GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 10, 2026 /CNW/ -- As Canadians continue to experience more frequent and severe weather events, including extreme heat, wildfires, flooding, winter storms, and other climate-related hazards, the need for highly skilled meteorologists has never been greater. These experts play a critical role in monitoring weather conditions and issuing forecasts and weather alerts. Meteorologists help Canadians, communities, and emergency responders prepare for and respond to hazardous conditions.
To help strengthen Canada's meteorological workforce, Environment and Climate Change Canada is investing in the next generation of experts. This fall, through the Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorology Awards, 20 students will receive scholarships totalling $130,000 to support their studies in meteorology and atmospheric sciences.
In partnership with Universities Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada will be awarding up to 80 scholarships over five years, with a total worth of $648,000, to students pursuing studies in meteorology and atmospheric sciences at post-secondary institutions across the country. Since the program was launched in 2024, 40 students have received scholarships totalling $268,000, with the first scholarships awarded in 2025. Building on this success, a new cohort of recipients has now been selected for the 2026–2027 academic year.
This year's recipients include:
- Four students from the University of British Columbia – Vancouver, British Columbia
- Two students from the University of Manitoba – Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Three students from York University – Toronto, Ontario
- Six students from the Université du Québec à Montréal – Montréal, Quebec
- Five students from Dalhousie University – Halifax, Nova Scotia
The next application period will open in the winter of 2026–2027 for students enrolling in eligible Bachelor of Science, certificate, or diploma programs in meteorology and atmospheric sciences for fall 2027. For more information on the scholarship program, eligibility requirements, and career opportunities in meteorology at Environment and Climate Change Canada, visit Join the Meteorological Service of Canada.
Quotes
"Canada needs a strong and highly skilled workforce to meet the growing challenges posed by extreme weather and a changing climate. By supporting students pursuing studies in meteorology and atmospheric science, we are helping develop the talent and expertise that will shape the future of weather forecasting and warning services across the country. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts this year's recipients will make."
– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature
"Growing up in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, I developed a passion for meteorology that I was able to combine with my interests in electronics and video production. This scholarship will allow me to dedicate more time to my studies in atmospheric sciences and support personal research projects that advance my understanding of weather forecasting."
– Eddie Pelletier, Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorology Award recipient and Université du Québec à Montréal student
Quick facts
- There are six universities in Canada that provide eligible courses for the Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorology Awards: the University of British Columbia, the University of Manitoba, York University, McGill University, the Université du Québec à Montréal, and Dalhousie University.
- Universities Canada manages and administers the scholarship program with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
- Meteorologists are highly trained atmospheric scientists who monitor and forecast the weather. At Environment and Climate Change Canada, meteorologists work in teams across the country at weather prediction centres, in research, or in service roles.
- Environment and Climate Change Canada's recruitment process for meteorologists involves an application, written assessment, and an interview to assess competencies, knowledge, and abilities. Successful applicants may also need to complete our Meteorologist Occupational Training Program, which involves classroom learning.
Associated links
- The Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorology Awards – Scholarship Application
- New Federal Scholarship Launches to Support the Next Generation of Canadian Meteorologists
- Scholarships Awarded to the Next Generation of Canadian Meteorologists
- Become a Meteorologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Universities Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada's X page
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page
Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page
Environment and Climate Change Canada's LinkedIn page
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Instagram page
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
Contacts: Keean Nembhard, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, 343-552-2387, [email protected]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free), [email protected]
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