September 14, 2026

The Government of Alberta has announced a commitment of over $148M to postsecondary institutions over three years to expand high-demand degree, diploma, and certificate programs by 8,000 seats. The funding will be delivered through the Targeted Enrolment Expansion program and will support new spaces for domestic students in programs such as education, engineering, and health care at institutions across the country. “By expanding capacity, we can give more students access to a high-quality education in our province, thus helping to meet the needs for skilled graduates,” said University of Calgary Provost and VP (Academic) Dr Sandra Davidson.

The Southwood Circle infill project at the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus has received a $4M investment from the Government of Manitoba as part of the province’s recently unveiled Net Zero Action Plan. UM Properties GP Inc will use the funds for the creation of a geothermal district energy system at the site. The system will be the first such large-scale geothermal district in the province. “Our hope is to transform the University of Manitoba campus into a world-leading “UniverCity” that could one day welcome as many as 65,000 people,” explained MB Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes.

Université du Québec à Montréal Recteur Stéphane Pallage has called on the parties campaigning for the upcoming Québec election to focus on the K-12 and higher education sectors. Pallage told Radio-Canada that he has not heard a word about education from the campaigns, despite the crucial role played by postsecondary institutions. He also urged the next provincial government to reinvest in the QC higher ed system, citing economist Pierre Fortin, who stated that the QC university system is working with less than other Canadian universities.

The Government of British Columbia has announced the allocation of 272 new skilled-trades training seats to the British Columbia Institute of Technology, as part of its provincial Look West strategy. The new seats will reduce wait lists for in-demand apprenticeship programs in the lower mainland. “Throughout British Columbia, more people are gaining access to the opportunities that come with a career in the skilled trades. The additional seats at British Columbia Institute of Technology will help prepare the next generation of skilled workers who will contribute to our communities and support key sectors throughout the province,” said BC Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Jessie Sunner.

Ontario Tech has announced that it is advancing its Campus Master Plan with the opening of a new academic building in 2029, a residence in 2027, and a new student athletics and recreation building in 2028. “This new [academic] building will create more opportunities for students to apply their knowledge, collaborate across disciplines and develop the skills they need to make an impact beyond the classroom,” explained Ontario Tech VP Academic Dr Lori Livingston. The Campus High-Performance Complex will be located at the north Oshawa campus shared with Durham College, and will offer a mix of athletic, recreation, and student-life spaces. The Ridge student residence will add 450 beds to campus when it opens with as key initiatives supporting the campus’ growth.

TD has announced that it is ending its Scholarships for Community Leadership program after over 30 years. The scholarships provided recipients with up to $70K in tuition and living expenses over four years, as well as an opportunity for paid summer employment. TD spokesperson Vandan Fatima Kattar told theToronto Star that the bank will be turning its community giving to “programs that help young people build skills, gain experience and strengthen their confidence in the future.” TD noted that current recipients will continue to receive funding and employment opportunities associated with their scholarship.

The University of New Brunswick has marked Respectful Workplace Week with a signing ceremony where the institution reaffirmed its commitment to a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace. The week, organized by the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick, includes a variety of initiatives and workshops devoted to promoting a healthier workplace. “This week serves as an important reminder that creating a respectful workplace is not a one-time effort. It is built every day through our actions, our words and the way we support one another,” said UNB President Dr Kathy Wilson.

The Cégep de Sept-Îles and its Innovation Centre have become full members of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation global network. As a member of the network, the cégep will have access to new opportunities for collaboration, sharing expertise, and project development. In partciular, the cégep will allow for connections between local experts in robotics, energy, mobility, and other key areas. Cégep director of research and innovation Laurent Ferrier stated that the membership will accelerate the development and promotion of solutions that are adapted to northern and maritime realities.

The University of Saskatchewan’s College of Dentistry has launched a new extracurricular initiative aimed at solving oral health challenges. Dentpreneur teaches interested students of all academic backgrounds how to identify oral health problems, develop solutions, and explore commercialization. Students will begin by participating in Saturday workshops on innovation, design, and opportunity discovery and can progress to the later phases through an application process. The final phase of the program culminates in a summer immersion experience in Toronto with Highline DentalTech. “Dentpreneur will give [students] the environment, training and support to learn, contribute and see how far an idea can go,” explained USask College of Dentistry Dean Dr Walter Siqueira.

A recent article from Chronicle of Higher Ed explores the return of blue books and handwriting to the classroom. Following a decline during the move to online studies and exams during the COVID-19 pandemic, sales of paper books and exam booklets have risen sharply as educators return to in-person testing. Some faculty members told the Chronicle that the use of the books in class has helped to foster a more active, engaged classroom. Others expressed concern that the move to in-class, handwritten assignments is a knee-jerk reaction to AI or that it comes at the cost of the benefits of take-home tests.