September 22, 2023

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recently announced that it will build a centralized Saskatoon campus on the University of Saskatchewan campus. The location of the campus is expected to boost the development of an Innovation Corridor in the area, bringing together students, businesses, and other institutions to facilitate applied learning and research. The Government of Saskatchewan has pledged up to $200M toward the project. Sask Polytech President Dr Larry Rosia said that the campus will “increase program capacity” and create a “talent pipeline to help grow the economy and increase our competitiveness in attracting investment to Saskatchewan and Canada.”

Brescia University College and Western University have announced the start of a process that will see Brescia UC fully integrated into Western by Spring 2024. As Canada’s only women’s university, Brescia UC was originally founded with the intent of guiding young women into higher education. Since then, women have become the majority of the postsecondary student body and the number of women’s universities in North America has declined. Going forward, the school is expected to offer an “enhanced preparatory program” and “broaden pathways for students from equity-specific groups.” Western will create a $25M Brescia Legacy Fund for scholarships and bursaries and will be making job offers to all full-time Brescia UC faculty and staff.

As the situation between Canada and India continues, India has announced that it has suspended all visa processing for Canadians looking to go to India. CBC reports that those affected by the suspensions include Canadians looking to secure a visa to study or work in India. CBC states that BLS International, a third-party service provider that acts on behalf of the Indian government, suspended its visa services in Canada with immediate effect “[d]ue to operational reasons.” The announcement was made shortly after India issued a travel advisory for Indian students in Canada.

Institutions from Newfoundland & Labrador to British Columbia issued statements this week to express their solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Responding to the anti-SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) marches that occurred on Wednesday in many parts of the country, institutions expressed that there was “no space for hate” on their campuses and pointed to the benefits of having a diverse community. Many shared links to resources and services on campus such as dedicated gender, diversity, and discrimination advisors.

Ground has been broken on Southwood Circle, an infill project adjacent to the University of Manitoba’s south Winnipeg campus. The project–which is expected to house 20,000 people and is believed to be the largest infill project in Winnipeg’s history–is being built on the former Southwood Golf and Country Club. UManitoba bought the property in 2008. The resulting development will be walkable; include services such as grocery stores and cafés; and is designed to appeal to UManitoba students, faculty, and staff. It will emphasize sustainability, with a goal of protecting trees on the property and using the preexisting city infrastructure. The Southwood Circle will also include a new home for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. The first phase of the development project is projected to be completed in 10 years, while the entire project will be completed over the next 20 to 30 years.

Four Canadian senators–Sabi Marwah, Ratna Omidvar, Yuen Pau Woo, and Hassan Yussuff–recently published a discussion paper urging federal, provincial, and territorial governments to better manage the country’s international student program. International students have recently become the subject of ongoing debates pertaining to housing supply and affordability, but the senators contend that “international students are […] the victims of limited and often unsuitable housing,” in addition to facing high tuition fees, limited supports, and, in some cases, abuse. The paper concludes with recommendations for how governments can strengthen the international student program, including by reviewing the financial stability of postsecondary institutions, addressing the housing supply, and better informing international students about their rights.

OCAD University has received a $2.5M gift from former OCAD U Chancellor, business leader, and philanthropist Kiki Delaney and the Delaney Family. The gift will provide funding over 10 years for the Onsite Gallery’s annual initiatives and special projects, create an annual award, and establish a bursary fund to support students in the Criticism and Curatorial Practice programs who demonstrate financial need. “Kiki Delaney and The Delaney Family have had such a significant impact on our institution,” said OCAD U President Ana Serrano. “With this gift, their commitment to driving positive change through art and design will continue to have a lasting and meaningful impact.”

The University of Prince Edward Island unveiled a new course and events space this week. As of this Fall, all new UPEI students will be required to complete the Preventing Sexual Violence online course as part of their graduation requirements. The two-hour course is designed to increase sexual violence awareness and prevention among students and equip them with the skills to recognize, interrupt, and report sexual violence. The university is also hosting a grand opening today for the new UPEI Performing Arts Centre and the revitalized Dr Steel Recital Hall.

University of Regina coach Wade Huber has reportedly been suspended by Athletics Canada for an “indefinite period of time” following allegations of inappropriate conduct. The Athletics Canada commissioner released an executive summary of its decision, which indicates that Huber “violated his responsibilities” under the organization’s Code of Conduct and was found to have engaged in activities that “constituted grooming, psychological maltreatment, and sexual maltreatment.” reports that there was no evidence of sexual misconduct, but commissioner Hugh Fraser stated that Huber exhibited “behaviours [that] are discouraged in the current policy because they have the potential to cross into sexual behaviour.” A URegina spokesperson explained that Huber was removed from duties when the investigation was first launched.

Queen’s University has opened an outdoor Indigenous gathering space that will provide a place for learning, ceremony, and reflection. The design of the structure is inspired by Anishinaabe wigwams, incorporates symbolic nods to the medicine wheel, and features entryways facing both the East and West to denote the rising and setting sun. “The land is our first teacher,” said Queen’s Senior Director, Student Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging Kandice Baptiste. “This is purposefully made to be in the land so that we can as a campus better understand our roles and responsibilities as human beings.” The space was used this week to initiate Queen’s new office of Indigenous Health.