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: 2025-12-22 to 2026-01-18

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Government of Canada launches $244 million Defence Industry Assist program to support research and commercialization of dual-use technologies

On January 9, 2026, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, announced a $244.2 million investment in the National Research Council Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to create the Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist) initiative. Targeted at Canadian SMEs, the program offers advice and funding to develop defence and dual-use technologies, aiming to strengthen supply chain collaborations and facilitate connections to federal procurement opportunities. The initiative supports innovation to meet Canadian Armed Forces needs and advances Canada’s efforts to reach its 2% NATO defence spending target. The program is positioned to enhance R&D, workforce development, and access to global defence markets for high-potential Canadian firms active in technology-intensive sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Unused spectrum access process to prioritize Indigenous communities, then open to wider applications in 2027

On January 16, 2026, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, confirmed the Access Licensing Framework for unused spectrum in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. A priority application window specifically for Indigenous organizations will open in spring 2026, reserved for 12 months and focusing on portions of the 800 MHz cellular and 1900 MHz bands. The spectrum can be used to deliver cellular, wireless internet, and industrial connectivity for sectors such as mining and agriculture. General licensing will commence in 2027. The framework lowers entry barriers for new providers, promotes Indigenous-led solutions, and is expected to increase connectivity options for underserved regions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture scheduled for Banff, Alberta in March 2026

Canadian Heritage announced on January 14, 2026, that a National Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture will be hosted by the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and the Government of Canada on March 16 and 17, 2026. The summit will convene leaders from the cultural, technology, and academic sectors to discuss AI’s impact on Canada’s creative industries and business models. Federal policy priorities include innovation in AI and protection of Canadian creative identity. Participants will debate challenges and opportunities for academic collaboration, intellectual property, and the commercial future of research in AI-driven cultural content.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Heritage and Nunavut sign $8.5 million bilateral agreement for minority-language and second-language education

On January 5, 2026, Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, announced an $8.5 million federal investment under the Canada–Nunavut Agreement on Minority-Language Education and Second Official-Language Instruction for 2024–2028. The agreement, built on longstanding bilateral protocols, will fund French-language and second-language education from preschool to post-secondary across Nunavut, with a parallel investment from Nunavut’s government. The funding is intended to maintain French-language program quality, support linguistic vitality, and improve the delivery of bilingual post-secondary learning opportunities in the territory.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects: $47 million available for new funding proposals

Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, announced on January 14, 2026, a fourth call for proposals for Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects, with nearly $47 million in federal funding over three years. Projects can receive up to $2 million for up to 36 months and must advance high-quality, locally-led education, staff training, licensing reforms, or support children with special needs. The application deadline is March 25, 2026. The initiative was co-developed with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners and is expected to bolster Indigenous-led workforce development and educational infrastructure.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal funding empowers Indigenous arts training: $960,000 for National Indigenous Professional Artist Training Program

On January 15, 2026, Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), announced $960,000 over three years for the En’owkin Centre’s National Indigenous Professional Artist Training Program. Delivered through the Canada Arts Training Fund, this program provides First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists with interdisciplinary mentorship and training, encompassing both traditional and contemporary art forms. The investment supports professional development at the intersection of Indigenous knowledge and creative practice, contributing to workforce and intellectual property outcomes for Indigenous post-secondary communities in arts education.

Sources: www.canada.ca

FedNor invests $150,000 to create youth employment via paid internships in Greater Sudbury

Viviane Lapointe, MP for Sudbury, announced on January 6, 2026, a $149,364 investment through FedNor to support three organizations in establishing paid internships for recent graduates. Recipient organizations include Metro Centre Management Board Downtown Sudbury, Afro Women and Youth Foundation, and Contact interculturel francophone de Sudbury, each tasked with program development, bilingual outreach, and technological capacity enhancement. The funding aims to retain talent in Northern Ontario, with historical retention statistics of 63% for host employers and 83% for job placement in related roles.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada releases new confidence in institutions data from the Canadian Social Survey

On January 6, 2026, Statistics Canada published institution confidence indicators by gender and province, based on data collected in Q4 2024. Consistent data collection methodologies support ongoing research on public trust in educational, governmental, and research institutions, informing policy analysis across post-secondary sectors and government stakeholders.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario commits $242 million for college and university infrastructure upgrades, emphasizing STEM and health education

Ontario is investing $242 million in facility and equipment upgrades at public colleges and universities, with funds allocated through renewal programs dedicated to experiential learning in health and STEM programs.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba reports 40% decline in international student allocations at post-secondary institutions following federal policy change

Manitoba's international student allocation fell from 18,591 in 2025 to 11,196 in 2026, following federal cuts. The provincial government is soliciting input from education leaders to address resulting enrollment and revenue challenges.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Manitoba hosts inaugural AI in Education Summit as province develops new guidelines for K–12 and post-secondary AI integration

The summit convened educators, academics, and industry representatives to discuss AI’s role in the curriculum, with upcoming guidelines to support teaching and governance of AI integration in classrooms and post-secondary programs.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

British Columbia and Karnataka, India sign LOI to expand research and trade in life sciences and technology sectors

BC's Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth formalized agreements to foster joint innovation between British Columbia and Karnataka, leveraging both regions’ research strengths, academic-industry ties, and technology talent pools.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Nova Scotia opens applications for $400,000 in research grants on mental health and addictions; deadline February 11

Nova Scotia offers grants of up to $100,000 over two years for research investigating social determinants impacting mental health and addictions, with funding distributed via Research Nova Scotia.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

CRA consults select claimants on proposed improvements to SR&ED program administration

The Canada Revenue Agency conducted consultations in October 2025 on pre-claim approvals and claim review modifications for the Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) program, seeking input from 20 organizations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• University of Montreal’s rector discusses serving society through postsecondary innovation: Q&A examining higher education engagement.
• Future uncertain for Ontario college students as federal policy brings cuts, layoffs: Coverage of recent international student policy changes.
• Trump’s trade policy has digitally invaded Canadian universities: Opinion addressing US policy impact on Canadian campuses.
• Sunday Editorial: Tuition needs to rise for postsecondary students: Editorial on tuition funding dynamics.
• Ottawa is dangling money for American researchers. But what about our own?: Commentary on cross-border research funding competition.
• University calls in alumni and AI to sift through candidates: Report on university’s use of alumni networks and AI technology in admissions.
• Federal Minister for Artificial Intelligence urges students to stay in Canada: News from the federal Minister promoting Canadian research careers.
• Value of higher education in Canada: Commentary on education’s socioeconomic return.
• Future uncertain for Ontario college students as federal policy brings cuts, layoffs: News article on global demographic and financial shifts in the sector.
• Future uncertain for Ontario college students as federal policy brings cuts, layoffs: Another regional perspective on federal policy.

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