October 2, 2024

McGill University law professors have agreed to suspend their ongoing strike until their next meeting with an arbitrator on October 8. The Association of McGill Professors of Law (AMPL) has been on strike since August, but on Monday, McGill stated it would cancel the semester for law students unless AMPL ended the strike by the day’s end. In response, McGill and AMPL issued a joint statement on Tuesday morning announcing that they had agreed to suspend the strike and resume classes as of October 3. “During this period the parties will try to find a federated approach between the different professor’s unions to negotiate collective agreements with the University,” read the statement, which was shared with CTV News.

Yellowquill University College and the Government of Manitoba have partnered to give Yellowquill’s First Nations bachelor of education program degree granting status. Yellowquill is now able to grant provincially recognized degrees to graduates of the bachelor of education program. The program will certify graduates so they can teach in all schools in Manitoba. MB has also given Yellowquill a $250K administrative grant to support the path toward further recognition of its programs. “Yellowquill University College is thrilled to offer students the opportunity to earn their education degrees, marking a significant advancement,” said Yellowquill Director Doreen Strange.

Mount Royal University has opened the After Hours Peer Support Centre in Wyckham House. According to MRU Wellness Services Director Jody Arndt, this initiative was implemented after the university recognized that more after-hours resources were needed for students who feel isolated or need a safe space. The new centre, located in the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University’s (SAMRU) current Peer Support Centre, was made possible thanks to a $750K donation from the Viewpoint Foundation. The centre is staffed by students who provide a welcoming atmosphere, assess the needs of incoming students, and refer them to external entities when necessary.

As the number of Indigenous students and faculty increases, universities have a moral obligation to provide environments that prioritize respect, understanding, and ethical relationships, write Jennifer Brant (University of Toronto) and Frank Deer (University of Manitoba). Brant and Deer stress that cultural safety is crucial, especially in required classes covering Indigenous history and culture. The authors cite findings from their research indicating that both Indigenous students and Indigenous instructors can find these required courses difficult and potentially triggering due to the course content and because many of the non-Indigenous students in the courses have little to no background in Indigenous studies. The authors write that commitments to reconciliation must come with changes that ensure Indigenous students are welcomed and celebrated on campus. Indigenous students must have a learning environment in which they are “respected, safe and free to express their cultural identities without discrimination,” they conclude.

Northern College recently repatriated Indigenous Regalia to its rightful owner, Mr Paul P Wesley. The Regalia were originally donated to the college by the Cochrane Trading Post after the business closed in 2015. Northern Senior VP Academic Dean Lessard explained that while the institution was grateful to receive these artifacts and display them in an education context, “it is now time to do our part to ensure, where possible, that items are returned to their rightful owners in respectful recognition that Indigenous culture and cultural items are not museum pieces intended for display.” Wesley, who had made the Regalia with his wife, shared that the Regalia holds deep significance to his identity.

Starting in Fall 2025, Cégep de Rosemont will offer a new program in administration and management techniques called Techniques d’administration et de gestion. Students in the program can specialize in either Accounting and Finance or Marketing and Project Management. The Accounting and Finance stream will teach students to manage financial data and evaluate the financial health of an organization; while the Marketing and Project Management stream will focus on understanding consumer behavior, developing effective marketing strategies, and assessing business performance. This program will combine classroom learning and practical experience through work-study placements and internships. It will also emphasize environmental sustainability to prepare students to be future eco-conscious leaders.

The University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine has launched a mentorship program that will connect students with mentors from diverse backgrounds. Six physician mentors—representing Black, Filipino, Jewish, Muslim, 2SLGBTQIA+, and disabled identities—have been appointed to provide identity-based mentorship. “The increase in antisemitism, rise in Islamophobia, attacks on trans human rights and gender affirming care, and racist backlash all impact our medical community,” said Rady Vice-Dean of Indigenous Health, Social Justice, and Anti-Racism Dr Marcia Anderson. “They influence the experiences of our learners, and we want to provide them with a safe space to seek guidance and mentorship.” Anderson added that, while not all students will see themselves represented, this is a first step toward building a more inclusive network.

The collapse in international student recruitment in Canada is serving as a warning to other countries considering a reduction in their international student numbers, writes Patrick Jack for Times Higher Ed. Jack explains that the changes in Canada have caused universities to fall short of the imposed study permit cap, and that the newly announced 10% reduction will have an even greater impact. This situation is seen as a lesson for countries like Australia and the UK about how quickly reputations can be damaged. “What’s happened in Canada should be a warning to everyone in the world because Canada is perilously close to squandering a reputation it built over years and years as being a great destination for very talented young minds,” added Universities Canada President Gabriel Miller.

Mount Allison University’s chemistry, biology, and facilities management departments are collaborating to remove invasive goldfish from the Ladies’ College Park pond. In an online statement, MtA explained that the goldfish were originally introduced as unwanted pets and have since thrived due to their resilience. The university noted that invasive species like these can severely disrupt aquatic ecosystems, and their removal will help restore the pond’s natural balance. The goldfish will be relocated to the Harold Crabtree Aqualab, where researchers will study their biology to gain insights into human health.

The Government of Québec has awarded $5.6M to Kemitek, a College Centre for Technology Transfer, to expand its green chemistry research facilities. This funding will support the construction of a green chemical process pilot plant, laboratory renovations, and the purchase of new research equipment. These upgrades will enable Kemitek to boost innovation in the renewable chemistry sector, accelerate the commercialization of new products and processes, and involve more students by engaging teaching and research staff from Cégep de Thetford.