March 26, 2025

The Government of the Northwest Territories, the Government of Nunavut, and the Government of Yukon have each released their budgets for 2025-26. NWT and NV both emphasized trades training: NWT focused on reducing trades-related labour shortages through apprenticeship programs and related scholarships, while NV announced a $3.8M investment in trades training. NV and YK also highlighted capital projects at their postsecondary institutions. NV has allocated $4.8M for IT infrastructure in the Department of Education and Nunavut Arctic College, while YK highlighted a roof replacement at Yukon University as part of its ongoing capital projects. YK has further announced an additional $1.2M for postsecondary student grants.

The Government of Canada recently announced the addition of 40,000 work-integrated learning opportunities across the country through its Student Work Placement Program (SWPP). The initiative aims to help students develop work-related skills to complement the technical knowledge they gain in their formal studies. Through SWPP, approved organizations will receive funding to offer postsecondary students in-person and virtual work placements and opportunities. Participating organizations include several postsecondary partners, such as Magnet at Toronto Metropolitan University and Experience Ventures at the University of Calgary, as well as the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada. “Hands-on work experience gives postsecondary students the training and confidence they need to transition into today’s labour market,” said Canada Minister of Jobs and Families Steven MacKinnon.

The City of Belleville’s City Council has formally approved its support of Loyalist College’s appeal for improved postsecondary funding and passed a motion urging the Government of Ontario to review its funding for postsecondary education. The motion follows similar moves from Hastings County and the City of Quinte West. The Belleville Intelligencer reports that Counsellor Paul Carr amended the motion, removing a reference to the impact of the international student program. “In my opinion, this issue is singular focused and so should the motion be on calling on the Ontario government to properly invest in postsecondary institutions,” explained Counsellor Paul Carr.

The University of Prince Edward Island has unveiled a new Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation program, which is set to begin in September 2025. This 16-month professional master’s degree combines environmental science and technology, focusing on cleantech policy, business, equity, and Indigenous ways of knowing. The program is part of the Cleantech Academy—a partnership between UPEI, Holland College, and the Government of Prince Edward Island that aims to train future leaders in the cleantech sector. At the program’s launch event, UPEI announced a new pathway that enables Holland College students with post-graduate certificates to transition into UPEI’s undergraduate programs or the new master’s program.

The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) and the Québec Student Union (QSU) have launched the GetOutTheVote campaign to encourage students to participate in the upcoming federal election. Since this election will take place at the end of the Winter term, CASA says that it is rallying students in the final weeks of classes and encouraging them to pledge to vote. “Student voting is critical in a democracy,” said CASA Director at Large – Advocacy Ahmad Baker. “Whether by pledging to vote, encouraging friends to participate, or organizing group outings to the polls, students must take action to shape their future.”

The British Columbia Institute of Technology will launch a new Bachelor of Creative Industries this September, which BIV reports is the first of its kind in Western Canada. The full-time, 15-month program will focus on creative innovation, business strategy, and technology. Graduates will be prepared to pursue careers such as public relationships managers, interactive media developers, or graphic designers. “In this program, students will combine their hard skills with leadership development through innovation work, strengthening their ability to leverage new technology in practical, creative ways,” said BCIT Associate Dean of Digital Arts, Media, and Design Susannah Skerl.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic will introduce a new Respiratory Therapy diploma program with 20 seats in Fall 2026. The three-year program will begin at the Regina campus, where students will learn how to diagnose, treat, and manage cardio-respiratory patients. It will combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning opportunities in simulation centres and clinical placements. “We are excited to offer Saskatchewan’s only Respiratory Therapy program,” said Sask Polytech President Dr Larry Rosia. “These graduates will be important members of inter-professional teams that are vital to meet the needs of Saskatchewan’s health-care system.” The program was announced as part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s 2025-26 Budget.

McGill University Professor of Political Science Arash Abizadeh has reportedly cancelled three work-related trips to the US, citing a “breakdown of rule of law.” According to CTV News, Abizadeh withdrew from his planned visits after learning about a Canadian woman who was detained by ICE agents and a French researcher who was deported by US border agents. Abizadeh explained that the US threats to annex Canada had already given him pause, but the recent immigration crackdown solidified his decision. “And I’m certainly not the only one,” he added. “I know many other colleagues who have been canceling their plans […] because at this point […] the worries and the costs of going there seem to outweigh the benefits.”

Mount Royal University and the non-profit organization Calgary Black Chambers have signed a three-year partnership agreement focused on mentorship. The partnership will connect students in MRU’s Black Career Mentorship Program with mentors from the organization, who include industry and community professionals. “We recognize that Black students in higher education face distinct challenges, and we are fully committed to providing them with the resources, tools, and guidance needed to succeed both academically and professionally,” said MRU Career Services Partner Engagement Manager Vance Koberstein.

The University of Manitoba has launched a new unit—the Academic Contract Research Organization (aCRO)—with the goal of strengthening the province’s capacity for human clinical trials. The aCRO is designed to support investigators, research teams, and companies as they design and conduct clinical trials by providing services such as assistance with study design, trial and site management, and data coordination. The unit will offer the services necessary to conduct a successful clinical trial in full compliance with all applicable regulatory standards.