October 27, 2025

Kativik Ilisarniliriniq has released a comprehensive report summarizing the consultations it held across 14 Nunavik communities about the creation of a Nunavik Institute. “This report confirms what we have known for decades: Nunavimmiut are ready to lead their own educational future,” said Kativik Ilisarniliriniq President Sarah Aloupa. The consultations involved surveys, a two-day workshop in Montréal, and a FM radio call-in consultation. For next steps, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq is working with Makivvik to develop a legal and institutional framework that reflects the findings of the public consultations, as well as collaborating with the Government of Québec to explore program development.

Canadian Mennonite University has announced that it will be offering free dormitory housing to all first-year undergraduate students, beginning in Fall 2026. “By removing cost barriers, we’re opening the door for every student to begin their university journey surrounded by support, belonging, and opportunity,” said CMU VP Student Life and Campus Operations Charlie Peronto. International and domestic undergraduate students in their first year at CMU and who are enrolled in full-time studies will be eligible for the free shared accommodations. The initiative was made possible by the support of a CMU donor.

The Government of Ontario is continuing to face questions about the allocation of the Skills Development Fund. At a recent parliamentary question period, ON MP Rob Cerjanec referenced Loyalist College’s financial situation and program closures before asking ON Premier Doug Ford to explain the distribution of the SDF to “insiders.” “Colleges right across Ontario are being forced to suspend programs that connect directly to local industries,” argued Cerjanec. “When that happens, we all lose.” ON Minister Nolan Quinn responded by asserting that the fault lies with the federal government, which made “many unilateral changes that have affected” postsecondary education across the country. Victoria Mancinelli of LiUNA recently defended the SDF distribution, asserting that it is “part of the solution” for current labour market needs.

Microcredentials can help close skill gaps and support equity—but only if they are built in close partnership with employers, argue Karla Barron (NAIT), Scott Biggs (NAIT), and Partha Roy (NAIT) for The evoLLLution. Drawing on research conducted with SAIT and Bow Valley College, the authors emphasize that microcredentials show real potential in providing to skills needs to emerging fields and supporting the skill development of equity-seeking groups. To maximize their impact, microcredentials must be grounded in labour market data, targeting specific use cases, designing stackable pathways, and pushing for broader recognition. “If we build them with rigour and align them with employer needs and treat them as part of a broader credential ecosystem,” they conclude, “microcredentials can help make the uncertain a little more navigable.”

Several postsecondary institutions have celebrated milestones with the construction and renovation of key facilities and campuses. Acadia University recently broke ground on its new Eleanor Johnson Student Centre, named in honour of alumna Eleanor Jean McCain, which will bring together a range of student supports and spaces. Burman University held an opening ceremony for its new International Office and Lounge, which will offer academic and immigration support, cultural programming, and other student spaces. Carleton University recently celebrated the grand opening of its Rideau House Residence, which contains over 450 traditional beds in a mix of double and single rooms. First Nations University of Canada celebrated the renewal of its nēwoskan Traditional Campus, which will serve as a special space for ceremony, knowledge sharing, and land-based education.

Statistics Canada has released a new report describing the changes in postsecondary student flows between Canada and the United States over time. Data for US students in Canada was obtained from Statistics Canada’s Non-permanent Resident File and the Postsecondary Student Information System, while data from Canadian students studying in the US was obtained from the Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. The authors show how Canada has sent more students to the US than it has received each year. They also said that subject areas differed between the groups: US students in Canada were concentrated in humanities and social sciences, while Canadian students in the US were concentrated in business management and health.

Northwestern Polytechnic has signed a new agreement with VIA University College in Denmark to deepen international collaboration in education, research, and student mobility. The partnership—formalized during the European Association for International Education Conference in Sweden—will support student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and study abroad initiatives. NWP President Vanessa Sheane stated that international partnerships can prepare “students to thrive in a connected world while bringing global insight back to Grande Prairie.”

Collège Nordique is contending with a significant decrease to the funds it receives from the Government of Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage, according to Collège Nordique Executive Director Patrick Arsenault. CBC reports that last year, the college received $2.8M from the department, which made up nearly 63% of the college’s operating budget. It will now receive one-third of that amount. Arsenault said that the unexpected size of the cuts has forced the institution to reduce its staff numbers. While the Department of Canadian Heritage told CBC that the college can still apply for project-based funding, Arsenault said that reliance on short-term projects makes long-term planning and supporting the interests of minority language speakers difficult.

Mount Saint Vincent University and Saint Mary’s University have reportedly suspended hundreds of classes after contract negotiations with part-time faculty represented by CUPE reached impasses. MSVU said that 337 classes are affected, while SMU said that approximately 300 classes are affected. Part-time faculty at both universities have been without a contract since last year and are demanding higher compensation and job security, according to CBC News. CUPE said that part-time faculty at Saint Mary’s are among the lowest paid in the country. CBC News reports that the strike comes amid significant pressures facing institutions in NS, including dropping international enrolment, capped tuition rates, and limited funding increases from the provincial government. Both universities indicated that they are open to further negotiations.

WorkSafeBC has fined three companies $184K in penalties after a worker was injured by the collapse of a rebar tower at the construction site of the University of Victoria’s new engineering lab. WorkSafeBC said that the structure “had not been supported according to standing practice and there were no written instructions from a professional engineer regarding the bracing of the tower.” The prime contractor Bird Construction GP Limited was fined $140K for failing to ensure all partially assembled structures were supported as necessary, while Viking Reinforcing Ltd and ARM Reinforcing Ltd were fined $36K and $7K respectively for failing to ensure the structures were supported and for failing to provide their workers with the necessary information.