November 25, 2022
In a new report from Statistics Canada, Marc Frenette and Tomasz Handler explore the impact that taking short postsecondary programs or credits has on recently displaced workers. The authors draw on a variety of StatsCan data to track the change in worker earnings up to five years after experiencing a layoff. Participation in and graduation from a college or cégep certificate or diploma program after being laid off was associated with a notable increase in annual earnings five years after the layoffs, with a more moderate increase noticed among those who pursued individual credits. However, participation in micro-credentials or short non-STEM programs was not associated with any relative earnings gains, and graduates of micro-credentials “registered substantial earnings losses compared with individuals who did not enrol at all.”
StatCan (National)
The Government of Alberta has invested an additional $3.5M into the New Beginnings Bursary to support 700 low-income learners who otherwise would have been unable to attain an education due to financial barriers. The original bursary program was created in June and reached its maximum quickly. “I’m very glad that we can now support all eligible applicants for the New Beginnings Bursary with this additional funding,” said AB Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides. “All Albertans, no matter their income, should be able to access post-secondary education to gain the skills and training they need to build successful careers and join the workforce of tomorrow.”
AB (AB)
Colleges and Institutes Canada has announced the launch of the Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training Program (KBEST), a seven-year program that will support economic diversification in Kenya. The program will be funded by a $25M investment from Global Affairs Canada and implemented by CICan in partnership with the Kenyan Ministry of Education. KBEST will generate employment and economic growth with a focus on youth and women while prioritizing the blue economy. KBEST will use CICan’s Education for Employment partnership approach to connect technical and vocational training institutions in Kenya with Canadian colleges and institutes, which in turn will support Kenyan institutions in delivering skills training programs that meet international standards and address the needs of the blue economy.
CICan (National)
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) have partnered to launch a new funding opportunity to meet the Truth and Reconciliation Commision’s Call to Action 65. SSHRC will invest up to $6M into Indigenous-led research. Teams will receive a maximum of $1M over five years from the Reconciliation Network to support them as they participate in NCTR-managed coordination activities. “This investment is an important milestone in implementing the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” said University of Manitoba VP (research and international) Mario Pinto. “By investing in Indigenous researchers who teach at universities, these funds also support the ability of students to play an active role in advancing Truth and Reconciliation.”
Nation Talk |
UManitoba |
Newswire (National)
The Government of Ontario has invested $4.8M into expanding its dual credit program. The program allows high school students to complete college credits and apprenticeship training to get a head start on their studies or a career in the skilled trades. The expansion will enable an additional 2,200 students to participate in the program, and will also attract an additional 420 students into early childhood education career pathways. Dual Credit Level 1 Apprenticeship training programs will also now include additional Training Delivery Agents. “When you have a job in the trades, you have a job for life,” said Monte McNaughton, ON Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government will continue to give students the tools they need to land six-figure salaries and purpose-driven careers.”
ON (ON)
Dalhousie University has approved a new guaranteed tuition model for international undergraduate students that would ensure students starting their programs in Fall 2023 would pay the same amount each year for up to five years of their studies. According to Dal, the proposal aims to better align fees with similar Canadian universities and make tuition more stable for students. The proposal also increases international tuition by an average of more than $7.2K a year, a move that some international students have spoken out against. Students told
Global News that they already face high tuition, low wages, and high tax rates. Dal Student Union President Aparna Mohan stated that while guaranteed tuition is a step forward, the hikes harm international students.
Dal |
Global News (1) |
Global News (2) (NS)
McGill University has officially launched the Laidley Centre for Business Ethics, which will bring together researchers from a variety of areas to solve ethical issues. The centre was made possible by a $5M donation from David Laidley, which includes $500K in start-up funds for hiring staff, developing academic programming, supporting research, and encouraging ethics discussions. “This gift allows us to expand our pillars of education beyond logic, reasoning, and open, civil discussion to include the importance of business ethics,” said McGill Interim Principal Christopher Manfredi.
McGill (1) |
McGill (2) (QC)
The University of Calgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) will be expanding its partnership with the Stoney Nakoda Nation, thanks to a grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada. The program will involve ongoing Nakoda youth engagement and mentorship alongside the provision of veterinary services in the community. UCalgary veterinary students will learn from Stoney Nakoda elders and youth, watch and discuss the
Ahomapénî; Relations and Rez Dogs documentary produced by the Stoney Nakoda Audio Visual Club, and provide veterinary services for animals in and around the community. The partnership looks to tackle the shortage in veterinary professionals in Alberta's rural regions, particularly in terms of large-animal doctors.
UCalgary (AB)
Simon Fraser University has signed an agreement with Aga Khan University (AKU) in Pakistan that will see the two universities increasing collaborative and cooperative endeavours. SFU and AKU will work together on joint research and exchanges, and will collaborate to address global issues such as climate change and sustainability. “This partnership with the Aga Khan University will allow both institutions to build on our shared values as we work together to tackle some of humanity’s most pressing challenges,” said SFU President Joy Johnson. “I know that AKU does incredible work and I am excited about the opportunities that students, faculty and staff will have to learn with and from the community there.”
SFU (BC)
Concordia University has extended the lease of a campus-based daycare after receiving
public pushback over its cancellation. The centre de la petite enfance (CPE) has had its lease extended until August 31st, 2025. Concordia VP of Services and Sustainability Michael Di Grappa and CPE daycare director Maria Ottoni issued a statement confirming that the university will help CPE to find a new space and that it will maintain the current level of funding and supports for CPE once it has been relocated.
CBC |
Montreal Gazette |
CTV News (QC)
rtraction