October 28, 2024

Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Medicine has become Canada’s 18th medical school with the accreditation of 16 new residency programs. The programs include a family medicine program, nine generalist specialty and subspecialty programs, and six programs offering enhanced training for family physicians. These programs received accreditation through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada. TMU’s first cohort of residents will begin training in July 2025. TMU says that this is the first time that a Canadian medical school has achieved simultaneous accreditation for this many programs.

The Université de Moncton’s website was offline for 10 days following a cyber incident flagged by the institution’s Cyber Intrusion Detection system on October 14. UMoncton’s VP of Administration and Human Resources Gabriel Cormier told CTV News that there is currently no indication that personal or sensitive data was compromised by the incident. The university is continuing to assess the situation and has hired an external company to assist with the investigation. Cormier added that as UMoncton restores the website, it will also upgrade its security systems in line with best practices.

The Government of Ontario has introduced a number of changes with the goal of helping more students in Ontario become family doctors. ON has announced that it will require medical schools to prioritize 95% of undergraduate seats for ON residents. “We are going to prioritize Ontario residents because those are our taxpayers that are paying those students to go to school,” said ON Health Minister Sylvia Jones. The remaining seats will be allocated to students from other parts of Canada. The province will also invest $88M over three years, starting in 2026, to expand its Learn and Stay grants program. The Learn and Stay program covers the tuition and educational costs of students who commit to becoming family doctors in ON with a full roster of patients upon graduation.

The University of Victoria has introduced a contactless digital ID card. Students, faculty, and staff with compatible devices can download the ONEcard to their digital wallet and use it for transactions on campus such as buying food, borrowing books from the library, shopping at the UVic bookstore, and accessing the gym. “Postsecondary students in today’s world expect a mobile-first experience when it comes to buying goods and accessing services on campus,” said UVic Senior Director of Campus Engagement Jim Forbes. “We’re excited to be able to provide this technology to modernize and enhance day-to-day transactions.” Physical ONECards will still be required for exam identification.

The Government of Nova Scotia will cover the costs of tuition and books for 30 aspiring licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in continuing care at Nova Scotia Community College. Through this pilot program, eligible students will enrol in NSCC’s accelerated 18-month practical nursing program and must commit to working in continuing care within the province for two years post-graduation. “We know the need within our long-term care facilities is growing and the citizens that need that support from professionals like licensed practical nurses are so important to all of us,” said NSCC President Don Bureaux. “We are pleased to work with government to help increase the number of professionals wanting to dedicate their talent within this caring sector.”

In a recent University Affairs article, Frances Bula details how some Canadian postsecondary institutions are addressing the opioid crisis on campus. Bula states that the issue has gained increasing attention in the sector due to changing student substance use patterns and a fatal overdose of a University of Victoria student in January. Campus responses across the country vary, notes Bula, but some of the most common measures seek to educate students on opioid risks, provide naloxone kits in residences, train campus security members to handle drug incidents, and hire harm reduction managers. The author also highlights how the Government of Ontario and the Government of British Columbia have enhanced these efforts, such as by making naloxone kits more accessible and implementing province-wide guidelines, respectively.

Seneca Polytechnic is temporarily closing its Markham Campus and relocating its programming to the Newnham Campus and its space at York University. In an FAQ on its website, the polytechnic explained that recent federal policy changes are expected to reduce enrolment at the Markham Campus. “This will mean a smaller student population studying out of this campus,” explained Seneca on its website. “As a result, we are temporarily closing the Markham Campus at the end of the Fall 2024 Term.” CoStar states that Seneca also closed its Yorkgate Campus this summer, transferring its programming to other campuses.

McGill University researchers are calculating the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences’ carbon footprint to help it become fully sustainable. The project evaluates carbon emissions for all aspects of dental care, including travel, single-use plastics, and electricity, while reimagining the patient experience. After the assessment, the faculty will receive policy change recommendations from a special committee. “I want to spark a global reflection,” said McGill Professor Christophe Bedos. “I want to share our findings and engage the broader dental community to identify targets we can set to drive real, sustainable change.”

The University of Niagara Falls Canada recently signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with educational institutions in Tianjin, China. Two agreements with the Tianjin Bohai Vocational School focus on the development of an international talent cultivation centre on the Bohai campus and a summer camp program at UNFC. The third MOU, with the Educational Bureau of Tianjin Nankai District China, explores the creation of a teacher training program at UNFC. “The establishment of partnerships with these Chinese educational institutions is a crucial step in fostering global collaboration, knowledge exchange, and cultural understanding,” said UNFC President Cyndi McLeod. “These agreements provide a platform for our students and faculty to engage with diverse perspectives and contribute to addressing complex global challenges.”

Lakeland College and Battle River School Division (BRSD) have partnered to explore dual credit opportunities. The collaboration will focus on expanding the educational pathways available to high school students by enabling them to simultaneously earn high school and postsecondary credits. High school students recently attended an open house to learn more about the college’s program options, including in welding, interior design technology, and power engineering. “This event represents another step forward in supporting our students’ educational journeys and expanding their access to postsecondary options,” said BRSD superintendent Rhae-Ann Holoien.