July 05, 2026 to July 11, 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

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

Federal Government News

Federal Funding Advances AI Adoption and Digital Innovation in Manitoba

Prairies Economic Development Canada has committed $1.14 million to establish a drone and sensor library at Manitoba Construction Sector Council Inc., providing small and medium-sized construction companies with access to advanced equipment and training. Five repayable projects under the Business Scale-up and Productivity Program received funding to expand AI-driven platforms: Aryval Ltd. ($500,000) will enhance event and enrolment management for private schools, Construction Clock Inc. ($471,352) will incorporate AI into its time-tracking platforms, ExpensePoint ($2.32 million) will develop AI-powered automation in expense management, mode40 ltd. ($800,000) will grow its AI factory control software, and Taiv Inc. ($5 million) will expand its AI ad-replacement technology across North America. These investments target market expansion, workforce skills in AI, and advanced research commercialization.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Republic of Korea Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Advance AI Innovation and Safety

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada announced a memorandum of understanding between the Canadian and Korean AI Safety Institutes (AISIs) to promote international collaboration on AI safety. The agreement facilitates exchange of information on AI technologies, risks, methodologies, and frameworks among institutes, supports interoperability and global standards for frontier AI evaluation, and includes shared research on synthetic content risk mitigation. The institutes will conduct regular consultations, aiming to support robust testing and evaluation tools and methodologies across development and deployment. Technical safeguards and new oversight tools may be developed under this ongoing partnership.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Francophone Immigration Initiatives in Manitoba Receive Extended Support

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced $1.3 million in support for Manitoba’s Francophone Immigration Support Program. The goal is to increase Manitoba’s Francophone population via digital solutions, promotional initiatives, targeted research, and improved recognition of skills. The Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) is extended through August 2027, supporting international French-speaking students. Efforts focus on addressing labour market needs in official language minority communities through enhanced collaboration with the Economic Development Council for Manitoba’s Bilingual Municipalities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Call for Proposals to Support Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities

Women and Gender Equality Canada announced a $100 million call for proposals supporting projects that remove barriers for women and girls in economic and leadership roles. The effort includes expansion of opportunities in STEM, skilled trades, and AI-driven sectors, as outlined by Minister Rechie Valdez. Projects will focus on developing skills for participation in an evolving economy where artificial intelligence is increasingly prominent. The proposal deadline is September 15, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Investments in Precision Mining and Ecological Restoration Technologies

Minister Mélanie Joly announced $6.7 million in federal funding for two Canadian-led mining innovation projects. Novamera Inc. will receive $3.8 million for Surgical Mining technology combining subsurface imaging, AI, robotics, and drilling equipment, targeting more precise extraction of critical minerals. Koonkie Canada Inc. gets $2.9 million for an AI platform that integrates environmental DNA, soil health, remote sensing, and Indigenous ecological knowledge to monitor mine restoration and biodiversity. Canadian Digital Technology Cluster (DIGITAL) is involved in supporting commercialization and deployment, strengthening supply chains and resource development.

Sources: www.canada.ca

AI and Remote Sensing Investments for Climate-Smart Agriculture

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced an investment up to $1.65 million for A.U.G. Signals Ltd. through the AgriScience Program. The company, based in Toronto, will lead a three-year project on AI-powered crop health monitoring and yield forecasting, integrating satellite, drone, and field data. Collaboration with federal scientists includes field data collection and validation of AI models, aiming to improve climate resilience and real-time assessment tools for Canadian farms.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal and Provincial Partnership Supports Tariff-Impacted Workers in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador launched the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Tariff Response, investing $10.6 million over three years. The funding is delivered through local employment centres and supports retraining and upskilling for workers affected by global tariffs, including those engaged in Work-Sharing Agreements or seeking new roles within directly impacted industries. Coordination with businesses and enhanced data sharing aim to facilitate workforce transitions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Northwest Territories Francophone Immigration Support Program Announced

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced an investment of $860,000 to help improve retention and integration of Francophone and bilingual immigrants in the Northwest Territories. The funding will boost access to immigration information, credential recognition, and employer involvement in communities beyond Yellowknife, supporting efforts to build lasting ties for newcomers.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Secretary of State Sarai Announces Regional Development Projects in Guatemala

Secretary of State Randeep Sarai (International Development) visited Guatemala and announced over $47 million for five development projects across Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on economic growth, human rights, and climate resilience. Partnerships included a US$200 million Guarantee Agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank, reported at Galileo University where an AI-powered ultrasound device is used in IDRC’s NatalIA project. Projects addressed economic inclusion, intellectual property in textiles, and sustainable supply chains for coffee farmers, involving visits to local institutions and discussions with Guatemalan officials and Canadian business leaders.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Solomon Announces Funding to Strengthen AI in Manitoba

Minister Evan Solomon scheduled a federal funding announcement at Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce on July 7, 2026, supporting Manitoba businesses expanding AI and digital technology usage. The funding is delivered on behalf of Minister Eleanor Olszewski, targeting innovative companies aiming to improve competitiveness and technological capacity throughout Manitoba. The event included engagement with local business leaders.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Invests $2.2 Million to Expand Apprenticeship Training in Windsor

Ontario is investing over $2.2 million via Pre-Apprenticeship Training and Apprenticeship Capital Grant programs to support 80 individuals preparing for skilled trades careers. Funding includes upgrades for St. Clair College and technology purchases by the Iron Workers and WEST, broadening access for women, youth, and underrepresented groups.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Invests $50 Million in Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute

Alberta is investing $50 million over five years in Amii, aligning multiple ministries to strengthen AI research and adoption across services and industry. Funding supports AI literacy and innovation, and leverages the Alberta Intellectual Property Office for commercialization efforts.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

ITHQ Receives Approval for New Management and Research Hall

Québec approved construction for a new Management and Innovation Hall at the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec. The project expands facilities by 40,000 square feet for college and university students, as well as research units, with completion scheduled for fall 2028.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Nova Scotia Supports Rural Economic Development Projects

Nova Scotia is distributing nearly $890,000 to seven organizations via two funding streams for rural development and innovation, including initiatives connecting employers with skilled international post-secondary graduates and a startup competition for entrepreneurs.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta Sets North American Standard for AI in Public Services

Alberta accelerated modernization of government technology using AI agents trained on Anthropic's Claude models, reviewing 466 million lines of code efficiently. The government published technical papers and offers open-source training via Alberta AI Academy, adopted by more than 15,000 individuals across Canada.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• CIRA funds 15 initiatives strengthening connectivity, safety and digital sovereignty through Net Good Grants: CIRA awarded Net Good Grants to support digital infrastructure and online safety programs.
• Canadian universities are recruiting hundreds of elite scholars. Here’s where they’re coming from: An exploration of the origins of international research talent at Canadian universities.
• 'Canada needs more Guelph': New federal funding to support researchers at Canadian universities: Coverage of new federal research funding at the University of Guelph.
• Conestoga among colleges that didn’t apply for government money to find efficiencies: Details on colleges opting out of provincial efficiency grant applications.
• Charges laid in alleged fraud scheme targeting international students: CBSA: News report on fraud charges related to international student schemes.

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