November 7, 2024

Public postsecondary institutions in Québec recently spoke out against the province’s recently tabled Bill 74, which would grant the Government of Québec new authority to significantly limit international student applications. At this week’s hearings on the bill, leaders from the province’s public institutions and related organizations urged the government to reconsider the legislation, warning that it could hinder their ability to attract top talent. In their statements, representatives from Bishop’s University, Concordia University, the Fédération des cégeps, McGill University, Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke, Université du Québec, and Université Laval requested exemptions to the legislation and highlighted the vital role that international students play in regional development.

Several colleges and universities across Ontario are marking Treaties Recognition Week by hosting special guests on campus, holding keynotes and workshops, and sharing educational resources. The purpose of these efforts is to educate the campus community about treaties and land claims. These institutions shared resources or announced talks about the treaty or treaties governing the land that the institutions are built on, such as the Williams Treaties (Durham College, Ontario Tech University), Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 (Laurentian University), and the Haldimand Treaty of 1784 (University of Waterloo).

Simon Fraser University has launched the Global Institute for Agritech, a multi-faculty research institute designed to advance agritech research and foster collaboration with global partners. The institute will focus on precision farming, pest management, and crop diversification, among other topics, with the aim of promoting knowledge sharing and research application. “[The institute] will train the next generation of agrifood innovators who are in tune with community needs, are adaptable to changing circumstances on the ground, who think systematically, and can harness the power of technology to develop an equitable and sustainable food system for all,” said SFU Associate Professor Tammara Soma. Institute membership includes representatives from Kwantlen Polytechnical University, the University of the Fraser Valley, Wageningen University and Research (The Netherlands), Technical University München (Germany), and government bodies.

Carleton University will launch a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Fall 2025. This direct-entry, three-year degree program includes an Indigenous-built curriculum and offers concentrations in Data Science or Neuroscience and Mental Health. Through a partnership with Queensway Carleton Hospital, the program will also prioritize early and frequent clinical placements and hands-on learning. “To have the chance to reshape nursing education in partnership with our community and with students at the center of our model is the chance of a lifetime,” said Carleton Director (Nursing Program) Danielle Manley. ON states that this is the first new university nursing program in the province in 20 years.

In a recent article for The evoLLLution, Mako Miller (University of Missouri) argues that postsecondary institutions must prove that they are not just academic hubs but also “launching pads for careers and lifelong success.” Miller emphasizes that integrating meaningful career readiness into higher education should go beyond career service offices to become a campus-wide effort. The author writes that faculty can play a key role in this effort by aligning their courses with workforce needs, embedding hands-on experiences into learning, and providing students with professional guidance. Miller also suggests that coordinated career readiness initiatives that incorporate mentorship, experiential learning, workplace readiness workshops, and industry networking can reinforce the value of higher education while empowering students to achieve their career goals.

Red Deer Polytechnic has launched a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma that will prepare students for careers as generalist sonographers in a variety of environments. This program includes courses in obstetric and gynecologic sonography, vascular sonography, and training in ethical and other non-technical concepts. Students will gain hands-on experience at RDP’s new sonography lab and will be prepared to challenge the Sonography Canada credentialing exam upon graduation. “We are proud to offer a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma program and provide innovative opportunities to educate and train Alberta’s health care professionals,” said RDP Acting Dean, School of Health and Wellness Heather Dirks.

Concordia University has launched a Teacher Certification graduate diploma to address Québec’s shortage of licensed teachers. Open to teachers with at least five years of experience, the program offers a flexible schedule so that participants can continue working during their studies. It is customizable to participant needs and includes online coursework, remote mentoring, in-person workshops, and action-research projects. Upon successful completion of the program and a language test, graduates will receive their QC teaching licenses. “We knew we didn’t want to just make an abridged version of our existing four-year programs,” said Concordia Director of the Early Childhood and Elementary Education program Nathalie Rothschild. “We started from scratch and considered what this particular group of teachers would need.”

Several postsecondary institutions recently announced positive enrolment and budget news. The College of the North Atlantic is reporting a 3.2% increase in Fall enrolment over last year, with the highest enrolment increases witnessed in Business and Information Technology; Engineering Technology; Health Sciences; and Academics, Applied Arts and Tourism. Saskatchewan Polytechnic reports that its Fall 2024 enrolment is at “an all-time high,” with a 3% increase compared to the previous year. Sask Polytech President Dr Larry Rosia said that the increase demonstrates the value of a polytechnic education. St Clair College is projecting a surplus for the 2025-26 academic year. St Clair President Michael Silvaggi said that the college is “doing everything we can” to attract and retain students.

The Université du Québec has become an official partner of the Centre Jacques Cartier (CJC), an interdisciplinary platform that connects private and public sectors. Founded in 1984, the CJC promotes socio-economic benefits, fosters bilateral collaboration, facilitates knowledge transfers, and strengthens ties between French-speaking countries. Through this partnership, UQuébec aims to enhance its involvement in developing business and exchange networks between the territories of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in France and the Québec and Canadian Francophone community.

New rental housing projects are underway near the University of British Columbia and University of Calgary. Ryder Architecture and 3XN GXN have partnered to provide architectural services for UBC’s Lower Mall Precinct Phase One project. The project includes five buildings—including an 18-storey tower, an eight-storey mass timber hybrid prototype structure, and a repurposed historic fire hall—that will add a combined total of 1,500 student beds to campus. The buildings are designed to achieve LEED Gold certification and to be zero-waste ready. Gracorp has broken ground on a new student housing tower in Calgary’s University District, which is overseen by the University of Calgary Properties Group Ltd. The housing development is primarily being designed for students and young professionals and will add 322 units and 645 beds to the area.