There is a winter storm impacting Southern Manitoba today and causing poor visibility and driving conditions. Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual.

RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows:

• Portage campus will remain open with virtual options for those who cannot travel due to poor road conditions.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses will be open with classes delivered as usual.
• Winkler campus will remain open with classes delivered as usual.
• Selkirk campus is open with classes delivered as usual.
• Peguis campus is open with classes delivered as usual.
• Steinbach campus and Steinbach Language Training Centre will remain open with classes delivered as usual.
• Arborg Language Training Centre will remain open with classes delivered as usual.

For those driving both inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions.

Any updates to campus operations will be shared on www.rrc.ca/marcomm/news

RRC Polytech opens Manitoba’s first Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre – set to begin training future health leaders in January 2025.

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – 

Healthcare education at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is entering a new chapter today with the opening of its new Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre (the Simulation Centre). This first-of-its kind training facility in Manitoba will begin training the province’s future health leaders this January.

The Simulation Centre is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary facility that will revolutionize healthcare training in Manitoba. It is the first interdisciplinary centre of its kind in Manitoba to focus on nursing, allied health professions and community services and has 16,630 square feet of state-of-the-art learning space at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus.

“The Simulation Centre will maximize education opportunities and provide immersive and collaborative training for our health and community care programs,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “As one of the largest trainers of healthcare professionals in the province, this is an exciting new frontier in how we can better train and prepare students to be confident in their careers and make an impact in our communities throughout the province.”

“Simulation is critical as it ensures students in all programs have access to immediate experiential training opportunities vital to graduation, gaining experience that helps better prepare them for the clinical environment and ultimately, being job ready on day one,” said Meier.

Using state-of-the art high-fidelity simulation equipment and live actors to create small- and large-scale activities and mock scenarios, the Simulation Centre will provide students from various health disciplines in 13 programs with real-world experiences that mirror the realities they will face in the workplace. These training opportunities will equip students to fill vital and in-demand career roles in Manitoba’s healthcare system from their first day on the job.

The Simulation Centre was made possible through ongoing support from the Province of Manitoba, who this year invested over $6 million in funding towards the development along with ongoing operating support – providing a total investment of over $12.5 million.

 “This state-of-the-art centre is an example of the high-quality training that is offered right here in Manitoba. Bringing students together from different health disciplines allows our future healthcare workers to get hands-on training that reflects the realities of their future workplaces,” said Minister of Advanced Education and Training, Renée Cable.

“Together, with our partners at RRC Polytech, we’re ensuring that the future of healthcare in Manitoba is in good hands,” said Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, Uzoma Asagwara. “Innovative learning opportunities guarantee that future generations of healthcare workers are well-equipped to offer top-quality care to Manitobans. I look forward to seeing how the centre improves students’ education and how as a result, Manitoba continues to be a top choice for folks wanting to study and work in healthcare.”

Designed with the future of healthcare professions in mind, the Simulation Centre will continue to evolve alongside emerging technological and social innovations, as well as RRC Polytech’s commitments to reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.  The Simulation Centre was designed with Indigenous teaching and practices woven throughout. Each of the debriefing rooms are named after Indigenous healing plants which are integrated through the Centre. The space also has an Elder’s Room and includes spaces for smudging and ceremonies.

The space was created to accommodate growth in these programs. It has the capacity to train up to 12,000 students each academic year, and up to six simulations can be run at a time in the various simulation spaces. The Simulation Centre is designed to replicate real hospital environments, including multi-patient rooms, and an adaptable apartment space that supports a wide range of interdisciplinary scenarios.

The facility also includes a triage station for training health unit clerks, as well as an exam room designed to mimic a healthcare practitioner’s space. Several flexible spaces, with movable walls, can be reconfigured to accommodate large group gatherings or simulations that require non-hospital settings.

Streaming and recording capabilities within the Simulation Center will allow regional campuses to observe live simulations which can also be viewed in the large lecture theater connected to the Simulation Centre. This would allow a larger audience to engage with and participate in the simulation experience.

Students will train with standardized participant actors to fill the role of patients, and the Simulation Centre enter is equipped with a diverse range of advanced mannequins, spanning from infant to older adult, to effectively simulate various stages of life.

The Simulation Centre will support new and existing students and provide opportunities for the current workforce to upgrade their skills. A dedicated simulation educator will be available to support industry partners who wish to use the center. This educator will assist in developing simulations that align with learning objectives, provide exceptional student experience, and uphold the highest standards in simulation.

For more information about the Simulation Centre, and the programs it supports, go to rrc.ca/sim.

Beginning on Monday, November 18, 2024, CBC Manitoba will be set up at the Notre Dame Campus for two weeks to explore topics and issues that matter to the RRC Polytech students and community as part of the Communities in Focus series.

CBC Manitoba journalist Jim Agapito, videographer Travis Golby and Community Connection Senior Producer Nadia Kidwai will be spending time digging into stories that matter to our community.

The goal of Communities in Focus is to tell stories that reflect the province’s many people and places. Communities in Focus often travels to different parts of Manitoba – they’ve been to Poplar River First Nation and Lac du Bonnet already this fall, and now they want to know more about the RRC Polytech community.

Where they will be:

They will be setting up shop on the Notre Dame Campus in the library hallway on the mall level.

Welcome event: They will be hosting a welcome event to introduce the team to the college community, and to allow the community to introduce itself, from 11 am-1 pm on Monday, Nov. 18. Students, staff and faculty are invited to say hello, grab a bite to eat and share a bit about our RRC Polytech community.

Office Hours: Community Connection Senior Producer Nadia Kidwai will be holding office hours Nov. 18 and 19, and Nov. 25, 26 and 28 from 11am-1pm – please swing by for a chat and to share your story.

Panel discussions: Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 11 am and Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 12 pm, we will be hosting informal but informative panel discussions where your fellow students take the lead and give us their perspectives on issues of the day.  

Look for topics and how to get involved in Staff and Student news in the days leading up.

Live shows: CBC will also be recording live from RRC Polytech: Radio Noon (Thursday, Nov. 21 from 12-1pm), and Information Radio (Thursday, Nov. 28 from 6am-8:30am).

Share your stories

The goal of the Communities in Focus initiative is to meet people, hear their stories and then share those stories. They want to tell stories that reflect and represent our province and out community is invited to share.

If you have a story idea, please get in touch by email: nadia.kidwai@cbc.ca or call 204-296-0846.

CBC Manitoba’s Communities in Focus series

CBC Manitoba has hosted several Communities in Focus events and toured many places across the province. Over the last year, CBC Manitoba has set up community news bureaus in the Interlake, Steinbach, Virden and Island Lake.

If you have questions about CBC’s Communities in Focus event at RRC Polytech, please contact collegerelations@rrc.ca

Monday is Remembrance Day, our annual reminder to reflect and honour those who have served and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.

All campuses will be closed on Monday, November 11 and all campus flags will be lowered to half-mast in observance of this day.

Today, is Indigenous Veteran’s Day, which specifically recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous soldiers. Today, Indigenous people are celebrated and acknowledged at all levels for their contributions to Canada’s military history, and hundreds of ceremonies and vigils are held across the country to honor and reflect on the Indigenous experience in the Canadian military.

To recognize, acknowledge, respect and remember what Indigenous veterans did for our country, the School of Indigenous Education at RRC Polytech is gifting staff & students commemorative pins. 

If you haven’t already, please read the profile on Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech. Prior to his career in education and post-secondary leadership, Jamie spent nine years serving in both the US and Canadian Armed Forces. Read more about his story here.

On Indigenous Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day, we remember the lives lost and the enduring impacts of war, while reflecting on the importance of peace.

Lest we forget.

Two Convocation Ceremonies Taking Place on November 6, 1:30 and 7:00 p.m., at RBC Convention Centre  

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – Today, November 6, professionals entering healthcare, business, automotive, creative, and other integral Manitoba industries will be celebrated in two convocation ceremonies. Each of the nearly 1,600 students – the largest number of graduates RRC Polytech has recognized in its Fall convocations since they were first added in 2020 – will fill vital and in-demand career roles to support Manitoba’s economy. The ceremonies will take place at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the RBC Convention Centre.

“RRC Polytech strives to prepare every student for their future career in the ever-evolving industries they are set to join after graduation,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Each of the nearly 1600 graduates we are celebrating today have proved they have the skills, the knowledge, and the confidence they need to become leaders representing RRC Polytech in Manitoba’s workforce.”

Among the honourees at tonight’s ceremony is Yi Gu, RRC Polytech’s 2024 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal recipient, and a gold medalist of the Applied Accounting program. RRC Polytech awards up to four Lieutenant Governor’s Medal awards each year to graduating students who excel in academic and technical achievement, involvement in College and/or community activities, and good character.

Yi Gu is a graduate of the Applied Accounting program. He came to Manitoba in the summer of 2023 and started his studies at RRC Polytech shortly after. In class, Yi often took on the role of leader and engaged actively with instructors and fellow students and regularly took part in various school events. Yi is an active member of the community and spends his time volunteering at St. Boniface Hospital and Shanghai Association of Manitoba.

“I am honoured to be recognized for my academic achievements and involvement in the community,” said Yi Gu, Fall 2024 Lieutenant Governor Medalist. “I gained employment in my field by meeting my current employer at an event organized by the College and it is clear to me that my choice to study at RRC Polytech was right one.”

RRC Polytech has long produced graduates that make an impact on Manitoba’s workforce. The Dental Assisting program celebrated its 50^th anniversary this year and the graduates of that program stand alongside decades of alumni who were trained at RRC Polytech.

From longstanding programs to newly developed and evolving ones, RRC Polytech is proud to build upon its reputation for providing high quality, experiential education that gets grads hired, while encouraging lifelong learning in a welcoming environment for all. On average, 92 per cent of RRC Polytech graduates are employed six-18 months post-graduation.

The Fall Convocation will take place today at RBC Convention Centre, with ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.:

Wednesday, November 6th at 1:30 p.m.

• School of Business, Information Technology and Creative Arts
• School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts

Wednesday, November 6th at 7 p.m.

• School of Continuing Education
• School of Education, Arts and Sciences
• School of Health Sciences and Community Services
• School of Indigenous Education
• School of Skilled Trades and Technology

The students graduating this fall completed various degree, diploma, and certificate programs between April 29, 2024, and August 25, 2024. For a full list of graduates, award winners, and to stream the ceremonies, please visit rrc.ca/convocation.

The original Red Shirt design created by Shayre Curé.

The following message includes content that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experience. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health. Access mental health and self-care resources, here.

On behalf Jamie Wilson, VP Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development and I, we are pleased to ‘pass the pen’ to Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement and Jessica Bloomfield, Senior Strategic Advisor:

Good afternoon,

Today, October 4, is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S). The flags on RRC Polytech Campuses are lowered today as the College observes this day.

This day comes just four days after the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and calls attention to the need for justice in addition to spreading the truth and taking action in reconciliation. Many families and communities all over Turtle Island have been devastated by the loss of loved ones – families like those of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, Rebecca Contois, and Mashkode Mizhiki’ikwe.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People is a movement that illustrates the racist legacy of Canada’s justice system and the policies that lead to the circumstances in which Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people are at risk of being murdered or going missing.

In 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls published the final report, Reclaiming Power and Place, and asserts 231 Calls to Justice that address issues that accumulate into dangerous situations.

Call to Justice 11.1 addresses all educators and educational institutions:

“ We call upon all elementary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions and education authorities to educate and provide awareness to the public about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, and about the issues and root causes of violence they experience…”

Read the full Call to Justice 11.1 here.

RRC Polytech finds opportunities year-round to inform the College community about issues related to Truth and Reconciliation, including topics on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People.

During Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week, members of the College community were invited to join Gerri-Lee Pangman (McPherson) to bead red dress pins to recognize and honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People and the Day of Action. Dr. Karine Duhamel presented A Look at The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, in which she discussed the various factors that contribute to the risks that Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people face because of historical precedents and policies.

Last year, RRC Polytech and the Campus Store partnered with Métis artist Shayre Curé to create an original design for a Red Shirt for MMIWG2S, the proceeds of which go to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award for Indigenous students.

This October 4, we encourage you to view resources available through the Library, like Felicia Solomon’s Story, and Tina Fontaine: A Murdered Girl’s Legacy from CBC Curio; and films through the National Film Board like Finding Dawn, The Red Dress, and this river.

This evening, many staff and students will participate in a Paint Night with local artist Dawn Chartrand to create a painting in honour of MMIWG2S. Please note this event is at capacity. For more information and to keep up-to-date with events hosted by the Indigenous Support Centre, subscribe to the Indigenous Blog. Staff and students can also express their learning efforts by displaying a red dress in their windows, or by exploring opportunities as part of TRC Week events.

We’d also like to acknowledge that this observance may be emotionally taxing, especially for Indigenous students and employees. Please remember that, outside of formal events in which they agree to participate, Indigenous community members may decline discussing this observance because of its emotional and cultural impact.

Thank you,

Carla Kematch,
Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement

Jessica Bloomfield,
Senior Strategic Advisor

Other Resources:

• The Government of Canada’s National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls always has free resources available, including direct access to the Final Report itself.
• Many Indigenous organizations have additional programs that support the National Inquiry and education on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People like the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc. MMIWG2S and Violence Prevention.

The following message was sent to All Staff by President and CEO, Fred Meier:

Following a competitive search, I am excited to announce Giselle Martel as RRC Polytech’s new Vice-President, Finance and Administration.

In her new role, Giselle will oversee all aspects of the Finance and Administration portfolio, including finance, campus renewal, environmental stewardship, information technology and institutional analysis, and facilities management.

Giselle will apply her years of leadership and experience at RRC Polytech to this new and expanded role, with a continued focus on the financial sustainability of the College and the integrity of its financial systems and providing strategic direction, vision and management of the Finance and Administration portfolio to meet the needs of RRC Polytech students, faculty and staff.

Giselle joined RRC Polytech as Comptroller in 2021 and in that role made pivotal contributions to the college’s financial services and operations. Her leadership has been instrumental to our growth, success, and achievements as Manitoba’s polytechnic institution.

In addition to her role as Comptroller at RRC Polytech, Giselle has a wealth of experience in the public sector and post-secondary leadership, including as Executive Director of Financial Planning and Budgeting at the University of Manitoba and as Assistant Deputy Minister, Fiscal Management and Capital Planning as well as other roles over 15 years with the government of Manitoba.

Giselle is a chartered professional accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba.

Congratulations on your new role at RRC Polytech, Giselle.

Fred

The following message was sent to all staff and students:

The Manitoba Hydro power outage impacting RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus has been resolved and power is now restored.

We will move forward with the resumption of all classes evening classes as planned.

If you have any questions or concerns about your class, please contact your instructor.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we awaited the restoration of power.

There are no updates to the current Manitoba Hydro power outage affecting RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus (NDC) and the surrounding area. Power remains out and we are awaiting an update from Manitoba Hydro.

We will provide an update the College community at 10:30am.

The Notre Dame Campus remains open and if you are already on Campus, please do not use the elevator. If you need assistance or support, please visit the Security Services team in the C Building.

The following update is being shared with all staff and students

Due to a Manitoba Hydro power outage affecting RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus (NDC) and the surrounding area all morning classes at NDC  will be cancelled until 12pm. We are currently waiting for Manitoba Hydro to confirm when they anticipate the power will return.

We will provide an update at 9:30am to the College community to keep you updated on Hydro’s progress to restore power.

We anticipate a resumption of in-person classes beginning at 12:00pm.

The Notre Dame Campus remains open and if you are already on Campus, please do not use the elevator. If you need assistance or support, please visit the Security Services team in the C Building.

Staff at NDC should work directly with their Manager to determine work arrangements during the power outage.

All other RRC Polytech Campuses are unaffected by this outage and will maintain regular operations and activities.