Top Ten News

May 26, 2025 • SK

The University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will receive a combined $194M over the next five years through a renewed agreement from the governments of British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The funding supports WCVM’s operations, training, and clinical services, ensuring that it can deliver training that will address the animal care needs in each province. The number of seats will stay the same, with SK funding 25 seats, MB funding 20, and BC funding 40. CBC reports that no spaces will be reserved for international students. “We look forward to working together with the college’s funding partners on strategies that address Western Canada’s increasing need for veterinarians and animal health care services,” said WCVM Dean Dr Gillian Muir.

CBC, USask

Top Ten News

May 26, 2025 • ON

Fanshawe College has been selected by Transport Canada to deliver a new online, asynchronous training program that helps foreign-trained aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs) gain Canadian certification. As part of a broader pathway created by Transport Canada, Fanshawe will assess overseas credentials and provide targeted, modular courses to bridge licensing gaps. The courses deliver Transport Canada-approved content to help participants earn a Letter of Acceptable Training. “We’re proud to support a faster, more accessible path to licensure for skilled workers already in the field,” said Fanshawe Norton Wolf School of Aviation and Aerospace Technology Associate Dean Larry Weir. The program is expected to train 80 students annually and aims to ease growing labour shortages in a critical sector.

Fanshawe, London Free Press

Top Ten News

May 26, 2025 • QC

The Government of Quebec’s Higher Education Minister, Pascale Déry, has proposed Bill 107, which would abolish the Commission d’évaluation de l’enseignement collegial (CEEC). The release states that CEEC has achieved its objective of helping the college network ensure its teaching quality through the adoption of better assessment practices, and explains that ending the CEEC would reduce bureaucracy and give the college network more flexibility. Radio-Canada said that while some are welcoming the change, others are questioning the decision, saying that cégeps will lose experts who provide support and questioning if the change will centralize the minister’s power. Bill 107 also stipulates that the province’s Comité consultatif sur l’accessibilité financière aux études (CCAFE) would be placed under the future Conseil de l’enseignement supérieur (CES), an organization that will replace the Conseil supérieur de l’éducation.

QC, Radio-Canada

Top Ten News

May 26, 2025 • MB

RRC Polytech and the University of Manitoba have received $1.2M from Protein Industries Canada (PIC) to support a $1.6M applied research initiative aimed at strengthening Indigenous food systems and addressing food insecurity in rural and remote communities. In partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation, students and researchers from RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen and UManitoba’s College of Rehabilitation Sciences will co-develop culturally relevant, plant-based food options with First Nations and Red River Métis communities. “RRC Polytech is committed to elevating Indigenous Peoples and communities, so we’re excited for our team of experts at Prairie Research Kitchen to join our partners in this transformative initiative,” said RRC Polytech VP, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development Jamie Wilson.

RRC Polytech, PIC (1), PIC (2), Nationtalk

Top Ten News

May 26, 2025 • AB

Canada’s approach to workforce preparation is falling short, writes Stephen Murgatroyd (University of Alberta). He cites a recent ManpowerGroup Canada report showing that 77% of businesses are struggling to find skilled candidates—despite nearly 360,000 students graduating from colleges, universities, and trade schools each year, according to Statistics Canada. Murgatroyd argues that Canada’s apprenticeship system is outdated and needs reform. He calls for a shift to flexible, competency-based learning models and outlines a five-part plan: modernize apprenticeships, expand micro-credentials, recognize informal learning, redesign postsecondary programs, and incentivize employer-led training. “Canada cannot meet today’s workforce challenges with outdated systems and thinking,” he concludes.

The Conversation

Top Ten News

May 26, 2025 • MB

Providence University College has partnered with Futures Forward to offer tuition waivers for current or former youth in Manitoba’s Child and Family Services care. Through Futures Forward’s Youth in Care Tuition Waiver Program, eligible Providence students will be able to access a waiver for up to 100% of their tuition. They will also be able to receive living supports funding through the province’s Training and Employment Services. “Access to education shouldn’t be limited by someone’s past or circumstances,” said Providence Financial Aid Administrator Holly Ammerman. “Partnering with Futures Forward allows Providence to extend meaningful support to youth who have experienced care, and to help remove financial barriers that may have previously made higher education feel out of reach.”

Providence

Top Ten News

May 26, 2025 • ON, QC

New pathway partnerships between Cégep André-Laurendeau and Université du Québec à Montréal, and St Clair College and Wayne State University (WSU) in Detroit will enable students to more easily continue their studies. Cégep André-Laurendeau and UQAM’s partnership will enable trilingualism and culture students to count three cégep courses towards UQAM’s English certificate, major in English and Angolophone culture, and major in modern languages and cultures. St Clair and WSU have streamlined a pathway by which St Clair Paramedic or Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant graduates can transition to a bachelor’s degree at WSU. This agreement will enable St Clair graduates to transfer credits from their diploma program to the corresponding WSU program.

St Clair, UQAM

Top Ten News

May 26, 2025 • AB

Keyano College recently celebrated the grand opening of the Bouchier Indigenous Student Centre, a new space designed to support Indigenous learners and celebrate Indigenous cultures. The centre features a ceremonial area equipped for smudging, offices for Elders and student support navigators, and a kitchen and area for large gatherings. Indigenous art from the region is incorporated throughout, and the design reflects four key themes: equitable representation, honouring First Peoples, cultural gathering spaces, and educational opportunities. At the celebration, Keyano also unveiled its new land acknowledgement. “The opening of the Bouchier Indigenous Student Centre is not just a milestone for Keyano College; it represents a commitment to enhancing understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures across the community,” said Keyano Interim President Dr Sandra Efu.

Keyano

Top Ten News

May 26, 2025 • AB, ON

Algoma University and Portage College have made programming changes in response to financial pressures and enrolment concerns. CBC reports that AlgomaU is pausing admissions to five programs: history, geography, music, sociology, and visual arts. Faculty and community members have criticized the move, questioning the university’s decision-making process, reports CBC. Portage has cancelled its Heavy Equipment Operator and Professional Cook Certificate programs for 2025–26. “The decision is in the best interest of the College’s overall operations, but it is still difficult, as we know it will negatively impact future students, employees and communities,” said Portage President Nancy Broadbent.

CBC (AlgomaU), CTV News (AlgomaU), Portage

Top Ten News

May 26, 2025 • SK

Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Time to Rise campaign has received an $840K gift from Westridge Construction. This donation will be used to support carpentry education at the new Joseph A Remai Saskatoon Campus. It includes $750K for the creation of the Westridge Construction Carpentry Workshop in the Skilled Trades and Technology building, and $90K in awards to help carpentry students overcome barriers to education. Westridge has longstanding ties to Sask Polytech, with many of its team members counted among the institution’s alumni.

Sask Polytech