October 8, 2024

The Government of Canada has revealed the new requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility for international students, which will come into force in November. Graduates from bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, or PhD programs will be required to demonstrate English- or French-language proficiency by achieving a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7. International students in college-level programs will be required to achieve a CLB level 5. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has released a list of 966 CIP codes in five broad field of study categories—agriculture and agri-food; healthcare; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); trade; and transport—in which college students must study to receive a PGWP.

Québec Superior Court Judge Daniel Urbas granted a temporary injunction prohibiting certain pro-Palestinian groups and activists from blocking access to Concordia University, intimidating students, or disrupting classes. The court order also granted two Jewish students a protective order against two individuals who they claim have intimidated them. The temporary injunction was issued last week and will remain in effect for at least 10 days. In a statement for the Montréal Gazette, Concordia clarified that it is not a defendant in the proceedings and reiterated that it does not “tolerate intimidation or hatred in any form on our campuses.”

The magazines Inc. and Fast Company have released a new ranking of the top 50 institutions transforming entrepreneurship. The Ignition Schools list evaluates 900 academic institutions worldwide, highlighting those with the greatest impact on business and innovation. It assesses how institutions foster new technologies and support individuals and companies that bring them to market. Five Canadian institutions were featured in the ranking: the University of Toronto (#13), McGill University (#20), University of Waterloo (#25), University of British Columbia (#34), and Queen’s University (#50).

Fanshawe College is cutting costs and is looking to have a review of its financial operations, reports CBC. Fanshawe President Peter Devlin said that the federal government’s changes to international student enrolment have hurt the college’s budget and have led to cuts in a variety of areas, including professional development and new hires. While Devlin said that “Fanshawe will be able to continue supporting strategic investment” this fiscal year, he noted that the college is anticipating budget challenges in the future. Devlin is looking for the province to fund an independent third-party review of Fanshawe’s financial operations to prepare the college to proactively manage these financial challenges. The report would focus on five key areas including governance, physical assets and facilities, and academic programming.

In an article for The Conversation, Thomas Klassen (York University) contextualizes the Government of Canada’s current immigration policy and its related controversies. He argues that historically, Canada’s immigration policy has followed a “tap on, tap off” approach, adjusting based on labour market demands, with immigration increasing when unemployment is low and decreasing when it rises. However, Klassen highlights that the current policy is distinct in its treatment of international students, classifying it as marked by “rapid swings.” This approach has frustrated provincial governments and educational institutions, who feel blindsided and concerned about the financial impact of these sudden changes. Klassen concludes by urging the federal government to better consult with other levels of government, employers, and key partners, enabling more gradual adjustments that will benefit Canada’s economy and cultural landscape.

Mount Royal University has launched a post-bachelor’s certificate in spatial data science that is designed to help university graduates build their geospatial skills. The Spatial Data Science certificate introduces students to geospatial tools, data, and applications, training them to conduct spatial analysis and derive data insights. This course builds on MRU’s recently launched Bachelor of Science – Data Science degree and aims to provide graduates with the opportunity to develop their geospatial skillset to complement their education. The program takes one year to complete and will be delivered in an in-person format that includes practical laboratory exercises.

McGill University has officially opened the McGill University Collections Centre in Valleyfield. Housing 2.38 million books, the centre will serve as the new book retrieval and delivery service for McGill University Libraries. The facility holds LEED Gold Certification and features an automated storage and retrieval system that includes six robots, electric delivery vehicles, low-maintenance exterior grounds, and climate-controlled protections. “The McGill University Collections Centre is more than a storage facility,” said McGill University Trenholme Dean of Libraries Guylaine Beaudry. “This transformational project ensures that this knowledge remains accessible to our community and users across the country and beyond – now and for generations to come.”

A judge has rejected the appeal of former Maritime College of Forest Technology instructor Rod Cumberland, who had previously lost a lawsuit in 2023 claiming wrongful dismissal. While this original lawsuit resulted in Cumberland being awarded over $55K in severance and legal costs, he more recently sought a higher award through an appeal. Justice Bradley Green of the New Brunswick Court of Appeal rejected this appeal, stating that the trial judge had already dismissed Cumberland’s theory of wrongful dismissal. “The decision was thorough and comprehensive, and the trial judge clearly had a firm grasp of the issues, arguments, and evidence before her,” wrote Green.

Collège d’Alma recently launched a new mentorship program for students in its Techniques policières autochtones program. The initiative aims to help Indigenous students achieve greater academic success throughout their police techniques studies by pairing them with former students who are now professionals in the field. The program fosters connection and conversation on topics such as cultural safety and the challenges of cultural dislocation. It is designed to create a supportive environment for sharing life experiences, building self-confidence, enhancing motivation, and expanding students’ professional networks before they enter the workforce.

The University of Regina and Shad Canada have partnered on an initiative that will see Canadian high school students participating in summer study programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math; entrepreneurship; and innovation. Through the program, students will connect with mentors, prepare to attend postsecondary education, and participate in hands-on learning. URegina will have its first intake of students in July 2025. “Since signing the agreement, the University has been working with our community, Indigenous partners and Shad to create a unique educational experience that will further develop the potential of these exceptional students,” said URegina Interim Provost and Vice-President (Academic) david Gregory. URegina says it is one of 26 universities across Canada that have partnered with Shad Canada.