May 15, 2025

Government of Québec MP Michelle Setlakwe has issued a statement condemning a $151M cut to the cégep education system and voicing her support of cégep leaders who have spoken out against QC Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry. Setlakwe, who serves as the official opposition critic for higher education, further pointed out that QC has only increased cégep operating grants by 0.3%, which is insufficient to keep up with costs and the growing student population. Speaking to La Presse, Fédération des cégeps CEO Marie Montpetit and several cégep leaders also warned that these cuts will have repercussions, such as reduced student services, extracurricular activities, and other potentially irrevocable changes.

The University of Ottawa has successfully concluded its $541M reIMAGINE Campaign, which raised funds for campus enhancement, research excellence, and student supports. The campaign was launched in 2021 with the goal of raising $500M. “In today’s reality of limited public funding, campaigns like reIMAGINE are not just helpful—they are essential,” said UOttawa President Jacques Frémont. “This is about ensuring that brilliant minds—regardless of background—have the tools and the opportunity to lead.” UOttawa states that this is the seventh consecutive year of growth in philanthropic support.

In a recent article for CBC, Robson Fletcher discusses the changes in international student enrolment in Alberta since the implementation of the federal international student cap. While Alberta was permitted to admit more international students in 2024 and 2025 than in 2023 with its allocated study permits, Fletcher notes that study permit applications and the number of study permits that took effect in 2024 have declined. Alberta University of the Arts Dean of Students Pablo Ortiz and The King’s University President Melanie Humphreys explained that the federal policy changes made Canada appear less welcoming and less appealing for international students, driving them to look elsewhere for study opportunities.

Six cégeps have formed a consortium led by Institut maritime du Québec to launch a concerted, sustainable response to the training needs of the shipbuilding sector. The consortium includes Cégep de Chicoutimi, Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, Cégep de Jonquière, Cégep de Lévis, Cégep de Rimouski (with which the IMQ is affiliated), and Cégep de Sorel-Tracy. These institutions will pool their expertise to engage in a variety of initiatives, such as the delivery of modular courses, integration of related fields such as robotics and maritime project management, and research and innovation efforts with companies in the sector.

In a recent Nature article, Diana Kwon explores the growing—but uneven—use of generative AI in scholarly writing and peer review. Nature conducted a global survey of over 5,000 researchers that found that the majority of respondents found it acceptable to use AI for editing or translation. However, views were splintered on the use of AI for drafting papers or reviews. The survey revealed widespread uncertainty about what kind of AI use requires disclosure and whether one should disclose at all. While many see AI as a neutral tool, others liken its use to cheating. Among her concluding points, Kwon notes that early-career researchers are leading the way in experimenting with AI, but overall adoption remains low.

University of Saskatchewan Board Chair Keith Martell recently responded to criticism of the demolition of the former Lutheran Theological Seminary building. Martell said that the board reviewed several proposals from potential buyers, none of which came close to covering even the lowest estimated restoration cost. While initial estimates placed restoration at $26M, a later independent report projected $55M–$60M due to hazardous materials and failing infrastructure. In the end, Martell said the board prioritized community safety and fiscal responsibility, and acknowledged disappointment over the outcome, adding: “the decision to demolish the deteriorated building was necessary and not taken lightly.”

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology has launched a two-year Indigenous Business Diploma that blends Indigenous knowledge with business education. Rooted in the Syilx Nation’s Four Food Chiefs teachings, the program uses traditional stories to connect business learning with community well-being, relational accountability, and sustainability. “Those stories are called captikʷł , or Storywork, and they are our laws and protocols—everything we need to know to live as a people,” said NVIT Elder Casey Holmes (Upper Nicola Indian Band). The curriculum follows a seasonal structure—each term reflecting the values of one of the Four Food Chiefs—and covers topics such as governance, economic sovereignty, and land stewardship. The first intake begins in Fall 2025.

The University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business has launched the David Dreman Behavioural Management Lab, which will advance research on decision-making in complex organizational settings. The $5M facility—funded by gifts from Asper alumni David Dreman and Stu Clark—hosts a variety of technical equipment, such as a simulation space, eye-tracking tools, and breakout rooms for interviews and team-based studies. Open to faculty and graduate researchers, the lab will support studies that inform leadership, ethics, and management practice. “This lab represents not only a space for innovation and collaboration, but also a shared commitment to generating new insights that can positively impact organizations and communities,” said UManitoba Assistant Professor Wei Wang.

The University of Regina’s Child Trauma Research Centre (CTRC) and the Medavie Foundation have created and launched a new resource hub called PSP Youth and Kids. Supported by a $600K grant, the web-based hub will offer resources and training tailored to the mental health needs of children and youth connected to public safety personnel (PSP). “What began as a growing awareness of PTSD in public safety personnel has expanded organically to include the mental health and well-being of PSP families and now PSP children,” said URegina CTRC Director Dr Nathalie Reid. Researchers will also study these children’s experiences to develop evidence-based supports for caregivers, educators, and service providers.

British Columbia Institute of Technology recently announced the newly named Mott Electric Pavilion, which will be used for electrical apprenticeship training. The pavilion will be a purpose-built space for trades training and skills development in the emerging areas of automated controls, renewable energy, and robotics. It will enable BCIT to expand its electrical apprenticeship training opportunities by creating 250 new seats each year. The name of the pavilion recognizes a $2M donation from Mott Electric and Mott Electric President Dan Mott toward BCIT’s INSPIRE Campaign.