October 15, 2025

The Canada Foundation for Innovation has announced a $134M investment into research infrastructure projects at 63 postsecondary institutions across the country. The investment is being made through the CFI’s College Fund, which supports applied research and technology development that addresses the needs of a Canadian industry or community, and the John R Evans Leaders Fund, which is used to attract and retain researchers. “By equipping universities and colleges with cutting edge research tools and labs that underpin innovation, we help ensure Canada remains secure, productive and globally competitive,” said CFI President Sylvain Charbonneau.

The University of Fredericton is launching a refreshed brand to celebrate its 20th anniversary. UFred’s updated branding will be launched in a phased approach which will include stories, creative ad campaigns, and engagement with students and alumni. “What excites me about this brand is how it creates space to tell our stories,” said UFred Head of Marketing Sarah Martell. “It allows us to highlight the determination of our students, the expertise of our faculty and the growth of our alumni. You’ll see the brand reflected not just visually. You’ll hear authentic voices sharing the impactful moments that make UFred distinct.”

Algonquin College’s Perth campus is now up for sale, and former Shopify executive Toby Shannan is reportedly interested in purchasing the site. Shannan told the Ottawa Citizen that he is interested in transforming the campus into a not-for-profit private college focused on conservation and heritage building restoration. Shannan expressed interest in the college’s upgraded equipment, physical assets, and intellectual assets, including the curricula. The idea has repeatedly received support from several members of the Perth community, including Perth Mayor Judy Brown. Former Algonquin Perth Dean Chris Hahn told the Ottawa Citizen that Shannan’s idea would face some challenges around finances and the move to a private model, but asserted that the campus could become a centre of international recognition for craft training.

Times Higher Education has released its 2026 World University Rankings, which assessed 2,191 institutions from 115 countries and territories. Overall, University of Oxford remained in first place, followed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology in second place and Princeton University and the University of Cambridge tied for third. In Canada, the top three universities were University of Toronto (#21), McGill University (tied for #41), and the University of British Columbia (#45). Others in the top 200 include McMaster University (tied for #116), the University of Alberta (#119), Université de Montréal (#150), the University of Waterloo (tied for #162), the University of Ottawa (tied for #187), and the University of Calgary (#200).

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has received $1M from the Heather Ryan and L David Dubé Foundation to support the construction of a veterinary technology simulation lab. Faculty will be able to deliver a range of simulations through the lab, ensuring students can practice clinical techniques and hone their skills in a safe, hands-on environment. The polytechnic has named the lab the Ryan/Dubé Veterinary Technology Simulation Lab in honour of the donation. Sask Polytech President Dr Larry Rosia told CJWW 600 that the funds could potentially also be used to boost vet tech class sizes.

Saint Paul University has become an institutional member of the Royal Society of Canada. As an institutional member, SPU joins a national network of schools committed to advancing research and scholarship in the country. SPU says that the partnership will create new opportunities for collaboration between SPU scholars and members of the Royal Society of Canada’s three academies. SPU Rector Louis Patrick Leroux said that joining the society will allow SPU to “truly engage in meaningful conversation pertaining to institutional policy, interdisciplinary dialogue and in supporting inclusive excellence in Canadian research.”

Lakeland College has been sanctioned by the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) after an investigation into Lakeland’s men’s and women’s Rustlers volleyball teams. The investigation found that the teams engaged in hazing activities during separate parties on September 1st. The women’s team has been suspended for the first eight games of the 2025-26 ACAC season, while the men’s team has been suspended for the first four. Other sanctions include a $500 penalty for each suspended match. “As an institution, we’re disappointed this has happened, but we’re in agreement with the sanctions against the teams,” said Lakeland Athletic Director Alan Rogan. Players and coaches of the volleyball teams will be required to undergo anti-hazing training prior to readmittance to ACAC competition.

The Federal Court has ruled that an immigration officer erred in denying a study permit to a student from Iran. Sanaz Mohammad Abadi had applied to study at Langara College in order to fulfill the conditions of a job offer from her Iranian employer. However, she was denied entry when an immigration officer did not believe she had sufficient reason to pursue the program in Canada and was “not satisfied [Abadi] would depart Canada at the end of her authorized stay.” Justice William Pentney stated that several of the officer’s conclusions were unreasonable or not properly supported, and said that officers must engage with the evidence presented by the applicant and provide reasoning justifying the refusal. Abadi’s case will now be re-examined by a different officer.

McGill University has partnered with the Department of Culture and Tourism for Abu Dhabi to display several of McGill Libraries’s ancient manuscripts. The manuscripts form part of an exhibition named Golden Ink: A Journey through Arab and Islamic Manuscripts. They are on display in Abu Dhabi—the first time they have left McGill since their acquisition. “This is not a simple loan—you can imagine the logistics and thousands of questions to be answered,” said McGill Dean of Libraries Guylaine Beaudry. “The support of our administration—from legal to security services—and that of colleagues from the museum world, has been outstanding.” The exhibition will come to Montreal in January 2027, at which time McGill plans to host class visits and scientific events.

Trent University and the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board are piloting a dual-credit program that allows high school students to earn an Indigenous Studies credit while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students who are enrolled in two select high school credit courses will have the opportunity to earn 0.5 university course credits in INDG 1001H: The Foundation of Reconciliation. The university course also fulfills Trent’s Indigenous Course Requirement. The program will pilot at Eastside Secondary School, with participants engaging in land-based learning activities and events and learning from Trent faculty and staff.