October 3, 2025

Ontario college support workers gathered for rallies and demonstrations on college campuses on Thursday after talks between CEC and OPSEU broke down earlier this week. CHCH reports that staff gathered at institutions such as Algonquin College, Collège Boréal, Humber Polytechnic, Georgian College, Mohawk College, and St Clair College. Several colleges—including Algonquin, Mohawk, and St Clair—cancelled classes or suspended events on campus for the day, and local police urged motorists to avoid campus and/or to allow for extra travel time.

The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Engineering will be launching a fully online Master’s of Engineering in Construction Engineering and Management program in Fall 2026. This program will allow industry professionals to continue learning without disrupting their careers. “This 100% online MEng program empowers working professionals to advance their careers, connect with a global network of peers and benefit from the academic excellence of one of Canada’s top engineering schools,” said UAlberta Assistant Professor Qipei (Gavin) Mei. UAlberta says that this is the first program of its kind in Western Canada.

The University of Guelph has received a $1.4M investment from Fidelity Investments Canada ULC to create a named chair in finance and provide students from the Gordon S Lang School of Business and Economics with hands-on learning experiences. Dr Nikola Gradojevic will hold the Fidelity Chair in Finance and will perform research, expand student learning, and collaborate with industry during the five-year appointment. Business students will have access to faculty advisors, opportunities to manage investment portfolios, and the chance to participate in national sales competitions. “By investing in faculty-supervised experiential programming, Fidelity is helping us prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing financial world,” said Gordon S Lang School of Business and Economics Dean Dr Sara Mann.

Simon Fraser University’s Clean Hydrogen Hub has partnered with three other Canadian hydrogen hubs to form the Pan-Canadian Alliance of Hydrogen Hubs. This alliance is focused on breaking down geographic barriers and leveraging regional strengths on initiatives related to hydrogen. The MOU outlines a variety of areas for collaboration, including supporting each region’s hydrogen-related projects, promoting Canadian-developed hydrogen technologies, facilitating engagement, and supporting knowledge transfer. SFU says that this alliance furthers its commitments to engaging in critical research partnerships.

Royal Roads University will partner with Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst (the Catalyst) at Toronto Metropolitan University to provide cybersecurity education and leadership across Canada. The partners will develop and deliver cybersecurity and digital risk management training and help businesses to improve these in these areas. “At its heart, this partnership is about positioning Canada as a global leader in cybersecurity at a time of rising geopolitical challenges,” said the Catalyst Executive Director Charles Finlay. The partnership follows the success of the Catalyst-Royal Roads cybersecurity micro-credential course created earlier this year.

MacEwan University has launched two new programs: a minor in Indigegogy and a Bachelor of Public Safety and Justice. MacEwan says that the minor in Indigegogy—with course topics including Indigeneity in Canada, residential schools, and First Peoples and the arts—is the first such minor in Canada. MacEwan President Dr Annette Trimbee explained that the program differs from traditional Indigenous studies programs due to its alignment with reconciliation principles. Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Public Safety and Justice program will train learners in the areas of criminal justice, cybersecurity, emergency management, and more. MacEwan Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies Chair Tim Williams said that the offering reflects the growing demand for professionals with human-centred skills in public safety and justice.

Redeemer University has launched its first graduate degree program: a Master of Education. The MEd program will cover topics such as curriculum development, educational leadership, and research methods through a biblical worldview. It is structured to accommodate working professionals with online, part-time courses and an in-person summer intensive week. Redeemer Dean of Education Dr Phil Teeuwsen explained that the program “addresses a vital need for Christian educators who are seeking to expand their knowledge and extend their capacity to serve.”

Coast Mountain College has revised their Learning and Inclusion Statement to “better reflect relational and culturally grounded values” and adopt a tone encouraging shared learning. The updated statement—which will appear on course outlines for the Winter 2026 semester—was put forward by CMTN Learning Transformation Specialist – Indigenization Kāshā (Julie Morris). “The goal is to make the language feel more relational and reflective of the First Peoples Principles of Learning, while also being more inclusive of the diverse cultures and values learners bring,” said Morris.

Brock University and Mohawk College have signed two transfer pathway agreements that will offer students flexible options for pursuing a Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation or Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies. Eligible Mohawk Recreation Therapy program students will receive a block of seven transfer credits towards either Brock degree. “The pathways facilitate greater access to education in Therapeutic Recreation and Recreation and Leisure Studies as well as training and industry networks, helping to increase student employability and meet labour market needs,” said Brock Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Dean Panagiota (Nota) Klentrou.

University College of the North has launched a program to improve high school graduation rates and postsecondary access. This three-year program focuses on addressing the complex barriers to education that Indigenous learners in Treaty 5 territory in Northern Manitoba face. It will be delivered through the Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute, Oscar Lathlin Collegiate, and regional adult learning centers through a $550K investment from the Northpine Foundation. UCN will place graduate specialists and life coaches within high school and adult learning centres, where they will provide wraparound support services, cultural programming, and family engagement. The program aims to reach 100 learners.