Top Ten
May 3, 2019
UoGuelph receives $1M to make eco-products out of ethanol
Researchers at the University of Guelph have received $1M for a project that turns ethanol production coproducts into new materials. A release states that the team will work with by-products of corn ethanol—such as corn oil, distiller’s dried grains with solubles, and carbon dioxide—to develop eco-friendly plasticizer, biodegradable plastics, and sustainable biocomposites for green packaging and eco-friendly consumer products for industrial uses. “This important funding will help drive U of G’s expertise in the development of bio-based materials, and greatly assist our research to pinpoint areas where agricultural waste is transformed into new, in-demand products,” said UoGuelph VP of Research Malcolm Campbell. UoGuelph
Concordia hub launches scientific entrepreneurship program
Concordia University’s District 3 innovation hub has partnered with Fonds de recherche du Québec to launch the Quebec Scientific Entrepreneurship program. According to the Financial Post, the QScE aims to turn 10% of QC’s PhD and postdoctoral researchers to entrepreneurship within the next three years. “Researchers are the job creators of tomorrow,” said District 3 Executive Director Xavier-Henri Hervé. “Their scientific knowledge combined with the right support could see a number of innovations come to market that positively impact employment in the province.” The program includes 13 affiliated universities and research centres throughout the province. Financial Post
Residents worry that McMaster’s proposed residence is "too much in one place"
McMaster University has submitted its final proposal to the City of Hamilton for an off-campus student residence that would house over 1,300 students. According to the Hamilton Spectator, neighbourhood groups say the 15-storey residence is too large for the proposed site. The Ainslie Wood/Westdale Community Association told the Spectator that it is not opposed to a student residence, but McMaster’s current plan is “too much” for the location. City Councillor Maureen Wilson added that many in the community have been asking McMaster to build new residences for several years. Hamilton Spectator
QC student group that launched 2012 protests dissolves
The Association pour une solidarité syndicale étudiante, best known for launching Quebec’s student strikes in 2012, has dissolved. According to the Journal de Montréal, local student associations had started to feel that the ASSÉ’s leaders had lost sight of core social justice issues such as feminism and anti-racism while overemphasizing vaguely-defined national campaigns. The executive’s lack of transparency is also said to have factored into the group’s dissolution. Organizers have established a transition committee to establish a national group that will carry on the ASSÉ’s mission of democratizing postsecondary education, adds the Journal. Journal de Montréal
Queen’s launches Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law
Queen’s University has introduced a Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law. According to a release from Queen’s, graduates will be qualified to write the Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant Entry-to-Practice Exam. Queen’s adds that it anticipates an intake of 500 students per year, and that the 66-week program will cover topics such as foundations of immigration law, ethics, professional responsibility, and best practices for running an immigration/citizenship consulting business. “We’re making a major contribution to the quality of services and representation in this area,” said Academic Director Sharry Aiken. “The federal government has expressed concerns about the quality of current services, which our program directly addresses.” Queen's
UR Pride Centre opens community hub for queer, trans youth
The UR Pride Centre, a non-profit service provider housed at the University of Regina, has officially opened a community hub for queer and trans youth in Regina. “It's the first of its kind in Regina,” said Raphaële Frigon, the Pride Centre's program director. “So the goal is to create this venue for queer youth … to learn and grow, but also we want it to be embraced by all of the community.” The centre has received $218K in support from the Government of Canada, which Frigon stated will keep the space open for 14 months.CBC | CTV New
Edmonton MP settles defamation lawsuit against UAlberta student newspaper
Edmonton-Griesbach Conservative MP Kerry Diotte has settled a defamation suit against The Gateway, the University of Alberta’s student newspaper. Diotte was seeking $150K in non-pecuniary damages and an unspecified amount in pecuniary damages, according to a statement of claim filed against the journalism society in November 2018. The Gateway posted an apology retracting two articles that described Diotte as a racist, stating that the characterization “is false, damaging to his reputation, and caused […] unwarranted embarrassment.” Diotte stated that the lawsuit has been settled, and that he considered the issue to be resolved. Edmonton Journal | The Gateway
Algoma, Sault partner on forest research, environmental jobs
Algoma University, Sault College, Natural Resources Canada’s Great Lakes Forestry Centre, and the Ontario Forest Research Institute have signed a five-year MOU focused on forest science research and education. The MOU is aimed at identifying current and potential areas of collaboration and increasing opportunities for the organizations to share expertise and resources. “Our goal is to encourage economic growth within the forest sector so that we can create and protect jobs for the communities that depend on them,” said Dan Puddister, manager, Forest Research and Monitoring of the Ontario Forest Research Institute. “By working together towards a common vision, we leverage the ability to grow and strengthen our communities.” Algoma | SooToday
McGill program improves access to French, English legal services
McGill University will be developing an online program in legal translation, which will expand the capacity of jurists and translators to offer justice services and information in both official languages. The program is supported by $329K in funding from the Federal Government’s Department of Justice Canada. “Legal translation is an indispensable component in providing equal access to justice in both official languages,” said Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada David Lametti, “I am proud to support an initiative that will improve access to justice for French-speaking and English-speaking communities across Canada and promote the development of our professionals." McGill
UOttawa brings research and teaching to Kanata North
The University of Ottawa has officially launched the UOttawa-Kanata North knowledge exchange platform with a new space. “One of the things I wanted to do as the VP of research was to have a physical presence here in Kanata North,” said UOttawa vice-president of research Sylvain Charbonneau. “We felt it was important to have close connectivity with the community.” The platform will include collaborations between the university and industry to improve access to UOttawa talent, researchers, and programs while creating opportunities for collaboration and education in Kanata North. UOttawa (1) | UOttawa (2) | Ottawa Business Journal
