QSA's Week in Higher Ed (#23, 2025)
Canada showcases AI at VivaTech; SSHRC celebrates research storytelling; Parks Canada expands experiential learning; Senate debates AI regulation; U.S. restricts Harvard visas; GEAR UP deadlines extended; Trump issues wildfire order; Federal acquisition rule on SBIR withdrawn.
Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning colleges, universities, campuses, research initiatives and funding, and the tri-council (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) agencies. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.
Dates: 2025-06-08 to 2025-06-14
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
Canadian Federal GR News
VivaTech 2025: Canada Leads Global AI Discussions and Major Announcements
Minister Evan Solomon, representing Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, led the Canadian delegation at VivaTech 2025 in Paris, where Canada was selected as 'Country of the Year.' The event featured the announcement by Montréal-based Hypertec of a $5 billion plan to build a sovereign artificial intelligence infrastructure network in Europe, including a $250 million investment in Quebec for next-generation server facilities. Minister Solomon met with President Emmanuel Macron and attended a working dinner with French business leaders at the Élysée Palace. Discussions with international counterparts included R&D collaboration and support for Canadian AI commercialization. Over 230 Canadian companies participated at the Canada Pavilion, which was organized by Scale AI. The trip also involved meetings with NVIDIA and other digital economy leaders, focusing on digital sovereignty and compute infrastructure expansion. The government signaled ongoing strategic investments to grow Canada’s AI ecosystem and its global reputation.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
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SSHRC Announces Winners of the 2025 Storytellers Challenge
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) announced the winners of its 12th Storytellers Challenge during an event at the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada conference in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Five postsecondary students from institutions across Canada were recognized for their outstanding narratives about SSHRC-funded research, covering topics from youth identity and mental health to trauma awareness and criminal justice. Each winner receives $1,000 in addition to $3,000 awarded as finalists. This initiative provides a national platform for students to communicate the value of social sciences and humanities research and supports their engagement with wider audiences.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Federal Investment in Wildfire Resilience Expands K–12 Curriculum, Community Capacity, and Cross-Jurisdictional Collaboration
Natural Resources Canada, along with provincial and territorial partners, announced $104 million in new funding for the Resilient Communities through FireSmart (RCF) Program. The funding will be distributed across several provinces and territories, supporting the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) and expanding FireSmart Canada initiatives. The program will fund educational materials for K–12 learners, training for specialists, public outreach, and new risk assessment tools. It also includes support for Indigenous communities and the development of regional governance frameworks. The investments aim to increase wildfire prevention, mitigation, and community-based resilience activities, with ongoing contributions through 2027–28.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Canada, Finland, and U.S. Advance ICE Pact on Arctic Icebreaker Collaboration
Officials from Canada, Finland, and the United States convened in Ottawa to advance the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact), focusing on technical expertise, workforce development, and industrial engagement for Arctic and polar icebreaker construction. Delegates reviewed industry feedback and participated in a roundtable with Canadian industry, academia, and think tanks. The meeting established deliverables for future collaboration and set the schedule for the next meeting, which the U.S. will host in fall 2025. The ICE Pact supports research and development, technical exchange, and partnerships with shipyards and supply chains.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
US GR News
Executive Order Restricts Entry of Foreign Nationals to Harvard University
President Donald J. Trump issued Proclamation 10948 on June 4, 2025, suspending the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University for six months. The decision, published in the Federal Register, cites concerns regarding Harvard's compliance with the Student Exchange Visa Program and reporting requirements, as well as national security risks related to foreign funding and alleged espionage. Current foreign students at Harvard may also be subject to visa revocation. Federal agencies are directed to implement the proclamation and assess its possible extension.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
GEAR UP Grant Deadlines Extended and Competitive Priorities Changed
The U.S. Department of Education reopened the application periods for the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) State and Partnership Grants for FY 2025, with new deadlines for transmittal of applications set to June 25, 2025, and intergovernmental review by August 25, 2025. The Department removed most competitive preference priorities and clarified that only applications submitted after June 11, 2025, will be considered. Applicants who previously submitted must resubmit updated applications. Estimated available grant funds for each competition are $36.5 million.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Data Collection Activities Announced for TRIO, TPSID, and Athletics Disclosure
The U.S. Department of Education published notices seeking public comment on several data collection activities. These include: a revision to the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students With Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) evaluation protocol; the reinstatement of the TRIO Training Program application package for federal TRIO programs; and the extension of the Campus Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) Survey. The TPSID protocol will streamline evaluation for 22 model demonstration projects, while the EADA survey continues to collect annual data on college athletics for public transparency.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Canadian Provincial GR News
Manitoba Increases Research Manitoba Funding for AI and New Technology
The Manitoba government is investing an additional $5 million in operating funding for Research Manitoba, raising its total budget to $18.954 million for 2025–26, and placing oversight under the Department of Innovation and New Technology to bolster AI, IT, and data research.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca
Ontario Launches 'My Career Journey' Online Tool for Job Seekers and Students
Ontario introduced 'My Career Journey,' a digital platform providing students and job seekers with personalized education and career resources, including maps of postsecondary institutions and in-demand job profiles across key sectors.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca
Ontario Announces $6.5 Million in Life Sciences Innovation Fund Support
Ontario is allocating $6.5 million through the Life Sciences Innovation Fund to support 13 companies developing medical technologies, genomics, and biotech products, with each recipient eligible for up to $500,000.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca
New Brunswick Launches $6.5 Million Bursary Program for Paramedic and EMT Students
New Brunswick will provide $6.5 million in bursaries to paramedic and emergency medical technician students who commit to return-of-service contracts, aiming to address staffing shortages in Ambulance New Brunswick.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca
BC Delegation Heads to BIO International Convention to Expand Life Sciences Partnerships
British Columbia's Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation will lead nearly 40 companies to the BIO International Convention in Boston, focusing on investment attraction, workforce development, and postsecondary research collaboration in life sciences and biotech.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca
Public Officials' Social Media
MP Michelle Rempel Garner commented on student housing and job shortages, questioning the federal decision to admit 290,000 more foreign students amid ongoing resource constraints.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Corey Tochor addressed the issue of high youth unemployment, arguing that work experience is critical for students and voicing support for reducing employment barriers.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Arielle Kayabaga recognized the efforts of Let's Talk Science volunteers in STEM outreach across over 55 Canadian universities during the 2025 awards.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
Senator Percy Downe met with University of Prince Edward Island student leaders, discussing current challenges in accessing and affording higher education in PEI.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Tim Uppal noted an increase in unemployment for returning students, stating that the current year saw a rise of more than 3 percent compared to last year.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
What We're Reading This Week
- Ottawa expands summer jobs program as students face high unemployment: The federal government increases support for student summer jobs amidst persistent high unemployment rates.
- Proposal aims at attracting research talent to Canada as U.S. science funding faces cuts: New initiatives seek to draw international researchers to Canada in light of reduced U.S. science funding.
- Amid upheaval abroad, universities urge Ottawa, Quebec to invest in attracting talent: Canadian universities call for increased investment to boost talent recruitment amid global uncertainty.
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering to Establish the Canadian Nuclear Learning Centre: A new centre aims to consolidate nuclear research and training resources in Canada.
- Dr. Austin Harris Grant Announces National Opportunity for College Student Athletes Demonstrating Academic and Athletic Dedication: A new grant program supports academically and athletically dedicated college students.
- Alumni associations have come a long way: An overview of the evolution and current role of alumni associations in Canadian higher education.
- White House budget request slashes funding for tribal colleges and universities: U.S. budget cuts raise concerns for tribal colleges and universities.
