November 2, 2023

An instructor from Langara College is on leave after reportedly describing Hamas’s attack on Israel as “amazing” and “brilliant.” The instructor reportedly made the remarks while speaking at a rally in Vancouver. CTV News reports that the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver CEO Ezra Shanken called for Langara College and Simon Fraser University, from which the instructor graduated, to cut ties with her over the comments. In response, SFU issued a statement indicating that “beyond being a graduate, this person has no affiliation with the university,” while a statement from Langara explained that “while the matter is under investigation, the employee is currently on leave.”

Community leaders gathered in Lennoxville this week to show their support for Bishop’s University and express their concern regarding the Government of Québec’s recent proposal to significantly increase tuition for out-of-province students. According to Global News, this plan is expected to disproportionately affect QC’s English-language universities, including Bishop’s. In response, more than 100 community members gathered at Centennial Theatre to call on QC to rethink the proposal. “This is not only about financial consequences for some institutions, this is about who we are as a community,” said Bishop’s Principal Sébastien Lebel Grenier. QC Minister of Higher Education Pascale Déry said that she is “sensitive to Bishop’s particular situation” and indicated that the province will work with the university to find a solution.

Queen’s University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) to collaborate on research and knowledge mobilization related to the low-carbon economy. The institutions will focus on expanding research on nuclear waste management; materials sciences related to nuclear reactor cores and plants; cybersecurity; and hydrogen production, transportation, and conversion technologies. “Now, in partnership with AECL and CNL, we’ll have the opportunity to further harness the expertise and resources of academia, government, and industry to pursue shared goals in research and technological innovation – helping to shape Canada’s energy transition,” said Queen’s VP Research Dr Nancy Ross.

University of Calgary Associate Professor Aaron Phillips has received $1M to advance his work on reducing damage and supporting recovery after spinal cord injuries. The funds are provided through the second annual Hopewell Maximizing Innovation in Neuroscience Discovery (MIND) Prize, an initiative that supports cutting-edge research at UCalgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute and was created through funding from philanthropist Sanders Lee. “The MIND Prize is a tremendous boost that will help our lab to conduct transformative research in medicine,” said Phillips.

York University recently announced a series of new partnerships that will promote applied research and educational opportunities. YorkU, Seneca Polytechnic, and the Ontario Centre for Innovation are collaborating to boost the number of applied research opportunities available for small- and medium-sized enterprises in the Greater Toronto Area and York Region. YorkU also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, which will provide real-world educational opportunities for the university’s nursing and health students. “We’re excited about the kinds of research projects that RVH are doing and the ones that we’re doing because we see a lot of synergy and the ability to move quicker and faster together,” said YorkU President Rhonda Lenton.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has announced that it is now designated an Age-Friendly University. KPU recently joined the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network, which includes universities that are committed to age inclusivity, promoting positive and healthy aging, and enhancing the lives of older adults. KPU has a variety of age-friendly principles in place, including Third Age Learning at Kwantlen, which helps older adults explore programs and stay connected with other learners. KPU also offers support for those who would like to pursue a second career and recognizes older adults’ range of educational needs with initiatives such as expanded graduate level programming.

NorQuest College recently announced that it has secured a new leased space in downtown Edmonton. This expansion of NorQuest’s downtown campus will support the college’s continued growth as well as help meet learner and labour demands. The space is expected to be ready for students in January 2025 and will include 24 classrooms, office spaces, and areas for student and social activity. This leased space is meant as a short-term strategy to gain space as the college works towards the completion of a new college-owned space, which will further accommodate NorQuest’s projected growth. “This new space is another step towards our goal of ensuring all learners continue to grow and flourish at NorQuest,” said NorQuest President Carolyn Campbell.

Brock University has launched a program that will give international students the opportunity to take English as a Subsequent Language (ESL) programming. Students who take part in the Brock Advantage program will have the opportunity to build their English language skills before pursuing an undergraduate degree at the university. Students will be provided with a comprehensive support system so that they are prepared to excel academically, socially, and culturally during their university studies. Eligible students will also receive a reimbursement for up to two terms of Brock’s Intensive English Language Program or Accelerated English Language Program after they successfully complete their undergraduate degree.

In the spirit of the Halloween season, local news outlets have highlighted popular ghost stories from several postsecondary institutions across Canada. According to Global News, Concordia University students have dreamt about the inhabitants of a crypt below Concordia’s Grey Nuns Motherhouse. Delta Marsh Field Station and Mallard Lodge, which were once part of the University of Manitoba’s campus, are reportedly haunted by both a friendly ghost and a sinister ghost who takes the form of a hooded skeleton. The University of Saskatchewan hosted ghost tours that included a story about the spirit of a nurse roams the halls of Royal University Hospital. The University of Lethbridge launched a digital collection of ghost stories featuring campus buildings that were recorded by a local storyteller.

Mount Saint Vincent University has received a $10M legacy gift from former lieutenant governor of New Brunswick the Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain in support of teaching, research, and practice on early childhood education. MSVU says that this is the largest donation in the institution’s 150-year history. “Through her donation to MSVU, Mrs. McCain is ensuring a continued emphasis on the critical work of MSVU’s Child & Youth Study Department and Child Study Centre – and she’s ensuring brighter futures for generations of children to come,” said MSVU President Dr Joël Dickinson.