Top Ten
November 30, 2017
Canada introduces 10,000 paid internships
The federal government has announced that it is creating 10,000 paid internships per year by 2020-2021 through an investment of $221M in Mitacs. “Through these 10,000 paid internships, Canadian students will get the hands-on learning experience and skills required to successfully transition from the classroom to the workforce,” said Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Navdeep Bains. “Investing in the talent of tomorrow is the best way of spurring innovation, strengthening our economy and growing the middle class.” Canada
McGill announces commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2040
McGill University has released its new Climate & Sustainability Action Plan (2017-2020), which includes a commitment to achieving a Platinum sustainability rating by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2040. “We knew that if we were going to address climate change on campus, we needed to think beyond 2020. That is why we set these long-term targets,” says McGill Sustainability Director François Miller. “McGill’s extensive collection of heritage buildings, as well as our research-intensive profile, make these targets a unique challenge, but this new plan sets out a roadmap for the long journey ahead.” The Montreal Gazette reports that McGill will be switching its fleet of vehicles to electric cars, upgrading its energy systems, and opening an indoor bicycle centre in order to meet these targets. Montreal Gazette | McGill
NBCC, CyberNB partner on cybersecurity program
New Brunswick Community College and CyberNB have partnered on a new one-year, postgraduate diploma program that aims to meet the demands for cybersecurity expertise in New Brunswick. The new program will also help expand the cybersecurity infrastructure in the province. “This new program will provide graduates with the skills and knowledge that industry is seeking and help expand the cybersecurity infrastructure in New Brunswick,” said NBCC President Marilyn Luscombe. “This partnership is a great example of how new collaborations can help us meet the aspirations of learners and the needs of the labour market.” NBCC
Concordia University of Edmonton, Brazilian university sign Indigenous Education agreement
Concordia University of Edmonton and UNEAL, the State University of Alagoas in Brazil, have signed an MOU to cooperate on Indigenous matters. UNEAL is reportedly the first university in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, to successfully graduate a full class of Indigenous students with an education degree, qualifying them as official teachers of the state. Concordia VP External Affairs Manfred Zeuch described UNEAL as a “national leader, seeking to truly integrate Indigenous peoples and provide an equity of opportunities and life quality for all Indigenous persons.” Concordia states that this relationship will serve to educate, enrich, and enlighten the institution’s own Indigenous strategy. Concordia University of Edmonton
UWinnipeg Student Association radio station suspends program over anti-Semitic content, host resigns
A radio station that is partly funded by the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association has been suspended for anti-Semitic content. CKUW 95.9 FM has removed the show Where Angels Fear to Tread from its scheduled programming after the organization B’nai Brith Canada highlighted the content of a broadcast that included an interview with Toronto conspiracy theorist Sydney White. White reportedly promoted a number of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and tropes, which were neither questioned nor disagreed with by the host and station director April Cherpaw. An on-air apology for the broadcast was delivered on November 25th, and the Winnipeg Free Press reports that the host of the show has resigned. Winnipeg Free Press (1) | Winnipeg Free Press (2)
Ryerson, Samara Canada establish Democratic Engagement Exchange
Ryerson University’s Faculty of Arts and Samara Canada have established the Democratic Engagement Exchange, an initiative that drives democratic engagement by bringing together the Ryerson community with community-based organizations and local leaders. Ryerson states in a release that the Exchange will serve as a catalyst for fostering democratic engagement through the development of tools and programs, providing training and consultation services to community-based organizations, and championing policies and programs. “An inclusive democracy does not just happen; we have to build and nurture it,” said the initiative's leader John Beebe. “I am looking forward to working with the exceptionally talented faculty, staff and students at Ryerson who share a passion for building an inclusive democracy.” Ryerson
Concordia receives $1.5M gift that will benefit seniors, student athletes
Concordia University has received a $1.5M gift from the R Howard Webster foundation that will benefit both seniors and young student athletes. The funding will go towards a number of initiatives, including lifestyle research, a healthy living program aimed at teaching seniors how to prevent disease and injury, and the recruitment and retention of top athletic talent. “It is part of our responsibilities as citizens to support our institutions and ensure future leaders are equipped to move forward,” said foundation president and Concordia University Foundation chair Howard Davidson. Montreal Gazette
USB, UOttawa Faculty of Law ratify agreement
The Université de Saint-Boniface, the University of Ottawa, and the Société de la francophonie Manitobaine have ratified an agreement to support Franco-Manitoba youth who wish to pursue law studies in Ottawa. UOttawa will now reserve five places per year in its Faculty of Law program for those who hold a USB undergraduate degree and meet the admission requirements for the JD program. SFM’s executive director Daniel Boucher stated that the agreement was a good example of cooperation between Canadian Francophone communities. USB
Western announces Indigenous-focused residence floors at all nine campus residences
Western University has announced that Indigenous students can take part in smudging ceremonies inside their dorm rooms across all nine campus residences, as well as on a new Indigenous-focused residence floor. “This is an excellent way to be proud of your culture,” said Western student Grace Swain, a Swan Lake First Nation woman. “I always want to learn more, and go to more ceremonies and smudging ceremonies. So coming to this residence has really connected me a lot more to my [roots].” The policy was implemented this fall following focus groups and approved by fire and safety officials. NationTalk | CBC
Selkirk, Jamaican institution partner on international exchange opportunity
Selkirk College and the Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts in Jamaica have signed a partnership agreement that will provide exchange opportunities to students from Selkirk’s Contemporary Music technology Program. “We talk a lot about worldview and globalization, but Canadian students don’t tend to go abroad as much as other nations,” says Selkirk Dean Pat Bidart. “This is especially true at the college level.” Selkirk states that students from the Jamaican side of the exchange could arrive as early as September 2018. Selkirk
