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: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Canada and India launch new Talent and Innovation Strategy, sign 13 higher education partnerships

Global Affairs Canada announced the launch of the Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy on February 28, 2026, during Minister Anita Anand's visit to Mumbai. The agreement comprises 13 new partnerships coordinated by Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada, representing over 20 Canadian institutions. The strategy is structured around four pillars: embedding Canadian capability in India's growth sectors, accelerating commercialization of research and talent, developing the talent relationship, and ensuring timely delivery. Initiatives under the strategy will include research collaborations, student exchanges, hybrid campuses, and joint AI centres of excellence. Notable agreements include an AI-focused MOU between the University of Toronto and Indian Institute of Science, and a dual degree nursing program between Dalhousie University and SRM Institute of Science and Technology. The University of Waterloo and Tata Consultancy Services signed an MOU witnessed by Minister Evan Solomon, reflecting an ongoing trend of expanding business and academic ties.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

CIHR announces $41M investment in cancer prevention research across Canada

On February 26, Minister of Health Marjorie Michel confirmed a Government of Canada and multi-agency investment of over $41 million for cancer prevention research, the largest CIHR-led commitment to date in this area. Funding will support 19 teams from CIHR, the Terry Fox Research Institute, Canadian Cancer Society, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Cancer Research Society, and BioCanRx. Projects will address the effectiveness of diabetes and weight-loss drugs in preventing breast and obesity-related cancers, the effects of gut bacteria on prostate and colorectal cancer, and new cancer vaccine technologies. International collaboration is included, notably with Japanese partners tackling aging and early-onset gastrointestinal cancers. The research is intended to lead to early detection tools and proactive prevention strategies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government funds innovation in search and rescue forecasting with avalanche monitoring project

On February 27, Parliamentary Secretary Anthony Housefather and Deputy Whip Élisabeth Brière announced a one-time allocation of $500,000 from the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund to Université de Sherbrooke. The project will see collaboration among Parks Canada, Avalanche Québec/Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Kativik Regional Government. The grant is designated for remote snow-depth and stability mapping in alpine regions, facilitating safer search and rescue operations and improving community-level avalanche forecasting processes in Nunavik.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Defence Industrial Strategy launches with $7M for CDL venture accelerator

The Government of Canada launched its new Defence Industrial Strategy, aiming to grow domestic capacity in defence supply chains and dual-use technology commercialization. Minister Evan Solomon announced nearly $7 million in federal funding for Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) to run the CDL Defence program, supporting early-stage technology ventures. The program connects tech start-ups with defence sector opportunities, focusing on aligning solutions with Canadian Armed Forces procurement requirements. The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) will facilitate access for businesses nationwide, boosting competitiveness in aerospace, cybersecurity, and other emerging fields.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate passes Bill C-4 with privacy provisions for political parties

At the February 26 Senate sitting, legislators debated Bill C-4, specifically its amendments on privacy safeguards for political parties. Senators discussed the implementation of a sunset clause, seeking to address concerns over privacy protection. The bill passed with amendments after discussion of gaps in existing safeguarding frameworks.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

David Chemla appointed to University of Ottawa Board of Governors

David Chemla, currently President of Sage Project Advisors and a legal professional with extensive experience in public-private partnership procurement, has been reappointed to the Board of Governors at the University of Ottawa. Chemla brings 20 years in infrastructure advisory and governance practice and holds directorships at multiple organizations focused on affordable housing.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CIHR launches 'Team Grants: Bringing Biology to Cancer Prevention'

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research announced a new multi-institutional 'Team Grants: Bringing Biology to Cancer Prevention' funding opportunity on February 26. This grant program supports collaborative efforts to develop biological insights in cancer prevention research, targeting disease onset and improved risk identification.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Budget 2026 ramps up funding for post-secondary education, apprenticeships, campus expansion

Alberta’s Budget 2026 allocates $2.2 billion for post-secondary operations, adds $148 million for targeted enrolment expansion, and increases funding for apprenticeships with $96 million for the Apprenticeship Learning Grant. Major capital funding includes $384 million for the NAIT Advanced Skills Centre and $90 million for a new MacEwan University School of Business.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario supports $5.8M in life sciences investments and AI-powered medical device manufacturing

Ontario announced funding for Intellijoint Surgical and Vena Medical through the Life Sciences Scale-Up Fund, with over $1.9 million in public support. Both Kitchener-based firms will scale manufacturing and adoption of AI-driven health technologies, boosting employment and industry capacity.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia introduces legislation for Institute of Skilled Trades at NSCC

Nova Scotia is establishing the Institute of Skilled Trades at NSCC via Community Colleges Act amendments. The initiative includes a five-year, $25 million investment in equipment and shifts responsibility for appointing NSCC’s President to the province.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario backs $250M medical isotope facility expansion at Bruce Power with Indigenous partnership

The Ontario government announced a provincial loan guarantee via the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program for a $250 million expansion at Bruce Power's isotope production facility in partnership with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, fostering jobs and industry security.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

UBC and Association of Administrative and Professional Staff agree to tentative contract terms

The University of British Columbia and the Association of Administrative and Professional Staff reached a tentative collective agreement under B.C.'s Balanced Measures Mandate. Details will follow ratification by AAPS members.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Ontario student-loan reforms prompt universities to re-examine strategy: Analysis on the competitiveness of Ontario institutions following changes to student-loan supports.
• Why adult learners are becoming the new mainstream in post-secondary: Feature on lifelong learning trends and growth in adult student enrolments.
• OSAP grant cuts' long-term effects on future students: Commentary on recent funding cuts to Ontario Student Assistance Program.
• N.B. faculty and student unions resist proposed post-secondary funding cuts: Concerns raised in New Brunswick as provincial government eyes reduction in higher ed budgets.
• Student union's view on OSAP cuts and tuition impact at Lakehead University: Coverage of reaction to funding changes and calls for additional support.
• Humber College offers voluntary 'exit program' for staff amid cost-cutting: Details on voluntary departure incentives and workforce adjustments at Ontario college.
• University of Alberta celebrates local innovation and industry partnership: Event marks joint projects and technology transfer activity.
• Opinion: Postsecondary funding and support for financially vulnerable students in Ontario: Editorial on how funding decisions affect student equity.
• New Brunswick explores mergers and privatization among provincial universities: Report on government deliberations over institutional restructuring.
• StatsCan: February Economic and Social Reports published: Five new studies released provide data on household, labour force, and economic indicators.

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