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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Science and Research Committee, report drafting and consideration: On April 30, 2026, the House Science and Research Committee will meet to consider draft reports on antimicrobial resistance, artificial intelligence, Canada-China EV sector arrangement, impact of funding criteria on research excellence, and provide drafting instructions.
• Citizenship and Immigration Committee, Canada's Immigration System study (April 29): On April 29, 2026, the Citizenship and Immigration Committee will hold witness sessions regarding Canada's immigration system, with participants from Mount Royal University, FCJ Refugee Centre, UNHCR, and additional experts.
• Citizenship and Immigration Committee, Canada's Immigration System study (April 27): April 27, 2026: The Citizenship and Immigration Committee will convene with witness testimony from Amnesty International Canada, Battista Migration Law Group, La Passerelle–Intégration et Développement Économique, and individual policy experts.
• Public Accounts Committee reviews follow-up on First Nations programs: April 27, 2026: The Public Accounts Committee will discuss the Auditor General's follow-up report on First Nations programs, with witnesses from Indigenous Services Canada and the Office of the Auditor General.
• Science and Research Committee, implications of Canada-China preliminary EV arrangement: April 27, 2026: The Science and Research Committee will examine the Canada-China preliminary joint arrangement on Canada's electric vehicle sector, with witness testimony from academics and industry representatives.

Federal Government News

Government of Canada launches Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) call for proposals with $23.8M investment

On April 24, 2026, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced a new call for proposals under the Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) program. Supported by $23.8 million across two years, the initiative aims to equip Canadian youth for employment in the digital economy. DS4Y operates within the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, targeting organizations with broad employer networks to train post-secondary graduates by pairing them with practical work opportunities. Notably, eligibility for youth residing in Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut does not require post-secondary education. For-profit and not-for-profit entities, provincial/territorial governments, Indigenous groups, and Crown corporations may apply. Proposals are due by May 22, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

SSHRC awards $22.7 million to Aid to Scholarly Journals program for open access publishing

On April 24, 2026, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) revealed $22.7 million in three-year grants to Canadian scholarly journals via the 2025 Aid to Scholarly Journals (ASJ) competition. The program supports both long-established and emerging publications across social sciences and humanities, with funded journals working toward immediate diamond open access models—meaning no author or reader fees. This funding cycle signifies progress toward open research dissemination for academics and policymakers.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Roads University establish new subsidized education pathway

National Defence announced an agreement signed April 24, 2026, between the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Royal Roads University for a new officer development pathway commencing Fall 2026. Around 40 CAF members will enroll in a cohort-based, in-residence undergraduate stream integrating leadership, ethics, fitness, wellness, and second language training. The initiative expands Regular Officer Training Plan capacity and is stewarded by a joint oversight committee. Outcomes will inform additional partnerships across Canadian post-secondary institutions and support modernization of CAF recruitment and workforce rebuilding.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal and PEI governments invest $3.1M to support tariff-impacted workers

Employment and Social Development Canada, along with the Prince Edward Island Ministry of Workforce and Advanced Learning, announced on April 24, 2026, a $3.1 million partnership over three years. The Canada–PEI Workforce Tariff Response aims to assist up to 350 workers from industries affected by global tariffs—including softwood lumber and steel—by facilitating retraining and employment transitions. The SkillsPEI network will provide local support to impacted workers, utilizing both existing and enhanced delivery mechanisms.

Sources: www.canada.ca

$23 million federal investment for Siemens Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada announced on April 21, 2026, a $23 million investment in Siemens Canada's AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center for battery production. The centre is part of a $70 million project, maintaining 3,310 jobs, creating 90 new full-time positions, and securing 625 co-op placements. The hub is tasked with advancing battery efficiency and fostering collaboration with academia and industry, aligning with Canada’s auto strategy and EV sector partnership with Germany.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan releases data on business R&D expenditures in environmental and clean technology, 2022-2023

Statistics Canada published data covering research and development expenditures for environmental and clean technology products for 2022 and 2023. The release provides insight into business investments and activities within these sectors, establishing a new reference point for institutional research and grant applications.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Federal funding to enhance French-language education in New Brunswick

On April 24, 2026, MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor, on behalf of Minister Marc Miller, announced more than $440,000 to support Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick's annual programming for 2026–2028. The funding expands access to French-as-a-second-language learning for youth, bolsters family support, and encourages participation in Canada’s bilingual identity.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New funding announced for Canada’s Black Justice Strategy to expand support services

The federal government is directing more than $8.6 million over two years through the Justice Canada’s Youth Justice Fund, Justice Partnership and Innovation Program, and Victims Fund. Projects in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, York Region, Charlottetown, and other cities target youth reintegration, legal navigation, and wraparound supports for Black and racialized youth and adults. Research at institutions such as University of Calgary and CanAfro Research Institute is also funded to improve outcomes for Black victims and survivors of crime.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Nova Scotia expands education and training in disability support sector

Nova Scotia has partnered with NSCC, investing $1.5 million to increase seats in the disability support professional program and launch microcredentials supporting inclusive, rights-based practice. Funding covers tuition, textbooks, and fees, with 41 full-time students graduating this June.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario Ironworker Training Centre in Thunder Bay expands

Ontario invests $644,000 via the Skills Development Fund to expand Ironworkers Local 759’s centre, enabling training for up to 150 workers in structural and ornamental trades over five years. Modern facilities will support upskilling and workforce development.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta introduces four new expedited teaching certificates

Alberta’s government establishes new expedited teaching certificates for bachelor of education students, internationally trained teachers, tradespeople, and professionals, addressing the province’s growing classroom needs. Candidates undergo a two-stage teacher preparation process.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta launches a new Intellectual Property Office under Alberta Innovates

Alberta allocated $8 million to establish an Intellectual Property Office under Alberta Innovates, supporting researchers, entrepreneurs, and post-secondary institutions in IP commercialization and protection. The office addresses gaps in IP awareness and market translation.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Quebec, Wallonia, and Federation Wallonia-Brussels reinforce academic partnerships

Quebec hosted a mission involving over 150 academic, scientific, and economic representatives from Wallonia and Brussels. Agreements were signed to deepen collaboration across higher education, technological innovation, and cultural sectors.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Decline in government funding for universities will hamper research, undermine economic growth, report says: The article examines how falling government funding levels could affect university research output and economic development.
• 'An overstay has repercussions': Officials promise action after damning report on international student program: Officials respond to concerns raised by a report on international student program overstays.
• Cost of living, financial pressures behind a year of contract turmoil at N.S. universities: Nova Scotia universities have experienced contract disputes driven by cost of living and financial issues.
• UPEI, faculty association at odds over how to implement long-awaited policies: Coverage of policy implementation disagreements between UPEI and its faculty association.
• Opinion | The annual grasping for grades is crushing our students’ reach. Here’s how we fix that: The columnist discusses the ongoing impacts of grade-focused academic culture on student performance.
• Appleby College: Connection with nature builds young leaders at Appleby: The article explores nature-based leadership programming at Appleby College.

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