November 21, 2023

The Government of Canada has launched the Low Carbon Economy Challenge, which will invest up to $170M into projects that deploy low-carbon technologies, including initiatives in retrofitting, waste diversion, and fuel switching. In the announcement for the challenge, University of Victoria VP, Finance and Operations Kristi Simpson highlighted how the university is using funds from last year’s competition to replace a natural gas boiler with electric boilers. “Through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, the Government of Canada is partnering with climate leaders across the country to cut emissions, cut costs, and create jobs, and will continue to do so through this renewed funding,” said Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Julie Dabrusin.

Two students and a professor are leading an application to bring a class-action lawsuit against Concordia University and its student union for “creating a safe space for antisemitism,” reports CTV News. “Concordia University has failed to properly investigate and respond to antisemitic incidents on its premises, which has allowed antisemitism to proliferate across its campuses,” reads the application, which seeks $15M in damages for Jewish students, faculty, and staff. Two law firms—De Louya Markakis and Eidelmann Law—are representing the class-action lawsuit applicants in partnership with Diamond & Diamond. 

The University of Manitoba Office of Sustainability has launched an interactive map of its Fort Garry campus that highlights its sustainability features and trails. The map provides users with a self-guided sustainability tour and opportunities to learn about the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings around campus. It also highlights bike parking options, pedestrian and cycling trails around the campus, and personal protective equipment and organic waste bin locations.  

The University of Alberta and Durham College recently took action to address campus community members’ comments on Hamas. CBC reports that UAlberta’s Sexual Assault Centre director signed an open letter that questioned the validity of sexual assault claims against Hamas and criticized Canadian political leaders as being “complicit in Israel’s killing of Palestinians in Gaza.” In response, UAlberta President Bill Flanagan issued a statement about the “improper and unauthorized use of the name of the [centre]” to endorse the letter, indicating that the director was no longer employed by the university. Durham is reportedly investigating a student-made video that praises Hamas. Durham issued a statement that condemned the “inflammatory statements made in [the] video” and indicated that the college is working with the Durham Regional Police.

In an editorial for Nature, Anne Marie Conlon profiles academic scientists who have transitioned into careers as secondary school teachers. Conlon explains that while scientists working as secondary school teachers may have to accept lower pay than they would receive in academia, they also attain greater flexibility, stability, and the chance to “[pass] on a passion for science to the next generation.” The author provides tips about how other academics could make a transition into secondary school teaching, including reflecting on one’s motivations, viewing change as an opportunity rather than a failure, and seeking out training.  

North West College and the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) have partnered to offer a new program in welding polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials, which is a critical skill in the construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development industries. This two-week, non-credit micro-credential program provides students with access to state-of-the-art welding equipment at North West’s Meadow Lake campus and SRC’s solvent extraction fabrication facility in Saskatoon. “We are excited to collaborate with SRC on this ground-breaking initiative,” said North West President Dr Eli Ahlquist. “This PVC welding micro-credential program will not only provide our students with the skills they need to thrive in the workforce, but also contribute to the growth of industries that rely on PVC welding expertise.” 

A press release from The Conference Board of Canada asserts that postsecondary institutions can and should play a vital role in addressing the national shortage of cybersecurity professionals. The country’s cybersecurity talent deficit could pose a threat to Canada’s digital economy, as over the next five years, demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to increase by an annual average of 2.9%. Accordingly, the Conference Board argues that postsecondary institutions should develop cybersecurity programs that incorporate curriculum adaptability, foster industry partnerships, and cultivate a diverse talent pool. “In training the next generation of cybersecurity talent, post-secondary institutions need to continue to adopt a multidimensional approach,” said Conference Board Associate Director of Education and Skills Heather McIntosh. 

Algonquin College instructors are going north to train future shelter workers in the hamlet of Sanikiliuaq, Nunavut. The instructors will deliver a 10-month program to women who will work in an under-development women’s and children’s shelter. The education will be sensitive to the culture and community and tailored specifically to the needs of women in the hamlet. Algonquin is working with students to collaboratively develop the curriculum so that it is applicable to local circumstances. “[We] are creating the courses as we go, but still meeting the curriculum required for Algonquin College,” said women and children’s shelter supervisor for Sanikluaq Bev Rumley. Those who complete the program will achieve a social work certificate through Algonquin’s corporate training program. 

A long-lost artifact from the 1885 Resistance has been repatriated to the Gabriel Dumont Institute’s Métis Museum. The item-a Hollis & Son’s Hudson’s Bay Company Indian Trade Fusil-was taken from the Métis or a First Nations ally in 1885 by an Ontario-based soldier and ended up in the Fanshawe Pioneer Village in Ontario. GDI and FPV agreed that the fusil should be given to GDI to hold in trust on behalf of the Métis as an act of reconciliation. “A heartfelt maarsii should be directed to Matthew and Dawn and to the Fanshawe Pioneer Village, and to the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum for allowing this artifact to come home to Saskatchewan and to the Métis,” stated GDI.

The Université du Québec à Montréal has launched the 25th annual “La lecture en cadeau” campaign, which will run until 31 January 2024. Created in 1999 by the Fondation pour l’alphabétisation, this annual campaign aims to collect new books for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The UQÀM arm of the campaign is organized in collaboration with La coopérative de l’UQÀM. More than one million books have been distributed through the campaign since 1999.