Top Ten

January 15, 2018

AB man makes $3M donation to UAlberta program after life-saving blood treatment

A man who nearly died from aplastic anemia has shown his gratitude to the University of Alberta with a $3M donation to its hematology program. CBC reports that Marshall Eliuk nearly died from the disease in 1999 before being treated at University Hospital in Edmonton. Louise Larratt, a clinical hematologist at the University hospital, says that the funds will be used to develop a patient-family room for those with extended stays at the hospital, to create an area for doctors and teachers to interact with patients, and to provide grants. CBC

Western heading up Indigenous health network

Western University will be leading the Indigenous Mentorship Network Program of Ontario, a network of 13 institutions that is dedicated to culturally relevant and scientifically rigorous Indigenous health training. “For the first time, we are connecting the networks of the Indigenous community with the networks of academia,” said Geography professor Chantelle Richmond, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Health and the Environment. “We are putting communities in the driver’s seat on health research that matters to them.” The project includes researchers from hospitals and universities from across the province, including Lakehead University, Laurentian University, Nipissing University, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Queen's University, Trent University, McMaster University, University of Guelph, and universities from Toronto and Ottawa. London Free Press | Western

How PSE is driving innovation in Ottawa: Summerlee

“From areas such as software development and artificial intelligence to autonomous vehicles, aerospace and cybersecurity, Ottawa has built on its legacy as a telecommunications leader to become a trailblazer in forward-looking economic development,” writes Carleton University Interim President Alastair Summerlee. The author highlights a number of initiatives being undertaken by Carleton to spur innovation and economic growth in the Ottawa region and beyond. Summerlee writes further about the high level of co-operation between Ottawa PSE institutions in this regard, noting that “rather than compete with one another, Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, Algonquin College and La Cité Collégiale are working together and empowering students to do applied research and learn practical skills that mesh with private- and public-sector priorities.” Ottawa Citizen

Confederation celebrates grand opening of SUCCI Wellness Centre, Minowaadiziwiin

Confederation College celebrated the official Grand Opening of the SUCCI Wellness Centre, Minowaadiziiwin last week. The $13.4M facility includes a gymnasium, running track, cardio and strength training rooms, and space designated for academic needs. “Today, I am very pleased to help celebrate the grand opening of this modern new facility, which will inspire students to maintain good health and well-being, while encouraging members of our local community to improve their own lives,” said ON Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle. Confederation

Confederation celebrates grand opening of SUCCI Wellness Centre, MinowaadiziwiinVictoria College at U of T receives $1M to support Scholars-in-Residence program

Victoria College, University of Toronto has received a $1M donation to support its Scholars-in-Residence program. Coming from Bader Philanthropies, Inc, the donation will help address the shortage of research opportunities available to undergraduates in the humanities. The Scholars-in-Residence program also includes a unique requirement to live in residence at the College throughout the month-long, summer program. “Victoria College is absolutely delighted that Bader Philanthropies, Inc., through the Isabel and Alfred Bader Fund, has come forward to support the Scholars-in-Residence program,” says Victoria President William Robins. “Such a generous donation will ensure that this ground-breaking program thrives.” U of T

Victoria College at U of T receives $1M to support Scholars-in-Residence program

Lafarge announces partnership with UCalgary, Queen’s for research

The University of Calgary and Queen’s University, along with the Pembina Institute, will partner with Lafarge Canada Inc on a $2M multi-site, lower-carbon fuels project. The study will examine the environmental benefits of introducing lower-carbon fuels to a cement plant by researching eight lower-carbon fuels. “Our estimates show each 20 percent incremental replacement of natural gas at the Exshaw Cement Plant with lower carbon fuels could result in the elimination of nearly 75,000 tonnes per year of CO2,” said Rob Cumming, Lafarge’s Environmental Director. “This is the equivalent of taking over 16,000 cars off the road annually. While these are preliminary estimates, this research project will assess these figures precisely and in the local context.” Lafarge Canada | Chronicle Herald

UQO professors threaten to hold strike day

Professors at the Université du Québec en Outaouais are threatening to hold a strike on January 17 if an agreement is not reached on their employment contract. Union President Louise Briand explained that their demands include pay equity with equivalent universities in the Université du Québec network and the increased recruitment and retention of local professors. Journal de Montréal reports that the union members have been without a contract since May 2015, and that they gave the first strike mandate in their union's history last December. Journal de Montréal

UNBC, U of T partner on Remote Internship Program

The University of Northern British Columbia and the University of Toronto Impact Centre have partnered on the creation of new, national entrepreneurial experiential learning opportunities. The program will see students begin their internships in Toronto and complete their work at UNBC. “The entrepreneurship ecosystem is rapidly expanding in the region and developing programs with our partners, including the Impact Centre will bring exceptional opportunities to our students,” said UNBC Office of Research Director Mark Barnes. “This holds great potential for flow of students and startups between our regions.” UNBC

MUN launches Canada’s first master’s degree in social enterprise and entrepreneurship

Memorial University has launched a new master’s degree to train students in the essential skills of social enterprise and entrepreneurship. A MUN release reports that the new master of business administration in social enterprise and entrepreneurship is a 12-month program focused on developing change agents committed to sustainable and social business practices in public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. “There is a growing awareness of social enterprise and social entrepreneurship throughout the business world,” says Isabelle Dostaler, dean of MUN’s Faculty of Business Administration. “With this new MBA program specifically designed to focus on the three pillars of sustainability – people, planet and profits – we aim to develop graduates who will be agents of change.” MUN

Canadore unveils new fitness centre

Canadore College has officially unveiled a new $1M, 4,000-square-foot fitness centre. A college release states that the centre includes spacious change rooms and a host of specialized equipment. “In 2015, we launched a three-year enrolment road map to help our students succeed through student success programs and retention and this tackles one of the four pillars of that plan - physical health,” said Shawn Chorney, vice-president, enrolment management, Indigenous and student services at Canadore. “We have a lot of programming and this rounds it out. We're not only adding a wonderful space that students can use, but also a life health coach to support our students in their planning.” The gym will be free to use by Canadore students, staff, alumni, and retirees. North Bay Nugget

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