September 9, 2026

The University of Prince Edward Island’s Atlantic Veterinary College is part of a new project funded by the Government of Canada to support swine health surveillance. Based at the UPEI AVC, project researchers will develop, validate, and upgrade swine virus testing technologies through $3.1M in funding provided to the Canadian Pork Council. UPEI AVC Director of Diagnostic Services Laboratory Elizabeth Dobbin called the project “an important step forward” in the detection and monitoring of swine diseases, saying that improved testing capacity will allow for effective responses to disease threats.

Fairleigh Dickinson University Vancouver has officially begun the year at its new campus at Oakridge Park. The new campus includes 18 new classrooms, five computer labs, and two semi-wet science labs, in addition to dedicated learning and student support facilities. It is surrounded by shops and recreational spaces and is located near public transit. The university will be hosting a series of events later this fall to celebrate the grand opening of the campus.

At colleges and universities across Canada, students moved into their student housing and took part in orientation events. Spokespersons from institutions such as the University of Guelph, the University of Victoria, the University of Waterloo, and Western University reported that thousands of students moved in over the long weekend. Speaking to the press, students shared their hopes for the school year ahead, their reasons for attending their selected postsecondary institution, and what they like about their experience so far. Classes began on Tuesday or Wednesday at many institutions.

York University’s Markham Campus has received a $1M gift from Adrian Lee-Kwen and celebrated the opening of the Adrian Lee-Kwen Makerspace. The makerspace will provide access to a variety of equipment and resources—including prototyping equipment and digital fabrication tools—for students to experiment with new technologies and learn through creation. “What makes Adrian’s gift especially meaningful here is his connection to York Region,” said YorkU Markham Deputy Provost Dan Palermo. “Students can see someone from their own community who followed their curiosity and went on to build a global career in technology.”

The University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors has approved a financing strategy that would allow up to $250M in new financing to support priorities across USask’s campuses. The financing would be used for a variety of projects, including updating essential systems at the university, renewing and expanding learning and teaching spaces, and enabling revenue-generating initiatives. The university explained that this strategy will enable the institution to self‑finance capital projects, without requiring provincial capital funding or relying on unrestricted operating funds.

The University of Alberta has released an open online course called Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Development. The course covers historical relationships, Indigenous governance, and ethical relationship building. “It’s all about providing opportunities for people to learn from the experts, whether scholars, knowledge keepers, elders, community leaders or activists,” said UAlberta Faculty of Native Studies Dean Adam Gaudry. “There’s a whole lot of experience in this course.” The course can be taken for credit by UAlberta students, but it is also available generally as a massive open online course (MOOC).

McGill University has officially reopened Pollack Concert Hall after significant accessibility and inclusivity improvements. The 600-seat venue has been undergoing renovations for two years to introduce new accessibility and inclusivity features, such as adding a backstage elevator, introducing gender-inclusive dressing rooms and washrooms, and adding seating space for patrons with reduced mobility. “Building on Pollack Concert Hall’s unique sense of musical intimacy, these renovations reflect our commitment to making the hall more welcoming and accessible,” said McGill Schulich School of Music Dean Sean Ferguson. “By enhancing both the audience and backstage spaces, we’re ensuring that all students, faculty, guest artists and concertgoers can fully experience everything Pollack Hall has to offer.”

Nagara College and the Canadian Emergency Responders Robotics Association have signed a strategic partnership to create a national hub for defence and public safety technology. Specifically, the hub will connect educators, researchers, technology developers, and end users in the areas of defence, public safety, robotics, and autonomous systems. Niagara President Sean Kennedy explained that “CERRA’s network of emergency responders brings valuable real-world experience with drone technology, creating meaningful opportunities to connect operational expertise with education, applied research, and workforce development to help drive innovation.”

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has received a $500K gift from North Ridge Development Corporation co-owners Wally and Colleen Mah as a part of the polytechnic’s Time to Rise campaign. In response, Sask Polytech announced that its Joseph A Remai Saskatoon Campus will feature the North Ridge Creativity Zone. The zone will feature a collaborative learning environment for Early Childhood Education students. Sask Polytech President Dr Larry Rosia said that the zone will strengthen the foundation of early learning in the province.

The University of Toronto and the U of T Staff-Appointed Unit of United Steelworkers Local 1998, which represents administrative and technical staff at the university, have reached a tentative agreement. The agreement was reached after the union membership voted 96% in favour of a strike mandate on Sunday. The union will now hold a town hall and ratification vote for members, with the strike deadline extended to allow for voting. Points of contention reportedly related to wages, health-care benefits, remote work, and AI protections. If ratified, the agreement would be in force through June 30, 2029.