May 16, 2025

Leaders from Alberta University of the Arts, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, NSCAD University, and OCAD University have formed a national coalition called UAD4 to advocate for Canada’s art and design institutions. The coalition will meet quarterly to raise awareness of the sector’s contributions to the economy, cultural life, and local communities. The group will also discuss shared challenges—such as the high costs of studio-based education—and advocate for policies that reflect the value of creative education. “We recognize that there’s more that holds us together than separates us,” said ECU President Trish Kelly. “This is a real opportunity to think about not just what we do for our local economies in context, but what we do for Canada.”

The Université de Sudbury has announced that it is developing a new institute to bolster the Francophone economy. The Institut économique de l’Ontario français/Francophone Economic Institute of Ontario—now in its planning phase—will focus on three strategic areas: applied and fundamental research; collaboration with various sectors to strengthen bilingualism in the economy and workplace; and Francophone and bilingual entrepreneurship and business growth. During this planning phase, the university will consult with stakeholders, develop its governance framework, and begin forming partnerships. “The Institut has the potential to highlight the economic strength of our Francophonie and contribute to the province’s economic growth and cultural vitality,” said USudbury President Serge Miville.

Academic conferences are increasingly relocating to Canada due to Canadian scholars’ concerns about travelling to the United States. Simon Fraser University Professor Travers. —president-elect of the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport, told CBC that member hesitation prompted the group to add a parallel event in Vancouver alongside its Seattle conference. CBC reports that other organizations—including the International Society for Research on Aggression and Work and Family Researchers Network—have also opted to hold events in Canada, citing member feedback and reports of troubling border experiences. “I don’t even think for research I can justify at this point taking the risk of travelling to the United States,” said University of New Brunswick Professor Nathan Kalman-Lamb. Organizers say the shift could benefit Canada’s economy.

Carleton University’s forthcoming Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will integrate artificial intelligence, coding, and data science into its curriculum alongside traditional clinical training. Students will explore the ethical implications of AI in healthcare and learn how to work with digital tools that aim to reduce administrative burdens and improve care delivery. “Future nurses must be prepared to work with AI tools that can ease provider burnout and improve patient care,” said Carleton Nursing Director Danielle Manley. “I don’t think there is a good future of health care without AI.” The program is part of Carleton’s broader push to prepare graduates for a digitally transformed health sector.

Université de Moncton has received $5M from the Government of New Brunswick to renovate its gymnasium and develop expansion plans for the Centre d’éducation physique et des sports (CEPS). The facility—which houses UMoncton’s kinesiology school, rehabilitation clinics, and athletics program—also serves as a community recreation hub. The upcoming renovations will include new flooring, seating, and sound upgrades, with work beginning this summer. The funding will also support planning for a broader $130M modernization that includes a new arena and pool upgrades. “With these upgrades, the CEPS will become an even more vital gathering place for Greater Moncton,” said UMoncton President Denis Prud’homme.

Georgian College has announced that it is pausing operations at its John Di Poce South Georgian Bay Campus in Collingwood, Ontario, as of September 1. The college explained that the campus has experienced declining enrolment over the years, making it increasingly difficult for the college to offer an “unrivalled experience” for students. “This temporary pause will allow us to reassess our operations and possible future offerings in South Georgian Bay so we can continue to effectively serve students, employers and our communities,” said Georgian President Kevin Weaver. As part of the pause, the college is providing the 90 impacted students with options, including moving their studies to another campus.

Two birds have clipped the timeline for Acadia University’s new nursing building. CBC reports that the university halted the scheduled demolition of the University Club after discovering chimney swifts—an at-risk species known for their aerial acrobatics—nesting in the University Club’s chimney. After a 90-day review, Environment and Climate Change Canada approved a permit to destroy the chimney, allowing it to be capped to protect the birds ahead of demolition. Demolition is now set for mid-June and the construction of the new building is expected to begin on the site in September.

Supreme Court of British Columbia Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes has sentenced the man who killed a security guard at the University of British Columbia Okanagan to 15 years in prison. The offender pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The victim, Harmandeep Kaur, and the offender both worked on campus and were at the university on the morning of the attack. “Offences of this nature cause immediate harm to the victims and their families and friends,” stated Holmes, “but they also reduce the quality of life in the community as a whole, leaving all of us in a constant state of distrust and watchfulness.”

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees is currently engaged in negotiations with Olds College and Red Deer Polytechnic. AUPE VP, Edmonton Region Bobby-Joe Borodey told the Red Deer Advocate that negotiations have been “divisive” and highlighted some of the key issues in the negotiations, which include hours of work, probation, and pay. While a strike is not imminent, Borodey said that “if we don’t see movement from these employees and employers at the bargaining table, it’s possible.” AUPE’s members in the provincial government have voted 90% in favour of a strike, which Borodey said could have an impact on other sectors engaged in bargaining.

Vancouver Island University Professional Baking and Pastry Arts students will be assembling a 21.3-metre-long, one-metre-wide nanaimo bar on Saturday in a bid to break the world record. “The record isn’t even held in Nanaimo—we gotta fix that,” said VIU student Ben Cram. What is expected to be a nearly-500 kg dessert—containing an estimated 2,400,000 calories—will be available for viewing and tasting at a family-friendly event hosted by VIU this weekend. While the primary goal of the event is to bring the record “home,” organizers also hope to raise funds to replace the program’s aging ovens—no small task when student projects are measured in metres.