This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning colleges, universities, campuses, international students, student housing, research initiatives, tri-council (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) agencies and funding opportunities. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Budget 2025 Implementation and Major Federal Spending Measures Become Law

On March 27, Bill C-15, the Budget Implementation Act, 2025, No. 1, received Royal Assent. Key provisions include increased housing investment through Build Canada Homes, new tax incentives such as a Productivity Super-Deduction, enhancements to the Scientific Research and Experimental Development program, and streamlined support for clean technologies and electricity. Funding streams cover Arctic infrastructure ($1 billion), research talent recruitment, a $5 billion Strategic Response Fund for industries impacted by U.S. trade disruptions, and a Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative. Other measures target workforce modernization through a voluntary Early Retirement Incentive, support for personal support workers, and the creation of a Financial Crimes Agency. New legislative reforms update consumer-driven banking frameworks and introduce stablecoin regulations. Additional steps announced involve increasing accessibility for special diets in schools, automatic benefits for low-income Canadians, and double-pace affordable homebuilding.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Renews $1.2 Billion in Post-Secondary Student Aid

Minister Patty Hajdu of Employment and Social Development Canada announced the extension of enhanced financial assistance for post-secondary students for the 2026-27 academic year. The 40% increase in non-repayable grants will remain, benefiting approximately 571,000 students, while 422,000 students may utilize a weekly loan cap maintained at $300 per week. Close to $1.2 billion will be directed to support affordability, with the direct goal of increasing accessibility to post-secondary education during the academic year.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Auditor General's Report Spurs Review of International Student Reforms

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, under Minister Lena Metlege Diab, issued a statement addressing the Auditor General's report on international student reforms. The department is reviewing recent recommendations regarding the integrity and administration of international student programs. The release coincides with national scrutiny of student visa processing, highlighted by reports that departments have faced challenges keeping up with flagged visa investigations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment Backs Cybersecurity Innovation at Université du Québec en Outaouais

The Government of Canada, through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, is providing $3.6 million to Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) for the creation of a new cybersecurity laboratory meeting defence standards. The investment is intended to increase regional and national resilience against cyberattacks, advance business integration in global defence supply chains, and support the development of simulation environments for strategic cybersecurity challenges. The facility will partner with existing research units such as IMC2 and INRS, supporting simulation training, research commercialization, and applied innovation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Norway Issue Joint Statement to Expand Research Collaboration

Minister Mélanie Joly and Norway’s Minister of Research and Higher Education, Sigrun Aasland, released a joint statement reaffirming bilateral cooperation in research, with priority areas including quantum technologies, Arctic research, artificial intelligence, marine science, and research security. Initiatives center on joint NSERC funding calls in quantum, research mobility programs, and coordination around international science forums such as Horizon Europe and Eureka. The statement prioritizes dialogue on dual-use research and the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge in circumpolar research programs.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CIHR Invests $3 Million to Scale Evidence-Based Primary Care

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, in partnership with Healthcare Excellence Canada, announced a $3 million investment in the Canadian Primary Care Research Consortium and the Care Forward initiative. The funding will provide primary care teams nationwide with quality improvement, coaching, and research supports aimed at accelerating the implementation of innovative delivery models. The goal outlined includes increased attachment to primary care providers, improved team-based approaches for complex patients, and reduced strain on emergency departments. Research teams in British Columbia and Ontario are among the first recipients aligned with these national objectives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Public Health Agency Modernizes Oversight for Research with Human Pathogens

On March 27, the Government of Canada announced Royal Assent for amendments to the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act. The updated framework will affect all institutions that research or handle human pathogens and toxins. The measures are intended to provide stricter biosecurity requirements and improved emergency preparedness, impacting labs in universities, hospitals, and private research environments. The move aims to support ongoing safety in life sciences and biomanufacturing while maintaining support for scientific advancement.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CIHR and HEC Announce Partnership on Primary Care Innovation

On March 24, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC) formalized a research and quality improvement partnership focused on increasing access to primary care. The pan-Canadian initiative will deploy supports to over 40 primary care delivery teams. Participating organizations include the University of British Columbia’s Digital Emergency Medicine team, which is piloting an integrated patient navigation tool, and Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre, which is trialing hybrid care models for complex patients. CIHR’s $3 million investment will advance research-informed innovation and facilitate rapid scaling of effective methods across regions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Invests $200 Million in Grand Challenges Canada for Global Health Innovation

Secretary of State Randeep Sarai announced a renewed $200 million investment supporting Grand Challenges Canada to fund health innovations for low-income communities and promote Canadian advancements abroad. Initiatives include partnerships with organizations such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and collaborations to expand commercialization of Canadian-developed technologies like KA Imaging’s portable X-ray devices.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Reviews Funding for Indigenous Education and Reconciliation Initiatives

On March 24, the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance assessed 2025-26 Supplementary Estimates (C) for Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Crown-Indigenous Relations. ISC’s budget saw a $509 million increase, with emphasis on child services, consultation, housing, and educational initiatives. CIRNAC’s $1.1 billion allocation targets self-determination and governance programs. Senators questioned impact measures and efficacy of funding, with ISC assuring ongoing support for Indigenous mental health and education through future supplementary budgets.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Statistics Canada Reports Rising Post-Secondary Attainment

New data released on March 25 by Statistics Canada indicate that 64% of Canadians aged 25 to 64 held a college or university credential in 2025, compared to 55% in 2015. The rise is attributed chiefly to an increase in bachelor’s and graduate degree holders. The report suggests a continued upward trend in post-secondary qualification rates over the past decade.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

British Columbia and UBC Launch $40 Million Venture Fund for Research Commercialization

The Government of British Columbia and the University of British Columbia announced the UBC Catalyst Ventures Fund, bringing together $10 million each from UBC and InBC, with up to $20 million in private capital to support the growth of startups and spinoffs rooted in UBC innovation. Initial focus will include life sciences and deep tech.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Camosun College to Modernize Engineering Training Facilities

The British Columbia government approved $32 million for renovations of civil and mechanical engineering technology spaces at Camosun College’s Interurban campus. Construction is expected to start in fall 2026 and complete by spring 2029, improving labs and classrooms for high-demand programs.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Launches Trades Discovery Centre Aimed at Youth

Alberta unveiled the Alberta Trades Discovery Centre in Calgary, set to open fall 2026, with $6 million in provincial funding over three years. The centre will provide junior high and high school students with hands-on trades experience, preparing them for skilled careers and informing post-secondary choices.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Expands Workforce and Skills Services in Budget 2026

Alberta Budget 2026 proposes $247 million in career and employment services, expanding support for on-the-job training and launching a new WorkFirst Talent Exchange to connect employers and job seekers. The initiative includes $35 million for simulated worksites and increased services for underrepresented groups.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

British Columbia Pilots Support for Indigenous People with Diverse Needs

Community Living BC and Aboriginal Friendship Centres launched the 'Connections Through Inclusion' pilot project, with $900,000 to be distributed across six communities such as Smithers, Surrey, and Nanaimo. The project funds new Community Connections workers to improve access to CLBC-funded services, cultural supports, and housing resources for Indigenous people with developmental disabilities.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Statistics Canada Consults on Improving Access to Federal Data

Statistics Canada is conducting a public consultation, closing March 31, on user experiences in searching for data, including the use of AI tools, with an aim to enhance search and data access capabilities.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Changes to Native tuition waiver could expand access to higher education for thousands: Ongoing coverage of tuition waiver expansions in the U.S. and their projected impacts.
• Immigration department not keeping up with demand for student visa probes: auditor: Media reports on flagged international student visa processing challenges.
• B.C. saw 66% drop in international student approvals following federal reforms: auditor general: B.C. Auditor General reports on significant changes in international student permit approvals.
• What cuts to international student permits has meant for B.C.: Feature on the impact of reduced international student permits in British Columbia.
• Post-secondary institutions in Alberta cutting staff to deal with strained financial situations: Alberta institutions announce staff reductions amid ongoing budget constraints.
• U of A board approves controversial new hiring policy, which removes EDI: University of Alberta’s board changes hiring policy, removing formal EDI requirements.
• Post-secondary education minister asks N.B. universities to find things to cut: In New Brunswick, universities are directed to consider internal cuts amidst a grant freeze.
• If ever there was a time to guide students to certain skills, it is now: Analysis on current trends in student skills guidance.
• 'There aren't adequate processes' to investigate all flagged student visa holders: Rempel Garner: Interview addressing federal challenges in student visa investigations.
• Post-secondary institutions asked to ‘look internally’ to make cuts amid operational grant freeze: Coverage of university budget adjustments under provincial operational grant freezes.

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