strengthens the BC workforce at a time when resilience and responsibility really matter.”

The IELTS—an English language proficiency test used around the world—will no longer offer its in-person IELTS on Paper option in Canada. When the change takes effect later this June, the IELTS will be offered solely on computers. IELTS explained that the IELTS on Computer is a more convenient option, with results provided faster and the opportunity for test-takers to take advantage of the “One Skill Retake” feature. No changes will be made to the format for IELTS on Computer or how components are assessed, and speaking components will continue to be offered in a face-to-face format.

Northern Lights College international student Gurkirat Singh Manocha was reportedly killed in an altercation at Charlie Lake near Fort St John. Fort St John RCMP officers were called the Charlie Lake boat ramp after receiving reports of an altercation involving “numerous individuals.” Manocha was reportedly injured and later succumbed to the injuries. Northern Lights stated that it is “supporting our campus community while working with RCMP to verify information.” Fort St John Mayor Lilia Hansen released a statement expressing condolences and noting that a sudden loss “touches classmates, educators, coworkers, and neighbours across our community.”

Université du Québec à Montréal and the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-EMTL) have signed an affiliation agreement. This agreement will strengthen their current partnership and create the opportunity for new training, research, and innovation initiatives. Under the agreement, the centre will be able to bring more students into its facilities, which will help make health care and services more accessible. CIUSSS-EMTL président-directeur général Stéphane Pallage said that the agreement combines UQAM and CIUSSS-EMTL expertise to improve care and services.