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.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Higher Ed channel? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Social Issues and BioPharma.

Dates: 2025-09-21 to 2025-09-27

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Government of Canada Launches AI Strategy Task Force and Public Engagement Initiative

On September 26, Minister Evan Solomon announced the creation of the AI Strategy Task Force and the start of a 30-day national engagement sprint to inform the development of Canada's next artificial intelligence strategy. The initiative seeks public and stakeholder feedback via the Consulting Canadians portal, with expert input from leaders spanning industry, academia, and civil society. Task Force members will consult on topics ranging from research talent and infrastructure to adoption, commercialization, investment attraction, system safety, public trust, education, and national digital security. The sprint runs October 1–31, 2025, after which collected ideas will inform policy design. This process is intended to position Canada as a global AI leader and facilitate collaboration across the sector, including educational institutions, to address emerging technological and policy considerations.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Support Expanded for Business and Higher Education Collaboration through BHER

Minister Mélanie Joly announced federal support for the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) on September 23, targeting expanded work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities nationally. Over 22,300 student placements were facilitated between 2022 and 2025; following the new investment, BHER intends to create an additional 8,000 placements and directly engage 2,500 private sector employers by March 2028. The program aims to strengthen WIL for francophone students in Quebec and francophone communities, supporting workforce readiness and allowing businesses to tap into new talent pools. The initiative offers businesses and students user-informed tools to facilitate matchmaking and participation, responding to rapid changes in Canada's economic environment.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CIHR Announces Nearly $20 Million Investment in Pandemic Preparedness Research Platforms

Through the CIHR Centre for Research on Pandemic Preparedness and Health Emergencies, Minister Marjorie Michel confirmed an investment of close to $20 million in seven research platforms aimed at maintaining pandemic readiness and improving disease surveillance. The platforms will expand national infrastructure and data-sharing capabilities, incorporating inclusive, community-based approaches with a focus on high-risk cancer populations, children, racialized and Indigenous communities, and rural/remote residents. The projects will provide evidence-based insights to support public health decisions, inform vaccination strategies, and improve adherence to prevention measures. Public health institutions and research entities are positioned to access new resources for coordinated responses to emerging infectious diseases.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment in Training for a Low-Carbon Workforce in Northern Canada

On September 26, Minister Rebecca Alty announced a federal investment exceeding $8 million through the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund to support the Sustainable North: Our Workforce project. Led by the Mine Training Society, the initiative will provide in-person training to roughly 1,850 mid-career and new workers across Northwest Territories, with significant outreach to Indigenous populations in remote communities. An advisory committee comprising employers, stakeholders, and community agencies will help tailor programming to industry needs. This aligns with the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan for 2023–2025, advancing low-carbon employment pathways and supporting workforce transitions in the region.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Ministers Joly and Solomon Reinforce AI Leadership at ALL IN 2025

During the ALL IN conference on September 25 in Montréal, Ministers Mélanie Joly and Evan Solomon met with key figures from the Canadian and global AI sectors, including researchers and innovators from over 40 countries. Minister Joly closed the event with a keynote addressing Canada's strategy for AI advancement and the importance of innovation clusters. She highlighted sectoral applications of AI in national defence, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure, pledging ongoing federal investment in AI and quantum research. Minister Solomon outlined the AI Strategy Task Force's agenda, championing digital sovereignty and industry leadership. The conference provided expanded opportunities for collaboration between higher education institutions and technology partners.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases September 2025 Economic and Social Reports

Statistics Canada published five new articles in its September 24 Economic and Social Reports, offering updated analysis across multiple domains. These releases deliver data resources relevant to institutional research and strategic planning in higher education, including trends that may affect funding models, student demographics, or curriculum design.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Senate Session Addresses Technology Lens in Governance and Procedural Updates

The Senate sitting held on September 23 featured tributes, legislative proposals, and questions to government representatives. Issues discussed included AI adoption, incorporation of a technology lens into Senate work, and challenges facing SMEs and research institutions. Senator Moreau answered queries on the appointment process, judicial independence, and government commitments. The session touched on labor market dynamics, public bills with technological implications, and mental health as related to Canadian policy. Motion 3 advanced consideration of equitable technology adoption as part of Senate review processes.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Federal Statement Marks Gender Equality Week

On September 21, Minister Rechie Valdez issued a statement for Gender Equality Week, recapping federal program initiatives, such as the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, Women Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund, and support for women returning to the workforce. The statement referenced the Women’s Capacity Fund and Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund backing over 300 projects addressing barriers in workplace participation, some with implications for skills training, education access, and institutional programming.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CIHR Backgrounder Outlines Pandemic Research Platform Structure

CIHR posted its backgrounder on September 23 detailing the structure of pandemic research platforms supported by new funding. These platforms expand collaborative networks and data-sharing mechanisms, integrating evidence-driven frameworks that will be relevant for research institutions participating in public health initiatives.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Announcement of Indigenous Cultural and Leadership Programming Support in Victoria

Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors) and MP for Esquimalt–Saanich–Sooke, will announce funding for Indigenous cultural and leadership development programs in Victoria on September 26. The event, representing Minister Steven Guilbeault, signals new federal investment partnerships relevant to Indigenous education initiatives in the region.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

New $100,000 Filing Fee Introduced for H-1B Visa Petitions

President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation on September 19, taking effect September 21, that institutes a $100,000 filing fee for all new H-1B visa petitions, including the 2026 lottery cycle. The measure applies to new applications only and does not impact pre-existing H-1B holders or renewals. The Departments of Homeland Security and State will implement administrative actions, while future reforms are anticipated, such as raising prevailing wage levels and prioritizing high-paid applicants. These changes carry implications for post-secondary institutions participating in talent recruitment and academic-industry partnerships involving international graduates.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Education Department Proposes New Grant Priorities on Meaningful Learning Opportunities

On September 25, the U.S. Department of Education issued proposed priorities for discretionary grant programs aimed at increasing academic rigor and achievement, countering recent NAEP score declines. Key provisions involve core instruction improvements in mathematics, STEM, ELA, and social studies, plus expansion of high-quality instructional materials and professional development. Competency-based models, innovative schedules, remedial and accelerated supports, career-connected learning, and new assessment practices are included. Definitions for core terminology are provided in the proposal, open for public comment until October 27, 2025.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Education Department Proposes Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness Grant Priority

A companion proposal, also released September 25, sets out new priorities for discretionary grants to support K-12 integration of career pathways and work-based learning. The motion challenges the "college for all" model by promoting competency-based education targeting high-growth, high-wage sectors, industry-recognized credentials, apprenticeships, and employer-student talent marketplaces. The rule defines terms such as 'credential registry' and 'learning and employment record,' aiming to align federal grant activity with workforce development objectives. Comments are accepted through October 27, 2025.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Request for Information for Redesigning Institute of Education Sciences Programs

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES), under the U.S. Department of Education, opened a Request for Information (RFI) on September 25 seeking guidance to modernize programs and data dissemination. The RFI addresses inter-center cohesion, state support needs, grantmaking modernization, technical assistance, and relevance of federal data collections. Public input is due October 15, 2025 via regulations.gov. No funding solicitation is involved; responses will inform strategic improvements to IES operations.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Spring 2025 Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Issued by Federal Communications Commission

The FCC published its semiannual regulatory agenda on September 22, covering actions in consumer protection, broadband expansion, spectrum management, media ownership, public safety, space/satellite communications, and administrative rule updates. The schedule addresses ongoing efforts to expand 5G in rural areas, modernize accessibility requirements, and enhance cybersecurity and network resiliency—including educational implications for digital infrastructure and remote learning platforms.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

INRS to Host International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Student Success

Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), in partnership with Fonds de recherche du Québec and Université du Québec, will convene the Strategic Leaders Global Summit in Quebec City from September 28–30. The summit will gather leaders and senior administrators to discuss AI's impact on higher education and publish a principles-and-actions document post-conference.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Government of Quebec Launches Collaborative Innovation Call for AI and Quantum Technology Projects

Quebec's new call supports consortium-led innovation projects in AI and quantum tech, offering up to $1.5 million over 24 months. Eligible consortia must include at least one SME or high-growth potential company.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Alberta Issues Mandate Letters to Strengthen Education and Infrastructure Services

Premier Danielle Smith delivered mandate letters to ministers, instructing portfolio leaders to expand career education, accelerate school construction, review post-secondary funding, protect academic freedom, and modernize infrastructure across Alberta.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Invests $8.7 Million in Ottawa/Eastern Ontario Skills Training Initiatives

Ontario will direct $8.7 million to specialized programs supporting more than 1,500 participants in construction, manufacturing, skilled trades, and green sectors—including electrical and marine industry training.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

FPT Symposium Reaches Multilateral Agreement on Cybersecurity Collaboration and Digital Sovereignty

Federal, provincial, and territorial digital ministers signed an agreement in Kananaskis on September 23 to facilitate real-time sharing of cyber threat intelligence and resources, supporting digital public infrastructure development and AI research collaboration.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Unlocking the nation-building power of post-secondary education: Exploration of new strategies for Canadian higher education institutions’ economic contributions.
• Driving innovation in health education: Examination of applied health education models supporting workforce change.
• Why the Fraser Valley Needs a Changemaker University Now More Than Ever: Local calls for new higher education models in BC.
• Algoma University faculty union waiting to hear about job cuts after international enrolment declines: Sudbury university weighs faculty cuts tied to shrinking international student enrolment.
• Two Ontario colleges face deep cuts as foreign-student cap shrinks enrolment, reports show: Ontario colleges respond to new international student caps and associated financial pressures.
• Skilled Trades College Partners with UFC® Legend Georges St-Pierre to Inspire the Next Generation of Trades Champions: Ontario trades college launches high-profile skills campaign.
• Which international students in Canada are getting postgraduate work permits? The list is shrinking: Recent analysis of postgraduate work permit eligibility changes for international students.
• The importance of scientific research in building your AI capabilities: Commentary on research’s role in institutional AI capacity.
• Why the Fraser Valley Needs a Changemaker University Now More Than Ever: Further coverage of university innovation proposals in BC.
• Driving innovation in health education: Discussion of technology-driven changes in health sciences education.

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