Lakefield Literary Festival to Host "Sons of Tecumseh" Novel Discussion with Maurice Switzer

The Lakefield Literary Festival has announced an upcoming novel discussion event with author, journalist and educator Maurice Switzer on April 9.

photo courtesy of lakefield literary festival.

Taking place at the Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29, Lakefield), the event will centre on Switzer’s latest novel, Sons of Tecumseh, an exploration of Indigenous political reality and the enduring challenge of unity.

Maurice Switzer is a citizen of the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation, where his maternal grandfather served as Chief over a century ago. A member of the Order of Ontario, Switzer’s career spans roles as a publisher and editor at five Canadian newspapers, communications director for the Assembly of First Nations and adjunct professor at Laurentian University. He is the author of the widely acclaimed treaty education book We Are All Treaty People.

In Sons of Tecumseh, Switzer introduces readers to Billy Favell, the newly elected National Chief of the Congress of First Nations. Through the eyes of Favell and his advisor Peshu Butler, a descendant of the historic leader Tecumseh, the novel sheds light on the complex relationships that govern Indigenous lives today and serves as both an entertaining narrative and vital illumination of modern Indigenous politics.

Joining the conversation as moderator is Jackson Pind, a mixed Settler-Anishinaabe Historian and Assistant Professor at Trent University. Pind, the author of Students by Day: Colonialism and Resistance at the Curve Lake Indian Day School, brings a wealth of historical context to what promises to be a profound discussion on leadership, legacy and resistance.

The event starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $30, available at Happenstance Books and Yarns (44 Queen St., Lakefield) or online.

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Ontario Government Invests $6.4 Billion to Support Postsecondary Sector’s Long-Term Success and Sustainability

To protect postsecondary students’ access to education and help them launch successful careers, the Ontario government is investing $6.4 billion in postsecondary institutions to ensure long-term success and sustainability, announced at Trent University on Friday.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (left) and Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent University president and vice-chancellor (right) as joint announcements were made at Trent’s Bata Library. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Accroding to the Ontario Government, its plan to build a stronger postsecondary sector is based on three principles:

• Preparing students for rewarding, in-demand careers that meet labour market needs

• Preserving Ontario students’ ability to access high-quality postsecondary education, while supporting their ability to appropriately invest in their education and success

• Providing Ontario’s postsecondary sector long-term sustainability, while continuing to ensure funding for the sector is being used to further Ontario’s position as a centre for world-class research excellence while meeting student and labour market needs

Federal changes have significantly reduced international student revenues and the province is also facing increased domestic demand for higher-cost programs and a financial aid program (OSAP) that is dramatically out of line with other jurisdictions.

According to a press release, to ensure the province’s world-class institutions continue producing one of the most competitive workforces in the G7 for generations to come, the Ontario government is making the following changes starting in Fall 2026:

• A new long-term funding model will see universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes focused on delivering programs that align with student and labour-market demand supported by increased, predictable funding. This new long-term funding model will bring an additional $6.4 billion into the sector over four years and raise annual operating funding to $7 billion, a 30 per cent increase and the highest level in the province’s history. It will also fund 70,000 more in-demand seats, while better meeting the needs of small, rural, northern, French-language and Indigenous Institutes

• An updated tuition framework will support the postsecondary sector’s long-term sustainability while maintaining one of the lowest tuition increases in Canada. Ontario will allow publicly assisted colleges and universities to raise tuition by up to two per cent per year for three years, then by up to two per cent or the three-year average rate of inflation, whichever is lower, in the years that follow. This rate of increase will be among the lowest in Canada, comparable to that of British Columbia and Manitoba.

• On average, this change will result in an additional cost of $0.18/day for college students and $0.47/day for university students. Low-income students will have this cost absorbed through an enhanced Student Access Guarantee (SAG)

• A stronger, more sustainable OSAP system will ensure financial assistance remains available for future generations while supporting students’ appropriate investment in their education and success. To strengthen the long-term sustainability of OSAP and align it with other provinces, Ontario students will be eligible to receive a maximum of 25 per cent of their OSAP funding as grants and a minimum of 75 per cent as loans. OSAP will no longer offer grants to students at private career colleges, in alignment with changes the federal government has made to its student support funding.

"This historic investment in our post-secondary institutions like Trent and Fleming will provide predictable, long-term funding,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By making this investment we are ensuring that students across Ontario will have access to world-class education in their own backyard. It’s also a recognition that our post-secondary institutions are the engines of our workforce and will continue to prepare generations of students in the high-paying and rewarding careers that will drive our economy for years to come.”

“This landmark investment in the postsecondary sector is greatly appreciated and comes at a pivotal time for our students - and for Ontario,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent President and Vice-Chancellor. “Trent University welcomes this funding as a substantial and positive step that strengthens planning, risk management and supports our efforts toward long-term sustainability. In addition, this investment will support Trent's ability to enhance experiential learning, grow high-demand programs, and continue delivering top quality programs for students that lead to career-ready graduates. This announcement will also support Trent’s regionally responsive approach. We look forward to reviewing the details of the announcement and understanding the specific rollout for Trent.

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Trent University Receives $1.1 Million Investment From Ontario Government to Expand Local Primary Care Workforce

Trent University has received a $1,132,500 investment from the Ontario Government to expand the local primary care healthcare workforce, announced at Bata Library on Friday morning.

(From left to right) Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent Universit president and vice-chancellor. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This funding will upskill 350 registered nurses through a specialized program at the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing. This is part of the government’s $2.1 billion Primary Care Action Plan to connect everyone in Ontario to primary care by 2029.

To support the recruitment and retention of nurses in primary care, Ontario is providing Trent University with $1,132,500 over three years for a new, innovative program.

This 12-week upskilling initiative will help nurses gain skills, including:

• Chronic disease management

• Maternal and child care

• Immunizations and cancer screening

• Rural and Indigenous health specializations

Launching this year, the program at Trent is designed to equip registered nurses with the expertise needed to work immediately in primary care settings, freeing up time for family doctors to focus on patients with more complex needs, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This investment in Trent University is a major win for the health and well-being of families here in Peterborough-Kawartha,” he said. “The Ministry of Health’s recognition of the high quality of education provided by Trent University is an endorsement of small urban, rural institutions and the value they provide to the health care system. The upskilling of 350 registered nurses at the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing gives our local health-care heroes the advanced tools they need to provide top-tier primary care right here in our community. Trent’s partnership with PRHC and other local rural hospitals demonstrates that the Ministry of Health recognizes the value of rural Ontario.”

The funding for Trent University is scheduled to scale over the next three years to meet growing demand:

“This upskilling program reflects Trent’s long-standing commitment to community-focused health education and addressing system-level challenges,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent University president and vice-chancellor. “By creating accessible advanced primary care education for registered nurses, we are helping strengthen care teams and improve access to healthcare services for people and communities across Ontario.”

“Investments into rural healthcare are incredibly important,” says Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO. “Communities like ours, with urban and rural populations spread across broad geographies, have unique needs and challenges when it comes to accessing care. PRHC looks forward to continuing to work with Trent and our other post-secondary partners to ensure learners are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their healthcare careers, and to provide patients with the best possible care and support, today and into the future.”

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Heated Rivalry In Olympic Women's Hockey Sparks Trent University Watch Party

As the next chapter of a heated rivalry hits the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, Trent University hosted a watch party of the Canada/United States women’s hockey game on Tuesday afternoon.

Trent Faculty, staff and students cheer at Team Canada, facing off against the rival Americans at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The party was hosted at Champlain College which hosted Trent students, staff and faculty to enjoy the Olympics.

The Games also provided an opportunity for students to reflect on the mental, emotional, and social dimensions of elite sport and international competition according to James Onusko, Champlain College principal.

“These watch parties are about creating community and shared experience,” said James Onusko, principal of Champlain College. “The Olympics give us a chance to come together, learn from sport, and engage with moments that reflect perseverance, teamwork, and challenge. This matchup presents a demanding test for Canada’s team and makes for a compelling collective experience.”

Team USA defeated Team Canada 5-0.

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Lakefield Literary Festival Presents Book Launch and Bell Let’s Talk Day Mental Health Event “Inspiring Hope”

The Lakefield Literary Festival to host a Bell Let’s Talk Day and book launch event with author and psychotherapist Kate Robson and Chief Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Dr. Thomas Piggott Jan. 21 at the Showplace Performance Centre.

Photo courtesy of the lakefield literary festival.

Robson will launch her new book Something to Hold Onto: Simple Metaphors, Images, and Practical Tools to Transform Your Life in a conversation with Piggott, moderated by international best-selling author and Kate’s sister Jennifer Robson.

The book “offers metaphors to reframe our thinking and explore while encouraging us to be curious, attentive and intentional as we adopt new and creative ways to navigate discomfort and adversity,” said the Lakefield Literary Festival in a press release. “She asks us to consider the value in deciding that which we should hold tight and what could be let go.”

During their moderated conversation, Kate and Piggott will discuss what they have learned through their training, research, writing and interactions with the community and beyond regarding mental health. A question-and-answer period will follow the conversation.

The Lakefield Literary Festival is in its 31st year of presenting established and new Canadian authors in its events and festival each July.

Tickets for Inspiring Hope are $30, available online. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to mental health organizations in the community.

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Former Fleming College Leader Named President and CEO of Colleges Ontario

Maureen Adamson has been appointed the next president and CEO of Colleges Ontario, following an eight-year tenure at Fleming College.

Adamson’s previous roles include Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Deputy Minister responsible for the Status of Women, CEO of the Michener Institute and CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. She has also served in senior governance positions, including Chair of the Scarborough Health Network and Vice-Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission. Photo courtesy of Colleges Ontario.

“Maureen’s tenure has been defined by strategic vision, steady leadership and a deep commitment to student success,” said Don Gillespie, Fleming College board of directors chair. “Under her guidance, Fleming achieved several significant milestones that strengthened the College for the future.”

According to Colleges Ontario, Adamson’s role is to lead the organization representing Ontario’s 24 public colleges amid significant financial pressure, rising demand for applied training and growing competition for skilled talent.

Over the past year, Adamson has served in the same role at Colleges Ontario on an interim basis. Her permanent role is effective on Jan. 1.

During her interim tenure, Colleges Ontario says Adamson helped unify member colleges around shared priorities and supported more coordinated advocacy at Queen’s Park.

“As I transition into this role, my priority is to advocate for our public colleges and build a deep understanding of the value colleges bring to our communities, our economy and our province,” said Adamson. “That means advocating for sustainable funding, advancing workforce development and ensuring institutions continue to deliver the skilled graduates our communities rely on.” 

“Maureen has been a steady hand and a unifying voice throughout her interim term. Her experience, integrity and collaborative style will continue to strengthen the college sector,” said Glenn Vollebregt, Colleges Ontario's former chair and St. Lawrence College president and CEO.

“Maureen’s appointment is welcome news for our sector and comes at an important time. She brings the clarity, steadiness and vision we need as we navigate a rapidly changing landscape,” said Ann Marie Vaughan, Colleges Ontario chair and president and Humber Polytechnic CEO. “Maureen is an exceptional leader who understands what colleges require to support students, employers and communities. Her ability to bring people together around shared priorities has already made a meaningful impact and I'm confident that her continued leadership will guide our sector forward in the years ahead.”

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Trent University Ranked Top Undergraduate University In Canada For International Grants

Trent University has been recognized as one of Canada’s top 50 research universities in the Research Infosource 2025 rankings.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Trent earned three distinctions among undergraduate universities for growth in research funding from international government funders and for strengths in publishing research on natural sciences and climate change.

“Trent’s research community continues to distinguish itself by building meaningful international collaborations that deepen interdisciplinary understanding and expand multinational perspectives on global issues,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, interim vice-president, Research & Innovation. “These collaborations strengthen Canada’s role as an innovative, forward-looking nation—attracting talent, investment, and new opportunities. Research is about discovery. The progression from ideation to innovation fuels economic and social development in ways that benefit communities here at home and around the world.”

In the past year, faculty in Trent’s School for the Study of Canada and the Trent School of the Environment, including Canada research chairs, received several research grants from Norwegian agencies in support of collaborative projects focused on the Arctic. These funding achievements earned Trent Research Infosource’s Winner’s Circle distinctions among undergraduate universities in all three categories related to international government research income.

Trent has also expanded global research collaborations in the past year with support from programs such as the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships.

This grant supports connections between faculty and students at Trent with international partners through the International Institute of Environmental Studies to study and address shared natural resource and climate challenges.

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PVNC Catholic Sees Significant Gains From EQAO Math and Literacy Scores

The Education Quality and Assessment Office (EQAO) released its results for school boards in Ontario for the 2024-2025 school year and the Peterborough Victoria and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) has shown significant progress.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

The results showcase the vastly improved results in literacy and mathematics across multiple grade levels at PVNCCDSB.

According to Stephen O’Sullivan, director of education, the results reflect the Board’s ongoing commitment to using the science of learning, rooted in explicit, high-impact instructional strategies, to support students in both literacy and mathematics and empower classroom teachers to grow in their content knowledge and pedagogical practices to address learning gaps head-on. 

“We are extremely proud of the growth our students and educators have achieved in literacy and mathematics this year,” he said. “These results reflect the hard work, dedication, and innovative teaching strategies that our staff have implemented to close learning gaps and boost student confidence in literacy and mathematics. We will continue to provide opportunities for educators to build their content knowledge, and to grow in their confidence and efficacy with respect to both instructional and assessment practices to support continued student academic growth.”

Results: 

• Grade 3 Math: Students exhibited tremendous gains of 6.2 per cent, with 62.9 per cent of students now meeting or exceeding the provincial standard - outpacing the provincial year-over-year increase of 2.3 per cent.
   

• Grade 6 Math: Results reflect a slight increase of 0.4 per cent, raising the success rate to 44.7 per cent, and reflecting a total gain of 6.4 per cent since 2021-2022.

• Grade 9 Math: PVNC Catholic students’ success rate in relation to the provincial standard improved to 53.7 per cent, reflecting a total gain of 3.8 per cent since 2021-2022.

• Grade 3 Reading and Writing: Reading proficiency grew to 71.2 per cent, an increase of 2.2 per cent from last year. Similar gains were realized in writing, with a result of 61.1 per cent, which marks a 2.3 per cent year-over-year increase.

• Grade 6 Reading and Writing: PVNC Catholic students continue to excel in reading, while also demonstrating marked gains of 3.4 per cent, with 85.3 per cent achieving or exceeding the provincial standard, in line with the provincial average of 86%. Writing results also exhibited tremendous gains, with 84.5 per cent meeting the standard, marking an increase of 6.6 per cent. 

• Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT): 78 per cent of first-time eligible students passed the test, close to last year’s result of 80.4 per cent.

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Fleming College Soars In Canada’s Top Research Colleges Ranking; Named #1 In Industry Research Income Growth

Fleming College has climbed in the annual Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada rankings, climbing from 31st to 17th overall and is first in Research Income Growth, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Research Infosource Inc. releases the list, highlighting the postsecondary institutions driving innovation and industry impact across the country.

“Our rise in the national rankings underscores the growing trust industry partners place in Fleming’s expertise,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Fleming College acting co-president. “This is a testament to the strength of our research teams, the innovation happening across our campuses, and the value our partners see in collaborating with us.”

Fleming College is home to three specialized applied research centres:

• The Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT), which assists companies in developing innovative water and wastewater solutions that strengthen sustainability and environmental protection

• The Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies (CAMIIT) drives advancements in artificial intelligence, embedded systems, and printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing.

• The Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production (CIAP) supports the growth of sustainable aquaculture and food security across the country.

“Through our research centres and faculty-led initiatives across diverse fields such as healthcare, environmental conservation, policing, and community services, Fleming continues to strengthen its role as a trusted partner in applied research and innovation,” said. Knott. “We’re proud to play a vital role in advancing innovation and supporting communities across our region.”

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Photos: Students Gain Understanding Through Council For Persons With Disabilities ‘A Day in My Shoes' Event

Over 160 Kaawaate East City Public School students gained understanding, inclusion and respect for people of all abilities as they attended the Council for Persons with Disabilities’ (CPD) ‘A Day in My Shoes’ event at the YMCA on Wednesday morning.

Alexandra Clay (left) with her guide dog Oliver, putting on a demo for Grade 6 student Jaja Might (right). All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Students in grades 5, 6 and 8 participated in hands-on activities that simulate the daily experiences of people with disabilities.

The event’s goal is to encourage empathy, awareness, and respect for individuals of all abilities according to Cody McIntyre, CPD Chair.

“As someone who grew up with a hearing loss and who started wearing hearing aids at the age of 6 that meant I would sit closer to the teacher in the classroom, watch mouth for cues and worked harder to follow every word that was being said,” he said. “By educating and opening conversations with the students of Kaawaate East City Public School about what it is like to live with a disability we are creating a more inclusive and respectful environment at their school and for the entire Peterborough community.”

The students participated in realistic simulations that engaged them in meaningful discussions about mobility, vision, hearing and inclusion.

@ptbo_canada To experience daily life of having a disability, students took on challenges such as trying to toe a shoe with oven mitts. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #internationaldisabilityday ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

The event coincides with International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which the City of Peterborough recognized.

“On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reaffirm our commitment to building a community where everyone is included, valued and able to participate fully in daily life,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. This day reminds us of the importance of removing barriers, both seen and unseen, and of working together to create a city that is accessible to all.”

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