Response of Canadian Educational Institutes to Coronavirus

Response of Canadian Educational Institutes to Coronavirus

Universities and colleges across Canada have been taking precautionary measures to protect their students from coronavirus, which has originated from Wuhan, a city in China. In reality, not only students in Canada but around the world have been affected by this transmittable disease.

  • All the universities in Quebec are closed for two weeks as per the order of the provincial government. 
  • Similarly, Colleges in Ontario have announced the cancellation of classes and other on-campus activities.
  • The University of Toronto has cancelled in-person classes and has prepared to shift courses online.
  • The Academic Planning Group of McGill University is examining distance-learning options and alternate modes for teaching and exams.
  • UBC is transitioning to online classes as of March 16, 2020 
  • The university of waterloo is encouraging all its students to make arrangements to move out of the residence by noon on Friday, March 20, 2020.
  • The University of Alberta has temporarily suspended classes, and further will resume them on Tuesday, March 17, through remote delivery.
  • The University of Saskatchewan has cancelled the classes and will teach students remotely from 19th march onward. 
  • York University has decided to cancel all in-person exams during the formal winter exam period of April 7 to 25, 2020 
  • Brock University, too cancelled face to face classes and exams.
  • The University of Fraser Valley has pausing classes for one week starting March 16.

Similarly, other Canadian universities such as Thompson River University, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, University of Prince Edward Island, Royal Roads University, and many others are taking appropriate measures to prevent the virus.

Typical responses of Canadian educational institutes include

  • Issuing warnings and guidelines
  • Teaching about coronavirus
  • Moving classes online
  • Sanitizing Campuses
  • Temporarily closing institutions
  • Cancelling travel, etc.

How Canadian government is reacting to the situation

On Monday 16, Canadian government imposed restrictions on foreign travel and has announced to close its borders for most people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. However, there are exceptions for immediate family members of Canadians, U.S. citizens, aircrew members, and diplomats.

Canadian Government support to date for COVID-19 $ millions

Immediate public health response

50

Repatriation of Canadians

7

Initial support to the World Health Organization

2

Sustained communications and public education

50

Investing in research

275

Support for provinces and territories

500

Personal protective equipment

50

International assistance

50

Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits

5

Work Sharing Program

12

Additional public health response, including funding for Indigenous Services Canada

100

Total

1,101

Preventative measures have been taken at the following 10 Canadian airports

  • Vancouver International Airport
  • Toronto-Pearson International Airport
  • Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
  • Calgary International Airport
  • Edmonton International Airport
  • Winnipeg Richardson International Airport
  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
  • Ottawa International Airport
  • Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport
  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport

MyforeignStudy is committed to providing the most authentic and accurate information. However, updates on coronavirus and the universities measures are changing rapidly. Students are advised to visit university websites to know about the latest updates and intakes.