Top Ten
June 18, 2019
Canada announces funds for new, renewed Canada Research Chairs
The Government of Canada has announced $275M for 346 new and renewed Canada Research Chairs at 52 institutions across the country. The Canada Foundation for Innovation has also provided over $5.2M in new funding for research infrastructure in order to support 30 chairs at 18 institutions. “Our government recognizes that when our institutions better reflect the diversity of Canada, science and research are stronger and their impacts on the lives of Canadians are more profound,” stated Canada Minister for Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan. “I am encouraged to see improved equity, diversity and inclusion among our Canada Research Chairs and look forward to seeing how their unique perspectives will help shape a better future for us all.” Canada states that this announcement brings the total number of CRCs up to 1,836. Canada (National)
UOttawa calls for review of incident in which Black student carded, cuffed
The University of Ottawa’s human rights office has been asked by UOttawa President Jacques Frémont to look into an incident from last Wednesday in which a Black student who had been skateboarding was allegedly carded and handcuffed for two hours on a campus street. Jamal Boyce says that he was skateboarding on campus when he was stopped by campus security staff, who asked him for identification. He adds that he did not have his wallet on him at the time, and that the campus security staff followed him and eventually arrested him. In addition to its internal review, the university has also reportedly asked for an external review and will investigate whether disciplinary measures are in order. CBC (ON) | Montreal Gazette
Yukon College receives significant support from CIBC for transition to university
Yukon College has received significant support from CIBC for its transition to Yukon University, which is slated to take place in May 2020. The support incudes a commitment of $500K to the Yukon University Foundation. “We are thrilled by CIBC’s enthusiastic and generous support of the establishment of Yukon University, an important milestone for Yukon, the North and Canada,” said board member Rod Snow. “This gift will support our campaign and help remove barriers for students accessing education from their home community beyond Whitehorse.” Yukon (YK)
UManitoba to create, name new graduate school of business in honour of $10M alumnus gift
The University of Manitoba plans to establish the Stu Clark Graduate School at its IH Asper School of Business in recognition of a $10M gift by alumnus and entrepreneur Stu Clark. The university reports that the donation and new School will enhance the IH Asper School o Business’ role as a leader in business education and research. “I believe very strongly in the vision and direction the Asper School and the University of Manitoba have taken towards sparking students’ entrepreneurial spirit,” said Stu Clark. “Supporting our future leaders, and bolstering their potential, is the best investment you can make.” UManitoba (MB) | Winnipeg Free Press
UoGuelph to lead $180M global DNA barcoding initiative
BIOSCAN, a $180M, seven-year DNA barcoding project, will be led by the University of Guelph International Barcode of Life consortium. The project is the latest phase in a UoGuelph-led initiative to “catalogue every living thing on Earth” in a reference library maintained in UoGuelph’s Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Researchers, agencies, and other groups use the barcode database to identify organisms for applications that range from environmental monitoring to suppressing illegal trade. The new phase will see researchers visit the Canadian Arctic and begin a two-year barcoding project focused on northern organisms. “I fear for the world my grandson and his children will inherit if we don’t do something,” said project lead and UoGuelph Professor Paul Hebert. “We’re living on a changing planet. We need to understand the impacts of these changes on life at large.” UoGuelph (ON)
Ryerson Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst receives $30M
Ryerson University, along with FedDev Ontario, Rogers Communications, the Royal Bank of Canada, and the City of Brampton, have collectively announced $30M in investment for Ryerson’s Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst. The centre will bring together leaders from industry, government, and academia to share best practices and collaborate on strategies, while also creating nearly 800 skilled jobs for workers who are underrepresented in cybersecurity. "Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst will provide training, commercial acceleration, support for applied R&D, public education and policy development, all with a focus on helping make Canada a global leader in Cybersecurity,” said Ryerson President Mohamed Lachemi. “We are extremely grateful to all of our founders for their generous support for the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst.” Ryerson (ON)
CUPE 3799, UNBC reach tentative agreement for support workers
The University of Northern British Columbia and CUPE 3799 have reached a tentative agreement. The union represents support staff including those who work in registration, recruitment, IT and AV services, and groundskeeping, and has been in bargaining with the university since March. “We had a great working relationship with the people at the table,” said CUPE 3799 President Caroline Sewell. “I want to recognize the hard work and dedication of the 3799 bargaining committee members, the Bargaining Information Group (BIG), and our National Servicing Representative.” CUPE (BC)
CNC partners with local associations to launch trades training program for people living with brain injuries
College of New Caledonia, Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association (PGNAETA), Industry Training Authority (ITA), and Prince George Brain Injured Group (PGBIG) have partnered on a trades Exploration Program for underemployed and unemployed individuals with brain injuries. The program helps those individuals to explore trades occupations as a carpenter, professional cook, and automotive service technician. “The concept and development of this program has been the result of genuine partnership among organizations who care about the needs of people in their community,” said ITA Interim COO Rod Bianchini. “We’re excited that participants have moved through the program with enthusiasm. They’re optimistic about their future in trades, and that makes this an investment in individuals and the economy.” CNC (BC)
SAIT provides graduates more control over credentials by issuing diplomas via blockchain
The class of 2019 at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology will receive their credentials in both paper and blockchain-based digital copies. The use of blockchain technology will provide the students with the ability to share their official diplomas as necessary, eliminating the need for alumni to request official documents from SAIT to send to recruiters and employers. “SAIT graduates are well-positioned for success in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape,” said SAIT President David Ross. “Also by making SAIT credentials accessible through blockchain, our graduates and employers will continue to benefit from this innovative technology that is responsive, authentic and widely accessible.” SAIT (AB) | Coin Telegraph
All McGill students, staff to take mandatory online course on sexual violence and consent
McGill University has developed an online course on sexual violence and consent that will be mandatory for all students and staff, reports CBC. Incoming students will have to complete the course before arriving on campus for the new school year, while returning students will have to complete it before November. Those who do not complete the course will reportedly not be able to register for the next semester’s courses. Staff members, including faculty, will have until January 2020 to complete the course, a move that the university says is designed to make completion of the course coincide with annual performance reviews. The Students' Society of McGill University says it welcomes the news of the course, but that it also takes issue with the extent to which students were consulted on the course and the differing completion timelines for students and faculty. CBC (QC) | La Presse
