Top Ten
November 22, 2018
Over 54,000 QC students stage walkout over unpaid internships
More than 54,000 Quebec students have walked out of class, demanding workplace protections and guaranteed pay for internships, reports CBC. “This week, we are on strike to demand pay for all internships, at all levels of study,” said student activist Amelie Poirier, who added that unpaid internships are most common in fields where women make up the majority. QC Education Minister Jean-Francois Roberge told the Canadian Press that the strike is premature, as the government is already addressing the issue. “The students are kind of kicking down doors that are open,” he said. Student activist Sandrine Boisjoli countered that the students will call a general strike if their demands are not met by January. CBC | Victoria Times Colonist (CP)
UoGuelph launches Canada’s first sports business institute
The University of Guelph has launched the International Institute for Sports Business and Leadership, which is described as the first sports-oriented business institute in Canada. According to Founding Director Norm O’Reilly, the Institute will bring together industry leaders and scholars through its research events, facilities, professional sport, participation sport, and links to health and wellness. “Sport is an enormous global industry looking to reach $80 billion in North America alone by 2022. It’s a huge business,” said Scott McRoberts, an Associate Director at the Institute. “The data and information we get from the institute will help with strategic decisions.” UoGuelph adds that organizers expect that the Institute will foster co-op opportunities for students and new courses. UoGuelph
SFU to launch first French-language PhD in BC
Simon Fraser University has launched a French-language PhD program in Education focused on language, cultures, and literacies. According to SFU, the program is the first French-language PhD to be offered at a university in British Columbia, and focuses on the role of literacy and language education as vectors of social change. SFU assistant professor Geneviève Brisson explained that the program is offered in English by bilingual teachers, guaranteeing a transfer of experience to the French version. The program will begin in September 2019. SFU | Radio Canada
SaskPolytech partners with White Rabbit VR
Saskatchewan Polytechnic has partnered with White Rabbit VR to develop virtual reality training for the polytechnic’s Schools of Construction and Transportation. A SaskPolytech release states that the partners will work together to investigate the cost and scope of the initiative over the coming months. “Through this exploration project we are looking at opportunities to create powerful and engaging immersive educational experiences for our students,” said Paul Carter, Dean for SaskPolytech’s Schools of Construction and Transportation. Mike MacNaughton, President of Twisted Pair Productions, added that the partnership will also open opportunities to “push the boundaries ... not just of the VR technology of today but the VR of tomorrow.” SaskPolytech
CNA introduces new Agriculture Technician program
College of the North Atlantic and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador have unveiled a new two-year Agriculture Technician (Co-op) program that will seek to address current demand in the provincial agriculture sector. The federal Labour Market Development Agreement will invest $1.4M over two years into the program. “College of the North Atlantic’s Agriculture Technician (Co-op) program will enable graduates to take advantage of exciting opportunities in the growing agriculture industry here at home,” said NL Minister Bernard Davis. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with College of the North Atlantic and industry to support growth in priority sectors such agriculture, technology, forestry, mining, and aquaculture.” CNA
TRU responds to prof’s suspension
Thompson Rivers University has responded to the suspension and ongoing controversy around Economics professor Derek Pyne, reports the Vancouver Province. “Much of the media attention has incorrectly stated that faculty member Dr. Derek Pyne was disciplined for his research. This is not the case,” said Interim President Christine Bovis-Cnossen, who could not disclose the details behind the suspension, save to say that it is not connected to his right to academic freedom. Province columnist Douglas Todd also raised concerns around the appointment of Brett Fairbairn as TRU president, who resigned from the University of Saskatchewan following concerns around the violation of the academic freedom of a professor who criticized the administration’s budget cuts in 2014. Vancouver Province (1) | Vancouver Province (2)
WLU to repurpose Waterloo heritage home as Indigenous students’ centre
Wilfrid Laurier University is repurposing a Waterloo heritage home as an Indigenous students’ centre, reports CBC. The 2,200 square-foot, 19th-century house was donated to WLU in 1994. Currently, it is used for social events and as a temporary residence for guests, CBC states. "The new Nadjiwan Kaandossiwin Gamik — Beautiful Place of Learning — will mean more access and more connections, in a space that supports pride and dignity," said Laura Manning, Executive Director for the Lyle S Hallman Foundation. Jean Becker, WLU’s Senior Adviser of Indigenous Initiatives, said the renovation is critical for making Indigenous students more visible and providing improved services. CBC | WLU
ON francophones disheartened by university cancellation
Ontario’s francophone community has expressed dismay over the provincial government’s decision to eliminate the position of the French Language Services Commissioner and scrap a proposed Francophone university, CBC has learned. "By eliminating the French Languages Services Commissioner's officer and the Francophone University of Ontario, the Ford Conservatives are telling us clearly that we do not count, that our constitutional rights to be served and educated in French are unimportant," said Francophone Affairs Critic Guy Bourgouin. However, Randall Denley, in an op-ed for the Ottawa Citizen, argues that the cuts will not undermine francophone rights. The provincial Ombudsman has the capacity to take on the Commissioner’s caseload, and existing postsecondary French-language programs are more than adequate for Ontario’s francophone population, Denley states. CBC | Ottawa Citizen | Windsor Star
UQAM, CRHA partner to develop mentoring app
The Université du Québec à Montréal and Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés have partnered with Mirego to create Élo, an application that aims to simplify mentoring in the world of work. All UQAM graduates have access to a professional mentoring platform through Élo. Élo co-creator Lyne Maurier explained that the app allows users to register as both mentors and mentees, enables professionals to connect and accelerate their career development, and provides continuous support to users. UQAM
86% of ON college grads are employed within six months: Survey
According to a new survey by Colleges Ontario, 86% of Ontario college graduates obtain employment within six months of completing their programs. "Our career-focused programs provide an excellent pathway to employment," said Colleges Ontario President and CEO Linda Franklin. "In this increasingly competitive economy, Ontario college graduates enter the workforce with the professional expertise that is valued by employers." According to the survey, over 92% of employers are satisfied or very satisfied with the graduates they hire, and 79% of graduates are either satisfied or very satisfied with their programs. Newswire (Colleges Ontario)
