November 27, 2024

The University of Winnipeg is reviewing recommendations to establish a flexible process for verifying First Nations, Métis, and Inuit ancestry for jobseekers and award applicants. The recommendations were endorsed by UWinnipeg’s Indigenous Identity Working Group, which has collected feedback over the last year on identity, citizenship, and “safeguarding opportunities” to discourage fraudulent claims to Indigeneity. The proposed approach accommodates diverse documentation, allows Indigenous communities to determine their own membership, and maintains the privacy of those involved in the process. The recommendations also underline the importance of restorative justice and acknowledge the difference between deliberate fraud and cases of mistaken heritage. If approved, the next steps in this process will involve forming a policy committee to guide implementation.

Postsecondary students across the country are calling for national action to tackle rising education costs. This week, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations and the Québec Student Union partnered to bring over 100 leaders from their memberships to Parliament Hill to urge the Government of Canada to address increasing tuition costs and inflationary pressures faced by students. The policy agenda created by the two organizations focuses on two key areas: preparing students for future careers and removing barriers to productivity. Meanwhile, the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) membership has voted yes on an emergency motion supporting a potential unlimited student strike in 2026. The motion–now with the CFS National Executive–advocates for free education for all students.

The University of Windsor has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to bolster regional innovation and sustainable growth through education and research. Under this MOU, UWindsor and Chatham-Kent will foster collaborative research in fields such as agriculture, health, and the environment; establish experiential learning opportunities for students; and deliver the university’s continuing education programming to Chatham-Kent’s workforce. The aim of this work is to nurture a resilient, forward-thinking community with their shared focus on research, skill building, and shared knowledge. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Chatham-Kent in a partnership that will bring UWindsor’s expertise and resources to support transformative growth within the community,” said UWindsor President Robert Gordon.

Université du Québec à Montréal has received $3.2M from Public Safety Canada to support the efforts of the Réseau des praticiens et praticiennes canadiens et canadiennes pour la prévention de l’extrémisme violent (RPC-PREV). The network was originally founded in 2017 with the goal of supporting research and promoting best practices that prevent violent extremism. UQAM RPC-PREV Lead Ghayda Hassan explained that the new financial contribution will allow the network to broaden its community of practice and continue its work promoting solidarity and social peace.

Several institutions have issued advisories to faculty, staff, and students in light of the Canada Post labour disruption. Athabasca University began shipping all course material deliveries by courier when it received notice of the strike; similarly, Dalhousie University and the University of Victoria both advised their staff and faculty to hold their outgoing mail until the strike ends or to use a courier for urgent deliveries. Institutions such as Concordia University of Edmonton, Crandall University, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and Memorial University have published instructions detailing alternative ways that donors, incoming students, service providers, and vendors can send documents to the institution.

Okanagan College recently signed a set of strategic partnerships with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, the Tourism Industry Association of BC, and Tourism HR Canada (THRC). Through these agreements, Okanagan will synchronize its tourism and hospitality curriculum with industry standards, create work-integrated learning opportunities for students, and pursue joint applied research and grant opportunities. Okanagan and THRC will also collaborate to align the college’s programming with THRC’s smart accreditation program. “As [Okanagan] embarks on a renewed ambition to help elevate the local, provincial and national visitor economy through our programs and new facilities, we are proud to be strengthened by these key partnerships,” said Okanagan School of Business Dean Joe Baker.

In an article for The Conversation, Matthias Sturm (Simon Fraser University) argues that bridging the digital divide requires more than just reliable internet access; it also demands robust adult education programs to improve digital literacy. The author underlines that these programs are often underfunded. Sturm urges the Government of Canada to collaborate with provincial and territorial governments to ensure consistent funding for digital literacy initiatives. He also calls for a national platform for adult educators to share resources and best practices, alongside a cross-sectoral network to coordinate efforts in underserved communities. “Such an approach will help citizens acquire the digital literacy skills and experience they need to participate meaningfully and effectively in Canadian society and the labour market,” concludes Sturm.

Lakehead University and Trent University have each recently signed agreements with international institutions to create new program opportunities for their graduates. Lakehead and Pforzheim University in Germany have partnered to create a new dual-degree program for business students. Graduates of the program will attain a Lakehead Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Pforzheim Bachelor of Science degree. Trent and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) in the US have established a new pathway agreement for medical students. Under this agreement, graduates of Trent’s Medical Professional Stream can directly enter MCPHS’s Pharmacy or Optometry doctoral degree programs.

Holland College, the Government of Prince Edward Island, and two private long-term care homes—Garden Home and The Mount Continuing Care Facility—have partnered to create new student placements. Students in Holland College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant/Physiotherapy Assistant (OTA/PTA) program will participate in rotating placements at the two care facilities throughout their studies. “By offering supervised placements, we not only meet essential practicum requirements but also boost the practical skills, confidence, and competence of our students,” said Holland College President Dr Alexander MacDonald. “Together, we are paving the way for a healthier future and a more prepared healthcare workforce.”

Kwantlen Polytechnic University, the KPU Communities Trust, and the Seyem Qwantlen Resources Limited Partnership are collaborating to conduct archeological assessments of university-owned sites. The partners will search for evidence of land use—such as fire-altered rock and artifacts—from before settlers arrived. The university hopes that understanding the land’s past use and historical significance will promote informed stewardship of the campus environment. “An archaeological overview assessment is part of a standard approach to responsible management of archaeological and cultural heritage,” said KPU Instructor Brian Pegg. “Undertaking an overview assessment shows KPU is taking responsibility for its land stewardship into the future.”