June 07, 2026 to June 13, 2026

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.

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. Also consider subscribing to our Higher Ed - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

📋 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 to Review Federal Science Policy Governance and Research Funding Criteria: On June 15 (3:30–5:30 p.m.), the Science and Research Committee will meet in camera to discuss governance of federal science policy and institutions, the Canada-China Preliminary Joint Arrangement on the EV sector, and report drafting on research funding criteria.
• Industry and Technology Committee Examines Economic Impact of U.S. Tariffs and AI Regulation in Strategic Industries: On June 15 (3:30–5:30 p.m.), the committee will consider U.S. tariff impacts on manufacturing and, with Minister Evan Solomon, will discuss regulation of AI in Canada’s key industries.
• Foreign Affairs and International Development Committee Reviews 2026–27 Estimates and Legislation on Foreign Officials: June 16 (3:30–6:30 p.m.), the committee examines Main and Supplementary Estimates for Global Affairs, hears from Minister Anita Anand and officials, and holds clause-by-clause study of Bill C-219.
• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee Studies Affordability Challenges and Indigenous Policing: At its June 16 session (11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.), the committee will hear witnesses on affordability in Northern Canada and review a draft report on Indigenous policing.
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee Addresses Food Security Amid Global Instability: On June 16 (11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.), the committee will convene to discuss food security topics affecting Canadian supply chains, with invited academics and industry groups.

Federal Government News

Government of Canada Invests Over $10 Million in Public Health Systems Research via CIHR STEPS Initiative

On June 10, Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced more than $10 million in new funding to support the Strengthening Resilient and Equitable Public Health Systems (STEPS) research initiative. The program, led by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and delivered in partnership with the Fonds de recherche du Québec, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and Michael Smith Health Research BC, will support 14 interdisciplinary research teams. Projects include establishing a national drug monitoring system to address the opioid crisis, implementing AI-based stroke prevention in Indigenous communities, and improving community-based services for seniors. Recipients will examine issues such as public health infrastructure, crisis preparedness, and coordination. The funded research is expected to generate new tools and data for decision-makers in health and postsecondary sectors, with an explicit connection to interdisciplinary team science and workforce development for academic institutions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34) Introduced to Regulate Online Harms and Set Accountability Standards for Social Media and AI Platforms

On June 10, the federal government tabled Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, targeting the regulation of harmful online content, particularly concerning children and youth. The legislation proposes the creation of a Digital Safety Commission of Canada with oversight of social media and AI chatbot platforms, requiring these services to publish safety plans, implement user protection tools, and comply with design standards for preventing the spread of harmful content. Age restrictions on accounts for those under 16 are included, with structured exemptions for compliant platforms. The Act establishes transparency, data-access provisions for accredited researchers, and new accountability mechanisms for both social and AI-driven services. Key obligations will affect institutional research in digital safety, age verification, and the use of AI moderation tools within Canadian universities and colleges.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Postsecondary Student Data by Indigenous Identity and Racialized Group, 2014–2023

Statistics Canada published a national dataset on June 10 detailing postsecondary enrolment and graduation statistics by Indigenous identity and racialized group from 2014 to 2023. The data spans new student intake, ongoing enrolment, and graduate outcomes by qualification and field of study, with breakdowns by age and gender at national, provincial, and territorial levels. The release provides comparative insights for institutional research and diversity planning, and supports evidence-based policy, international recruitment practices, and systemic evaluation within higher education institutions.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

PrairiesCan Invests in Nuclear Executive Education at University of Saskatchewan

The federal government, via Prairies Economic Development Canada, announced a $50,000 investment on June 8 to launch the first Canadian Executive Nuclear Energy Management School at the University of Saskatchewan. Targeted at executive and senior leaders, the program draws on partnerships with the International Atomic Energy Agency and industry stakeholders. Curriculum topics include project management, regulatory frameworks, advanced reactors, and engagement with Indigenous and local communities. The initiative aims to bolster leadership capacity in nuclear science and energy, reinforcing Saskatchewan’s research infrastructure and supporting the postsecondary sector’s role in clean energy innovation and workforce development.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Hajdu Sets Skills Development and AI at Forefront of Discussions at G7 Labour and Employment Ministerial

At the G7 Labour and Employment Ministerial meeting in Geneva on June 10, Minister Patricia A. Hajdu outlined Canadian policies on labour market inclusion, skills training, child care, and labour protections. Discussions with counterparts from Spain, Mexico, the US, and EU countries included measures supporting youth workforce skills and adapting to technological change, with reference to Team Canada Strong for trades recruitment and policies addressing AI’s growing influence in labour markets. Outcomes are likely to influence federal education and employment initiatives relevant to higher education’s role in skills transfer and international academic collaboration.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Global Affairs Canada Announces Executive Appointments with Academic and International Development Backgrounds

On June 12, Global Affairs Canada issued biographical notes for new executive appointments. Alexandre Côté, a Glendon College and University of Manchester alumnus, has a background with the UN Development Programme and diplomatic postings in Africa and Latin America. Aly-Khan Rajani, educated at the University of Toronto and Royal Military College of Canada, previously held senior roles with CIDA and as Ambassador to South Sudan. Their appointments point to extensive ties with academic institutions, international development policy, and global partnership structures relevant for universities engaging in international collaboration or diplomatic studies programs.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Government Invests $2.8 Million to Launch Community Planning Bachelor’s Program at Nipissing University

Ontario will provide more than $2.8 million to Nipissing University to establish a Bachelor of Community Planning program focused on Northern and Indigenous communities, with the first cohort expected in Fall 2027.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Starts Applications for 2026-27 Student Advisory Council

The Manitoba government opened applications for its Student Advisory Council on June 9, inviting Grade 9–12 students to advise on educational policy and emerging issues, with applications due June 30.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Quebec Announces Temporary Reopening of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for International Graduates and Workers

Quebec will reopen the PEQ from July 2, 2026, to July 2, 2028, allowing international graduates with Quebec credentials and foreign workers with Quebec experience to apply for permanent selection during several four-month windows.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

British Columbia Expands Skilled Trades Training at Okanagan College

The Government of British Columbia announced 256 new skilled-trades training seats at Okanagan College as part of a provincial effort to deliver 5,000 new trades seats in 2026–27.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Students Achieve Top Rankings in Pan-Canadian Assessment Program

Alberta Grade 8 students were ranked first in science, second in reading, and third in mathematics in the 2023 PCAP national assessment, signaling ongoing performance in STEM education at the K–12 level.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Five ways York University is shaping the future of AI and digital health research: York University’s initiatives in artificial intelligence and digital health are advancing research and academic programs in these sectors.
• Thousands of Ottawa graduates cross the stage but head into a tough job market: Ottawa postsecondary graduates are navigating a challenging employment landscape amid soft labour market conditions.
• Summer work in short supply for students amid weakened job market: With a weakened job market, many students are finding it difficult to secure summer employment opportunities.

.