October 21, 2026

The Association of Atlantic Universities has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Military, Veteran and Family Connected Campus Consortium (CMVF3C). The MOU, which AAU says is the first of its kind, will establish an Atlantic Canadian framework to support military-connected learners across Atlantic Canada’s sixteen universities. The framework will support the recognition of skills, training, and qualifications acquired through military service; the transfer of military members and their families between institutions as a result of postings or relocations; and strengthened campus-based supports and services.

The Government of Canada has rejected a proposal to limit the number of study permits given to international students from countries with high asylum claims, citing Charter implications. The suggestion is one of 10 that were included in a parliamentary committee report tabled earlier this year by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. Reactions were reportedly mixed and centred largely around India, the largest source of Canada’s student asylum claims. India’s High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik called on Canada to “crack down” on student immigration abuse in a recent interview, while the Canadian Federation of Students and the World Sikh Organization of Canada stated that they supported students’ rights to claim asylum to escape persecution.

Canadore College has released its Defence & Military-Connected College Strategy, which reaffirms its position as a Military-Connected College. It provides five strategic priorities focused on strengthening pathways for military learners; strengthening the college’s partnership with 22 Wing/CFB North Bay and the Department of National Defence; workforce development; innovation; and culture, recognition and system leadership. “Canadore’s connection to the military community is longstanding and deeply rooted in our community,” said Canadore President Dr Sandra Efu. “This strategy reaffirms that commitment while providing a framework for how we can build on our strengths in applied education, aviation, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing and innovation to better support military-connected learners, families, industry and our partners.”

Postsecondary institutions across Canada lowered their flags to half-mast in response to the fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, where four Canadian Armed Forces members lost their lives and many others were injured. In statements, several institutions extended condolences to the loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. They also stated that their thoughts were with those who were injured or otherwise impacted.

McGill University is reportedly conducting a review of its admissions processes after law students expressed concerns about a classmate who was convicted of murder in the 1980s. The student was granted day parole in 2025 and began attending classes in McGill’s Faculty of Law in August 2026. McGill Provost Angela Campbell stated that the university has taken “measured, decisive action” and further emphasized both the importance of every student’s right to learn in a safe, respectful environment and the importance of dignity and second chances. The student has not been on campus since October 6, and CBC reports that over 100 students and alumni have signed a petition calling for the student to return to campus.

Memorial University’s Marine Institute and Satakunta University of Applied Sciences in Finland have signed a five-year agreement on shipbuilding and training and research capacity. Through this memorandum of understanding, the institutions have committed to advancing defence innovation ecosystems in both countries. This will include the pursuit of agreements in areas such as student and faculty mobility, program development, shared simulation and research infrastructure, collaborative research proposals, and upskilling initiatives. This framework supports the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, which focuses on advanced ice-class ship design and workforce development.

In an article for University Affairs, disability rights lawyer and educator Lorin MacDonald calls on universities to embed disability knowledge into core professional learning. While universities have made their campuses and learning opportunities accessible to those with disabilities, she asserts that universities are also responsible for educating people who will need to advance accessibility in their future professions. She describes how programs such as law, public policy, and software development can prepare students to notice and address accessibility barriers in their future careers. This can be done by ensuring disability knowledge is taught through each program’s required curriculum—not through an optional elective—across the academy, she explains.

The Institut national de la recherche scientifique and the Centre national en électrochimie et en technologies environnementales (CNETE)—affiliated with Cégep de Shawinigan—have signed an agreement focused on fermentation bioprocesses. Through this partnership, INRS and CNETE will explore opportunities to share expertise, infrastructure, resources, and skills development. They will also establish an integrated bioprocessing service that will facilitate access to research and technological development capabilities. The partnership will also focus on helping companies to scale their processes before commercialization.

Redeemer University and the University of the Fraser Valley have each partnered with local communities to support mobility efforts. Redeemer and its partners will improve the path that connects the university, neighbourhood, and local elementary school as the first collaborative initiative of The Kid Project. This project aims to create a safe place for children to explore, connect with nature, and develop their independence. UFV is working to support inclusive access to nature through its Adaptive Cycling Project. The project provides five specialized bikes—four hand-powered and one recumbent—for those interested in exploring the Vedder Rotary Trail in Chilliwack, but who may be unable to use a traditional bike.

Students at Acadia University have begun a search for the remains of the campus’ first building. Students enrolled in Acadia’s History and Archaeology of Acadia course and the Digging for Acadia project team are working to locate the site of the original College Hall, which burned down in 1877. “We do not have reliable records as to where it was located,” said Digging for Acadia Co-director Wendy Robicheau. “So, there’s only one way to find out: [to] dig in the ground and go look for it.” The team has already dug several test pits across the property and recently discovered a possible well, which they say may connect to the original College Hall.