September 17, 2024

The Government of Canada has announced the results of its 2024 Tri-agency scholarships and fellowships competitions. Canada will provide $265M in support through a variety of study awards, fellowship programs, and scholarship programs in order to boost the next generation of researchers. The investment will support graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in a wide range of disciplines in engineering, health, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.

University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) of Morocco is launching an international branch in Montréal called UM6P Canada. This branch aims to strengthen ties between Africa and North America through research and development, continuing education, entrepreneurship, and capacity development. UM6P Canada will focus on fostering an international ecosystem of innovation and research in five key sectors: agriculture, energy, mining, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. It will not offer accredited training or host students. The branch will collaborate with a variety of Canadian institutions, including Université Laval, Université du Québec à Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke, University of Alberta, and University of Manitoba.

The Government of Alberta has signed a letter of intent with the Republic of Ireland to collaborate on postsecondary education and strengthen ties between the two jurisdictions. The agreement will foster the exchange of ideas and talent, promote the development of skills and innovation, and improve the availability and quality of opportunities for AB postsecondary students. “There is so much value in bringing people of different backgrounds together to share ideas and create new opportunities,” said AB Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney.

The Government of Canada is partnering with Mila, Québec’s Artificial Intelligence Institute, to explore responsible cultural data governance as part of the country’s broader efforts in AI. Mila–a research centre involving HEC Montréal, McGill University, Polytechnique Montréal, and the Université de Montréal–will work with Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage to shape future AI-related policies and initiatives that support the cultural sector. “Canada’s authors, musicians and artists have important questions about the impact artificial intelligence will have on their work, and we are ensuring that they are part of the conversation as the government develops Canada’s cultural data strategy for AI,” said Canada Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St-Onge.

Mohawk College’s Centre for Professional Advancement has received a $1M gift from the Marinucci Family Foundation. The centre will use the funds to create new education and employment opportunities and support employer recruitment and retention efforts. “This gift will accelerate our success in leading workforce transformation and position the Centre to make a measurable impact through innovative educational and training solutions,” said Mohawk Marinucci Family Centre for Professional Advancement Associate Dean Larisa Volman.

Some postsecondary students in Alberta are reportedly facing delays in receiving student aid as Alberta Student Aid grapples with a record number of applications this year. While a Government of Alberta Advanced Education spokesperson said that around 90% of applications are processed within 30 days, some applications (about 3%) are taking longer than 45 days. CBC spoke to two students with disabilities and dependents about how these delays impacted their finances and education. Athabasca University student Nin Szot said that since he could not wait for funding, he had to reach out to his MP’s office to have his application prioritized.

York University’s Glendon College has introduced a new Core Curriculum that will ensure that undergraduate students develop a shared foundation of knowledge. The structured, four-year curriculum combines academic learning with opportunities for personal growth. It emphasizes inclusivity, intercultural competence, and critical thinking. “What makes the Glendon Core Curriculum unique is that it also focuses on global issues, multilingualism and intercultural competencies throughout the upper-year courses,” said YorkU Professor Valérie Florentin. “Regardless of which combination of courses students may take as they move through the Core Curriculum, they will all acquire a comparable set of skills, knowledge and values.” The curriculum also fosters a sense of community by united students from diverse disciplines in shared learning experiences.

Selkirk College has officially opened a new 114-bed housing facility on its Castlegar Campus. The three-storey building offers fully furnished, accessible units. The building features study spaces and a student lounge, common kitchens, an Indigenous gathering space, and more. This residence is one of two recent housing developments–with the first opening earlier in the spring–that together increase the college’s on-campus housing capacity by 71%. “Providing on-campus housing makes our campuses more vibrant places,” said Selkirk President Maggie Matear. “The new Castlegar Campus complex not only has a beautiful view overlooking the river, but also provides a secure, affordable housing option that contributes to the exceptional post-secondary experience we want to provide our graduates.”

NOSM University has announced the launch of a medical discovery program called “Trace ton parcours vers la médecine” for high school students in French-language schools, which starts this month. The program includes workshops to engage students in health-care practices and spark their interest in health professions. “This is an opportunity to reach and encourage youth to pursue higher education in Francophone health care and become future Francophone doctors,” said NOSM U Francophone Affairs Unit Learner Recruitment and Support Coordinator Sierra Howald. The program, which is funded by the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Education, will reach at least 50 students.

NSCAD University has officially opened a new space that will permanently house the Treaty Space Gallery, an artistic gallery that will also serve as NSCAD U’s Indigenous Student Centre. The gallery—which was provisionally hosted at NSCAD U’s Port Campus—provides a place to learn more about Indigenous histories, treaties, and lived experiences. The new Gallery space has more room for programming, exhibitions, and collaborations. Additionally, Indigenous students will be able to relax in the space. “The Indigenous student population at NSCAD is really small and they might be looking for ways to participate in their culture while being in an urban setting,” said Treaty Space Gallery Exhibitions Coordinator Natalie Laurin. “We want to grow into a space where they can look to us for that cultural connection and a place where they can relate to the art being displayed.”