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: 2025-10-05 to 2025-10-11

📋 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

Canada and Ontario Sign $523 Million Agreement on Minority-Language and Second-Language Education

The federal and Ontario governments finalized a bilateral agreement to fund minority-language education and second-language instruction from 2024–2025 through 2027–2028. More than $523 million has been committed by the federal government, with additional Ontario investment planned to support French as a minority language and French as a second language, extending from preschool through post-secondary education. The agreement renews a protocol that has been in place for over 50 years and aims to sustain French linguistic and cultural vitality in Ontario. The funding is intended for educational activities and programming, ensuring the availability of quality French language instruction across the province's educational institutions. This arrangement is part of a broader federal strategy to support official languages and minority-language communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Solomon to Promote Canadian AI and Emerging Technologies in UAE and Qatar

Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, will visit the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from October 13 to 15, 2025. The trip includes meetings with counterparts to attract investment in Canada's AI ecosystem and to promote Canadian expertise in emerging technologies. Minister Solomon will also participate in a panel at GITEX Global in Dubai, the world's largest technology and AI event, discussing how artificial intelligence is affecting global economies. The visit follows prior meetings with a UAE delegation in Ottawa and represents continued outreach to strengthen Canada's international profile in the AI and technology sectors.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Prime Minister’s Awards Recognize 70 Educators for Innovation in Teaching

Seventy educators from across Canada have received the 2025 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence, Teaching Excellence in STEM, and Excellence in Early Childhood Education. The awards, announced by Ministers Mélanie Joly and Patty Hajdu on behalf of the Prime Minister, recognize innovative educational practices and leadership in motivating students and colleagues. The program has run for more than 30 years, celebrating the contributions of educators in supporting student achievement and innovation. The nomination period for the 2026 awards is now open until January 14, 2026, with forms available online.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Research Canada’s CDANXT Conference to Feature Federal Closing Remarks

Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, is scheduled to deliver closing remarks at the CDANXT national conference organized by Research Canada on October 9, 2025, in Toronto. The conference brings together representatives from academia, industry, research hospitals, government, and non-profits to discuss health research and innovation strategies. Research Canada is a national alliance focused on advocacy for health research, and the CDANXT event serves as its flagship annual meeting, fostering collaboration across sectors.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Reviews Compliance with Official Languages Act in Education

During a Senate Committee on Official Languages session, Commissioner Raymond Théberge presented his final report, noting continued non-compliance with the Official Languages Act despite modernized enforcement powers. Over 1,100 complaints were recorded in 2024–2025, many against national commissions for not operating in both official languages. Théberge recommended a plan to enhance compliance and highlighted issues such as public servants' hesitance to file complaints and the impact of budget cuts on bilingual services, including in education. Delays in implementing Bill C-13 regulations and the influence of AI on language use were also discussed.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Study on Financial Ratios for Canadian Universities, 2016/17–2022/23

A new Statistics Canada feasibility study examines financial ratios for Canadian universities over seven academic years, with analysis based on the Financial Information of Universities Survey. The report addresses evolving financial pressures, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing reliance on international student tuition as a revenue source. The study provides context for the financial environment faced by post-secondary institutions and offers data to inform future financial planning.

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

Senate Committee Discusses National Framework and Education Standards for Sickle Cell Disease

The Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology reviewed Bill S-201, which concerns a national framework for sickle cell disease. Testimony from representatives of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the Canadian Haemoglobinopathy Association addressed aligning medical training and standards with the bill. Witnesses called attention to rising patient volumes, limited treatment access, and workforce training needs. The discussion included barriers to gene therapy, recognition of sickle cell disease as a disability, and the need for evidence-informed standards and equitable care.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Examines Critical Minerals Strategy and Clean Energy Targets

The Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources met with Commissioner Jerry V. DeMarco from the Auditor General’s Office to review Canada’s critical minerals and clean energy strategies. The audit found insufficient analysis of environmental and Indigenous impacts and noted slow progress toward sustainable development targets, such as reaching 90% renewable electricity by 2030. The committee discussed the balance between mineral extraction for green technologies and maintaining environmental standards. The need for improved data, intergovernmental cooperation, and centralized strategy development was noted.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

US Federal GR News

Executive Order Advances AI in Pediatric Cancer Research

Executive Order 14355, released on September 30, 2025, establishes a federal commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence in pediatric cancer research and treatment. The order builds on the ongoing Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, which provides $50 million annually to collect and analyze data on childhood cancer. Federal agencies, led by the Make America Healthy Again Commission, will focus on expanding AI-driven research infrastructure, predictive modeling, and clinical trial design. The order directs increased federal investment, encourages private sector engagement, and sets standards for data sharing and privacy. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with managing costs for publication and dissemination.

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

National Manufacturing Day Proclamation Stresses AI and Industrial Policy

President Donald J. Trump proclaimed October 3, 2025, as National Manufacturing Day, emphasizing the importance of manufacturing to the U.S. economy. The proclamation outlines recent federal policies to stimulate manufacturing, including over $5 trillion in investments, creation of 450,000 new jobs, reciprocal tariffs, and regulatory changes. The administration notes the integration of artificial intelligence to boost productivity and foster workforce development. The proclamation calls on Americans to recognize the role of manufacturing and related innovation in supporting national prosperity.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Panel Delivers Final Report on Post-Secondary Funding

Alberta's expert panel on post-secondary funding has delivered a report with 11 recommendations, including a new funding framework, tuition and student aid, international student policies, and institutional autonomy. The review engaged 26 institutions and external consultants.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

British Columbia Introduces Legislation to Address Sexual Violence at Post-Secondary Institutions

British Columbia's government is introducing a new sexual-violence policy act and a 12-action plan to strengthen support and prevention measures at public post-secondary institutions, including increased accountability and transparency.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Invests $41 Million in Agricultural Research Infrastructure

Ontario announced a $41 million investment over four years to revitalize Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) infrastructure, supporting research at facilities like the Elora Research Station and the Dairy Education Centre at Ridgetown campus.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia Reduces Fees and Eliminates Renewals for Skilled Trades Certification

Nova Scotia has removed the five-year renewal requirement for most compulsory trades and reduced the exam challenge fee to $350, facilitating workforce mobility and certification for trades professionals.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Saskatchewan Opens Applications for 2026 Agriculture Student Scholarship

Saskatchewan is accepting applications for the 2026 Agriculture Student Scholarship, awarding one $6,000 and three $3,000 scholarships to students entering agriculture-related post-secondary studies in fall 2026.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Alberta panel suggests new post-secondary funding model, institutional neutrality: CBC reports on Alberta's panel recommendations for a new post-secondary funding model.
• President of college that had most international students in Canada grilled by MPs but insists ‘there was no money to be made’: The Star covers a parliamentary hearing on international student recruitment.
• $500,000 Energy Creates Scholarship Returns — One of Canada’s Largest and Most Inclusive Awards Empowering Students to Shape the Nation’s Energy Future: The Star details a major scholarship supporting students in the energy sector.
• Human Skills Students and Future Graduates Need to Thrive in an AI World Highlighted in New Acuity Insights Report: Financial Post covers a report on skills for students in an AI-driven economy.
• CFI investments will equip researchers to advance national priorities and build prosperity: The Star discusses new research infrastructure funding.
• From passion to purpose: how York grad students are shaping Canada’s future: The Star profiles graduate student impact at York University.
• Businesses that rely on students are already feeling the pinch: Global News examines how businesses dependent on students are managing recent trends.
• RBC pledges $5-million to university agriculture initiative: The Globe and Mail reports on RBC’s funding for university-led agriculture projects.
• Alberta panel suggests new post-secondary funding model: CBC video highlights Alberta's approach to post-secondary funding reform.

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