AGP Executive Report

Skilled Trades Pipeline: Canada’s Skilled Trades College is moving beyond Ontario with its first U.S. flagship campus in downtown Miami, targeting about 800 apprentices a year starting January 2027 through three-month pre-apprenticeship programs in electrical, plumbing and HVAC. Indigenous Post-Secondary Momentum: Brandon University reports a 12.5% jump in Indigenous enrolment to 570 students, helped by a new Indigenous recruitment and transition officer role and stronger links to K-12 education. Health Workforce Strain in Schools: Ontario expectant parents are facing longer ultrasound waits as a sonographer shortage drives roughly four-week average delays, with vacancy and burnout concerns raised by Sonography Canada. University Leadership: Leonard Foster has been appointed temporary dean for graduate and post-doctoral studies at UBC as the faculty navigates declining enrolment and international visa pressures. Back-to-School Safety & Access: A Quebec coroner urges expanding Amber Alerts beyond child abductions, while broader education-policy debate continues around how provinces manage services and student needs.

AI in the classroom: The University of Winnipeg Collegiate is making a two-hour AI literacy module mandatory for Grade 9 and 10 students, focusing on how AI works, privacy, and misinformation so students don’t use it blindly. Back-to-school health: Canada’s chief public health officer is urging parents to double-check routine vaccinations as measles risk remains, with the national rate for two-year-olds still below herd-immunity levels. Education policy & tech: Quebec’s election campaign highlights education funding promises tied to RESPs, while New Brunswick is also moving on school tech rules and broader policy planning. Higher-ed leadership: Lakehead University has appointed a new dean for its law school, Margaret Isabel Hall of Simon Fraser University. Student safety & services: Parks Canada closed a campground at Bruce Peninsula National Park due to a habituated black bear, with affected bookings reimbursed automatically. Campus research push: UVic’s Impact Investing Hub is launching Blended Finance Canada to help overcome funding barriers by connecting researchers, investors, and governments. Trade pressure on schools: Health advocates in New Brunswick warn Alberta’s Bill 11 could affect access to care nationwide—an issue that can ripple into school supports and student wellbeing.

School Travel Cancellations: Edmonton Public Schools cancelled all international excursions for the school year, citing global conflict, fuel shortages and public health concerns. Field Trips Reworked: Across Canada, school boards are cancelling or tweaking field trips amid a shifting global risk picture. Back-to-School Tech & Wellbeing: A Toronto District School Board lawyer says Meta’s $18B U.S. settlement on teen social media safety is “encouraging,” and hopes similar guardrails land in Canada; meanwhile, clinicians warn teens may face “withdrawal” when returning to school routines after heavy summer screen time. AI & Books: Used bookstores are dealing with suspicious bulk orders amid fears AI firms are buying and destructively scanning physical books. International Student Costs: IRCC raised the study permit proof-of-funds living expense requirement effective Sept. 1, 2026 (e.g., $23,448 for a single student outside Quebec). Health & Learning Access: Canada’s drug agency issued a final positive recommendation for public reimbursement of Leqembi for early Alzheimer’s, a potential step toward broader access. Student Safety in Schools: New Brunswick is moving to restrict phone and social media use for students in public schools.

International Student Rules: Canada is raising study-permit proof-of-funds requirements for applicants applying on/after Sept. 1, 2026, with the principal applicant amount increasing to $23,448 (plus higher add-ons for dependants). Child Safety Online: B.C. attorney general Niki Sharma is urging Meta to extend the same child-protection safeguards Canada won’t get from a major U.S. settlement, including age-related limits and age verification. Back-to-School Tech & Safety: Quebec’s new secularism law is taking effect, and Montreal’s transit agency says employees can no longer pray on workplace property; meanwhile, Niagara Regional Police warn e-scooters are illegal on Niagara roads and other public spaces, with fines up to $500. Transit Planning: Metrolinx will adjust GO rail and bus service starting Sept. 5, with rush hour unchanged but weekend and some Niagara Falls trips affected. Education Leadership: Thunder Bay Police Services Board names Christy Radbourne as its new executive director, bringing education leadership and law-enforcement experience. Higher Ed & Research Talent: Multiple items highlight Canada’s push to attract top researchers and scholars, including new university hires and research funding.

International Students: Canada is raising the minimum proof-of-funds for study permits effective Sept. 1, 2026 (CAD 23,448 for one applicant outside Quebec, with higher amounts for accompanying family). Student Support & Safety: A Canadian Press report says voting begins today in three federal byelections (North Vancouver–Capilano, Beaches–East York, Chicoutimi–Le Fjord), a reminder that education funding and student services can hinge on federal politics. Classroom Tech: A new study highlights teachers’ concerns about AI being used for homework and declining critical thinking skills among students. Back-to-School Prep: Reports also flag scams targeting students as the school year starts. Campus & Research Talent: Canada continues recruiting top researchers from the U.S., as universities compete for global talent amid shifting U.S. funding pressures. Policy Watch: The C.D. Howe Institute urges Ottawa to cut temporary resident intake further and improve tracking of departures.

Back-to-School Costs & Supplies: A Vancouver-area non-profit says more families are relying on donated goods for school supplies every year as parents feel the squeeze. Pediatric Emergency Training: Hamilton Health Sciences ran PEARLS Day, a hands-on pediatric emergency simulation and skills workshop for nurses, physicians and community hospital teams across southwestern Ontario. School Readiness & Inclusion: New reporting highlights that “readiness” isn’t just academics—belonging, routines and school support matter most for diverse students. AI in Classrooms: Teachers are raising alarms about student AI use and declining critical thinking, while MediaSmarts offers parent-friendly guidance on how kids are using AI. International Students & Rules: Canada is tightening proof-of-funds and study-permit requirements for some international students, with updates starting Sept. 1. Organ Donation Drive (Manitoba): Manitoba’s online organ donor registry hit a new high in sign-ups, but advocates say only about 6% of eligible adults are enrolled and more growth is needed. Policy/Politics (Ontario): Ontario Liberal leadership candidate Dylan Marando visited Sarnia to court members ahead of the Nov. 9–20 leadership vote. Canada–U.S. Tensions Spill Into Culture: Trump’s “Lake America” move is being mocked and debated in Canada, including a giant “Lake Ontario. Now and Always” billboard and Google Maps’ country-based naming.

Canada–U.S. Trade Fight: Prime Minister Mark Carney says the latest U.S. tariffs are a “miscalculation,” while economists warn Canada’s leverage could still come with real costs; the debate is also spilling into everyday life as Canadians increasingly boycott U.S. goods. Back-to-School & Student Life: Ontario’s byelection spotlight includes affordability, health care, education and soot, while New Brunswick is moving to restrict student phone use in schools. International Students & Study Permits: Canada is tightening proof-of-funds and study-permit requirements for international students starting Sept. 1, with separate updates for Nigerians and other applicants. Education, Health & Research: Neuroscientist Valerie Verge has been named a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences for work on nerve repair—an example of Canada’s research strength that matters to students and patients alike. Sports (National Teams): Canada’s women’s basketball World Cup run ends before it begins, with a “reset” message as the program looks ahead.

Quebec Language Policy: CAQ leader Christine Fréchette says a third mandate could extend Bill 101 to adult and vocational education centres, with a promise to renew the law’s notwithstanding clause. Back-to-School Safety: Alberta RCMP and school boards urge new drivers to avoid phones, stay alert, and drive for conditions as students return. Student Devices: New Brunswick will ban cellphone use for K-8 students from September, aiming to cut distractions and boost literacy and numeracy. International Students: Canada raises study-permit proof-of-funds requirements from Sept. 1, including higher amounts for families. Post-Secondary Research Talent: Canada’s Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs program will fund five international research chairs at the University of Manitoba. Health Tech Upgrade: Saskatchewan expands access to new StarGuide diagnostic scanners, cutting scan times and improving image quality for thousands. AI & Learning: A commentary argues “skeptical intelligence” is the real advantage with AI—knowing when to challenge answers. Education-Adjacent Culture: “Monet to Matisse” brings Impressionist works to the AGO in Toronto, continuing Canada-U.S. cultural exchange.

Study Permit Costs: IRCC is raising the minimum proof-of-funds for international study permits starting Sept. 1, 2026—C$23,448 for a single student outside Quebec (up from C$22,895), with higher amounts for families. Student Relief Efforts: McMaster University students in Hamilton are fundraising for Nepal after deadly floods left thousands missing, with organizers sharing updates and contacting relatives. AI in Schools: A Leger poll for the Fraser Institute finds nearly half of Alberta teachers (48.4%) believe more than half their students use AI to complete homework, and most report worsening writing and critical-thinking skills. International Student Recruitment Pressure: Canada’s international student cap and tighter rules are driving enrolment gaps, with 2025 seeing 61% fewer new arrivals than 2024 and a higher study-permit refusal rate. Northern Post-Secondary Push: Federal Secretary of State Buckley Belanger announced an exploratory process toward a Northern Saskatchewan University, aiming for a final report by year-end. Research Talent Race: Canada is recruiting 64 prominent scholars, including 48 from U.S. universities, as American funding scrutiny pushes researchers north. Indigenous Rights: Indigenous leaders are condemning Trump’s executive order renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America,” saying it erases Wendat history and identity.

Student Supports & Back-to-School: Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold says its Snacks ‘n Sneakers program is helping up to 1,700 kids this year, with Canadian Tire Bank and SportChek supplying backpacks and shoes as demand rises. Health & School Readiness: B.C. health officials are urging parents to get routine vaccinations up to date before school starts, including Tdap-IPV and MMRV. Classroom Tech Rules: New Brunswick is banning elementary students from using phones and other mobile devices during the school day starting in September, with social media blocked on school networks; high school restrictions follow in February. International Students: IRCC is raising the proof-of-funds living expense requirement for study permits from Sept. 1, 2026 to C$23,448 for one person (outside Quebec), with higher amounts for accompanying family. Talent & Research: Canada is recruiting 64 researchers, many from the U.S., backed by $500M+ over eight years through the Global Impact+ initiative. Policy & Funding Pressure: Ontario documents in a court fight allege “suspicious” OSAP activity indicators at some career colleges, after the government blocked OSAP access at five campuses.

AI in the classroom: A new Fraser Institute survey finds Canadian teachers overwhelmingly believe students are using AI to complete take-home homework, with most saying critical thinking and in-class writing are declining. Research talent grab: Canada is recruiting 64 researchers to universities nationwide, with 48 coming from U.S. institutions, backed by $364M+ in federal funding to boost areas like AI, climate science and medicine. Northern Ontario AI funding: Ottawa is spending $634K on three AI projects in northern Ontario, including a youth tech program at Confederation College and AI tools for rehabilitation and local tourism info. Interprovincial trade push: Experts say interprovincial barriers are easing but remain messy, citing added rules and charges even when provinces allow direct-to-consumer alcohol sales. Quebec election backdrop: A Quebec sovereigntist student says the tariff war and cost-of-living are likely to dominate the Oct. 5 campaign more than independence proposals. Education & equity: A qualitative study reports Black blood donors in Canada face racism tied to both healthcare experiences and restrictive blood donation rules. Canada–India economic talks: India and Canada aim to conclude CEPA talks by end of 2026 and start a Bilateral Investment Treaty, while exploring easier cross-border remittances and UPI use that could benefit Indian students in Canada.

Research Talent Pull: Canada announced C$504M for 64 global research chairs and scholars, including 48 poached from the U.S., as universities compete to attract top minds. Health & School Readiness: B.C. health officer Bonnie Henry urged families to check back-to-school immunization records, while Manitoba launched a pilot making in-person gym mandatory for Grade 11 and 12. STEM Infrastructure: Innovation Saskatchewan pledged $3M to upgrade the Canadian Light Source at U of Saskatchewan with a new solid-state amplifier, boosting synchrotron research capacity. Education Leadership & Governance: Bishop’s University created a new tradition to honour faculty excellence, and Chilliwack’s “Trustees for Change” slate was announced ahead of a school board election. Student Pathways & Mobility: Canada and India discussed easier cross-border remittances for India’s 400,000 students in Canada, and IRCC updates tightened citizenship-by-descent proof requirements. Sports Development: Hockey Canada approved an Ontario men’s junior hockey development pilot for 2026-27.

Trade War Fallout: Canada is adjusting its retaliatory tariff list after industry feedback, including raising steel and aluminum to 50% and adding new duties on items like clothing, appliances and dairy—while removing seafood and fish to limit broader harm. Youth Mental Health & School Pressure: Ontario youth mental health providers are bracing for a September surge in demand as school-year stress, more online time and fewer resources push more families to seek help. Quebec Election Profiles: Quicksketches spotlight Coalition Avenir Québec leader Christine Fréchette, Québec solidaire spokesperson Ruba Ghazal, Conservative leader Éric Duhaime, Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and Liberal leader Charles Milliard. AI in Education & Privacy: OpenAI says ChatGPT Ads are expanding in India for logged-in adults on Free and Go tiers, with ads clearly labeled and minors kept ad-free. Health Costs: A new analysis finds private spending on health care is rising faster than public spending, with B.C. standing out for higher private costs.

Education & Student Safety: Arizona State University is reviewing the circumstances of a hockey player’s collapse during an outdoor workout; the St. Louis Blues prospect remains hospitalized days later after a possible cardiac event. School Disruption: Edmonton Public Schools says Killarney School Grade 8 students will temporarily relocate to Hardisty School starting Sept. 1 after storm damage delays repairs. Student Support & Health: Quebec’s public health institute reports school-year vaccination coverage has stayed stable post-COVID, with 7-year-olds at about 78% in 2023. Back-to-School Vision: CNIB’s Mobile Hub campaign is set to encourage eye exams before classes start, citing how vision affects learning. Learning & Community: Moose Jaw is inviting eligible youth (15–22) to apply for a Youth Advisory Committee role shaping local decisions. Research & Training: Laurentian University is helping build a digital drill-core library to expand access to archived samples for education and research. Policy Context: As Canada and the U.S. trade war escalates with new tariffs, experts warn the disruption could last beyond the Trump administration—an uncertainty that can spill into education planning and student costs.

Trade War Fallout for Schools and Students: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs are set to hit U.S. goods again, with Manitoba ag-equipment maker PhiBer warning new duties on imported trailer frames could force price hikes and disrupt buying for farmers—an indirect pressure point for rural education and training budgets. Labour and Learning Support: At UBC, CUPE 2278 (TAs and GAAs) has set a mid-September vote on strike action after mediation, citing issues like workload, pay, employer-paid health care, academic freedom protections, and research funding clawbacks. Student Health and Equity: A new B.C. report says young people’s sexual health care needs “switch things up,” pointing to gaps in rural/remote and equity-deserving communities despite recent service improvements. Tech, Privacy, and City Planning: Vancouver councillors are debating guardrails for Telus AI data centres, with the fight tied to how tech growth should be regulated—relevant for school infrastructure, staffing, and community impacts. International Research in Canada: A Newfoundland-led team is preparing to embed a research vessel into Arctic sea ice to study the ecosystem, pollution, and microbiology.

School Food Funding: Canada’s new national school food push is back in the spotlight as lunch prep returns and families feel the “mental load,” with advocates urging better data and governance as programs scale. Skilled Trades Training: Selkirk College launches a tuition-free carpentry program in B.C.’s Kootenays with paid placements and supports for barriers to entry. Mental Health Access: Calgary Institute of Counselling expands to a new 21-office Crowfoot location, adding space for practicum students and a broader mix of health professionals. Student Safety & Policy: Bradford’s new idling-by-law targets emissions near schools, while CIHI reports a sharp rise in e-scooter hospitalizations—especially for kids—fueling calls for stronger rules. Books & Learning Culture: Finalists are announced for the 2026 Canadian Children’s Book Centre awards, and Tegan Quin’s new middle-grade graphic novel “Merry Christmess” ties music and family stories to the classroom. Research & Partnerships: Mitacs and PTRC sign a two-year MOU to turn Saskatchewan energy research strengths into commercialization and more Indigenous-led opportunities.