October 28, 2026

The University of Victoria has received a $1.3M donation to expand STEM programs for Indigenous youth. This anonymous gift from a UVic alumnus and their partner will be used to strengthen the learning pathway for students as they move from elementary school to postsecondary education and graduate studies. It will establish an endowment for an entrance award for Indigenous students, increase access to climate- and sustainability-focused experiential learning placements, and support outreach programming in K–12 Indigenous STEM. “I’m excited about the pathways [this gift] will create for students to succeed and the impact it will have on climate action in communities,” said UVic Provost Elizabeth Croft. 

York University has received a $1.25M donation from the David and Stacey Cynamon Family Foundation, which is the single largest gift ever received by YorkU Athletics & Recreation. The gift will go toward the university’s Lions Football team with the intent of directly supporting the wellness of men’s football student-athletes and the competitive performance of the football program over the next five years. “With this transformative gift, we will undoubtedly enhance the physical, mental, and educational well-being of hundreds of students for years to come, and provide a competitive advantage to the program,” said YorkU Interim President Lisa Philipps.

Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business has announced new master’s pathways with St Francis Xavier University and Bishop’s University. Eligible students from either institution can choose to continue their studies at Queen’s through a Master of International Business in Kingston or a Master of Finance in Beijing. Students will receive a guaranteed admissions interview and, if accepted, will receive a $5K tuition award. “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with StFX and Bishop’s,” said Queen’s Smith School Senior Director Kerry Regan. “By combining their strong undergraduate preparation with our core strength in building market‑ready master’s programs, we accelerate employability, expand global learning opportunities, and integrate new talent into Smith’s vibrant community of professionals.”

A former manager who worked at Simon Fraser University has received a conditional sentence after pleading guilty to one count of fraud and one count of theft over $5K. CBC reports that Kristen Tanya Schiefke created false invoices that were paid into accounts she controlled and added her husband and stepson to SFU’s payroll, stealing over $180K between 2018 and 2023. She will serve two years less a day in the community, with 12 months of house arrest and restitution payments to SFU until she repays the full balance. SFU’s 2025lawsuit against Schiefke is still before the courts.

The University of New Brunswick has launched a Bachelor of Data Science degree program at its Saint John campus. This interdisciplinary program was developed by the Department of Mathematics & Statistics and the Department of Computer Science and combines mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Students will gain skills in areas such as programming and data management while learning soft skills and how to use data responsibly. They can choose to pursue a general stream or a concentration in health, ecology and environment, business, or engineering and technology.

When the Government of Ontario returned to Queen’s Park on Tuesday, the Ontario Student Assistance Program and the challenges for career college students were key discussion points for politicians. CBC reports that opposition parties spent much of the question period asking about the situation and calling for ON Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Nolan Quinn to be removed from his role. The Canadian Press reports that concerns about OSAP funds and career colleges have been raised in the past, including by Career Colleges Ontario, and that critics are concerned about the impact of the actions that ON has taken in response.

College of the Rockies is launching the inaugural offering of its Practical Nursing Preparatory Pathway this January. This is the first program in the college’s new Pathways initiative, which is designed to create routes into career-focused postsecondary programs. The program provides English and mathematics upgrading alongside health-related learning to prepare students to pursue further education. Graduates of the program will receive conditional acceptance into the Practical Nursing Program. The pathway program was designed for adult learners and offers a structured approach to developing skills, confidence, and readiness for a nursing education and health-care career.

The University of Ottawa has officially launched its Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence (CAAI), which is housed in the Faculty of Engineering. This centre brings experts together to work on AI solutions to real-world challenges. Partner organizations will have access to the centre’s researchers, engineers, and applied AI expertise. “Canada needs AI that earns trust in labs, in workplaces, and in everyday life,” said UOttawa CAAI Director Lionel Briand. “By connecting leading research with the needs of real organizations and communities, UOttawa is helping build an ambitious, responsible future for AI.”

Centennial College and Schneider Electric have signed a memorandum of understanding supporting innovation, sustainability, and workforce development. Potential areas of focus for the partners include industry-informed education, work-integrated learning, and smart technologies. Centennial President Dr Craig Stephenson cited projections that Canada will need 130K more skilled workers to double its electricity supply by 2050, emphasizing that “no college can train them on its own.” “This partnership connects our students with Schneider Electric’s technology, expertise, and real-world challenges — in the classroom, in the lab, and on the job — helping deliver on our mission of education for career success,” concluded Stephenson.

A protest at MacEwan University ended with a riot police response last week, according to the Edmonton Journal. The situation reportedly began with a pro-Palestinian protest at the university’s library, which escalated after an altercation with campus security. Edmonton Police Service officers were called to campus to disperse the crowd, and no arrests or injuries were reported. In response, some students joined a walk-out emphasizing their right to protest on campus. In a statement to Postmedia, MacEwan spokesperson John Archer said that “all members of the university community have the right to learn, live, and work in an environment free from disruption and harassment.”