Update: March 4, 5:00p.m

A weather system is having impacts on road conditions in some areas of the province affecting the delivery of programs at services at some of RRC Polytech’s Regional Campuses. 

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

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

• Portage campus is closed, classes will be delivered online.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses are open with classes in-person.
• Winkler campus is closed with classes delivered online.
• Selkirk campus is closed classes, will be delivered online. 
• Steinbach Campus is open with classes in-person. Evening classes will be delivered online.
• Steinbach Language Training Centre classes will be delivered online.
• Arborg is open and operating normally. Evening classes will not be delivered.

Exams scheduled at the Selkirk Campus today will be re-scheduled. Students will be contacted with new exam details this week.

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

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to unsafe road conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Did you know the Winnipeg Free Press offers unlimited access to Red River College Polytechnic students? 

This RRC Polytech benefit will help you stay connected to breaking news coverage, in-depth investigations, arts and life writing, and the latest sports reporting.

Learn more about accessing the Winnipeg Free Press’s independent journalism coverage below.

I AM A STUDENT

Here’s how to read:

Create an account using your RRC Polytech student email address.

Once registered, you will have access to winnipegfreepress.com, ee.winnipegfreepress.com (the digital replica of our printed newspaper), and the NewsBreak iOS/ Android app from anywhere in the world.

I AM STAFF OR FACULTY

Here’s how to read:

Create an account on the Winnipeg Free Press using any email address.

Staff and faculty will be able to read paywalled articles on winnipegfreepress.com when logged in and while connected to the RRC network or campus Wi-Fi.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR NEWS ACCESS:

Problems accessing the website or logging in?

Contact Free Press customer service at digitalfeedback@freepress.mb.ca.

Want to give feedback about the way our website, apps or mobile site look or work?

Email us at digitalfeedback@freepress.mb.ca.

Want to give feedback about the news on our website, apps or mobile site?

Email us at webnews@freepress.mb.ca.

RRC Polytech has partnered with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO)’s Health Transformation Department and provincial and regional health authorities to help bring more comprehensive health services to the citizens of Lake Manitoba First Nation. As a result, medical laboratory services will soon be available in the Nation for the first time.

“RRC Polytech is committed to building relationships that remove barriers for Indigenous learners by working collaboratively to identify the needs of students and communities, and delivering customized training solutions that allow learners to pursue their studies close to home,” said Jamie Wilson, RRC Polytech’s Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development. “We look forward to working together with these and other potential partners to enhance and increase access to healthcare services and continuing to empower all communities through education.”

Three members of the Lake Manitoba First Nation started an in-community phlebotomy training program in January. This specialized, community-focused training provided by RRC Polytech’s Corporate Solutions team uses a blend of online, in-class lab and clinical learning experiences to teach students the skills and knowledge necessary to collect blood specimens from patients safely and effectively.

“I had never done online classes, so it was a little scary at first. But our instructor (Brittney Bragnalo) is very supportive, she breaks it all down so you can understand things,” said student, Lesley Missyabit. “Once I got used to the video-calling and emails, it’s been really good and I can’t wait to start our clinical training.”

“It’s huge that I didn’t have to leave my family or worry about facing high costs in the city to pursue improving myself and my community,” said student, Caitlin Edwards. “So, my only question was ‘Can I do this?’ and so far, I’m really enjoying it.”

The students are expected to complete the program in early April 2024 and become knowledgeable, competent, and caring healthcare professionals as well as integral members of the community’s Health Centre team.

“SCO is extremely pleased to know Lake Manitoba residents are being trained to deliver lab services in their home Nation. This will create new career opportunities and will also build capacity for the delivery of comprehensive health services within Lake Manitoba,” shared Grand Chief Jerry Daniels in a joint news release with the provincial government.

While infrastructure is essential to independence and prosperity, the lifeblood of any community – the most important thing needed to exist, develop, and be successful – remains its people. The onsite lab in Lake Manitoba First Nation’s stunning new Health Centre has sat empty since it opened a year ago because there were no staff available locally who were qualified to deliver lab services.

“It is essential we work to build more holistic health services to benefit our members. It is time to close the gap in life expectancy between First Nation citizens and non-First Nation people in Manitoba,” said Chief Cornell McLean of the Lake Manitoba First Nation. “Reducing barriers and having more accessible services in our Nations will help us reach that goal.”

Lake Manitoba First Nation members currently have to travel to Eriksdale (about 38 kilometres away) or Ashern (about 52 kilometres away) for a routine blood sample collection. Having a proficient phlebotomist onsite will lead to quicker test results, more timely medical interventions, and better health outcomes within the community, in addition to the immediate advantages of reducing travel, related costs and stress for individuals.

“Every Manitoban deserves quality care, close to home,” added Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister, Uzoma Asagwara in the joint release. “Our goal is to ensure that throughout our province, all Manitobans have access to convenient, timely and reliable lab services. It is particularly important in this case that care is being delivered by citizens of Lake Manitoba First Nation, who will be trained and working in their community.”

The first three participants in the pilot project share a passion for helping those around them and also happen to be working mothers who are balancing full-time jobs and raising their families with up to 25 hours a week of classes and studying, so staying in their community to learn is not a preference, it’s a requirement.

“I read my phlebotomy textbook to my three-year-old until he falls asleep at night and then I watch the recordings of our classes to catch up but I’m not passing up this opportunity,” explained student, Sarah Lavallee. “I’m proud of my commitment to stay and work here, I’m excited to make a difference, and I believe we will inspire others.”  

The students are thriving thanks in part to layers of additional support that include resident Elder Mary Maytwayashing; the entire Lake Manitoba First Nation Health Care Team; a mentor from the Interlake Regional Health Authority helping with the lab and equipment; and access to RRC Polytech’s full complement of resources and support services.

Their success represents important first steps toward SCO’s goal of bringing a fuller suite of healthcare services closer to home for the citizens of 34 southern First Nations and will serve as an example of the power of partnership to prompt meaningful change.

“This is one of the many projects that the health transformation team has been working on as SCO continues to develop a southern First Nations health authority,” concluded Karlene Debance, Chief Executive Officer for Health Transformation, SCO. “SCO is pleased to see that this training is underway. We wish the students all the success with the program and with their careers in the healthcare field.”

A winter storm is having impacts on road conditions in the city and across the province.

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

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

• Portage Campus is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg Campuses are open with classes in-person.
• Interlake Campuses are open but classes will be online.
• Steinbach Campus is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Arborg and Steinbach LTCs are open and no changes to program delivery.

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

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to unsafe road conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

A winter storm is having impacts on road conditions and has caused power outages in some areas of the city and province.

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

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

• Portage campus is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses are open with classes in-person.
• Winkler campus is open with classes in-person.
• Selkirk campus is closed with classes scheduled via online delivery today.
• Peguis campus is open with classes delivered in-person.
• Steinbach Campus is open with classes in-person.
• Steinbach Language Training Centre classes will be delivered online.

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

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to unsafe road conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Any updates to campus operations will be shared here.

Robel Berhane had only shared his life story with three people before writing about it for a class assignment.

That memoir, “Almost Home,” recounts the story of his childhood as an Eritrean national in Ethiopia before immigrating to Canada, and is one of three student pieces by Creative Communications graduates named finalists for the 2023 Canadian Online Publishing Awards (COPAs). A podcast by the program’s journalism specialization is also up for honours.

Behane’s story, and ones written by Caleb Dueck and Rachel Ferstl, were part of Working Draft – Creative Communications’ annual, student-produced web magazine and final assignment for the program. The trio of grads are vying for top prize respectively in the COPAs’ Best Multicultural Story, Best Feel-Good Story, and Best Feature categories against students from across Canada. Winners will be announced in February 2024 at a celebration in Toronto.  

“It feels great, although it felt a bit like imposter syndrome at first,” said Berhane. “It’s a bit like a journal entry but I am proud of it. I will always look back and reflect on the work we put into this project, and now, to be recognized for this national award reaffirms that it was a good piece.”

Berhane graduated from the Creative Communications program in June 2023. He said writing about his past has given him a chance to think back to his childhood.

“Working Draft has given me a platform to share my story and opened doors for others to tell me their stories as well,” said Berhane. “It also challenged me to dig deep and reflect a lot internally about pushing myself to be vulnerable and share my story, while also thinking carefully about the implications it may have for my family and their safety. My parents still go back home and visit, and this story is public, so I had to think about the cost of privacy.”

He also credits the exercise in creative non-fiction for helping him on the career front as well. Since joining Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW) after graduation, Berhane says his story telling skills and the experiences of his Working Draft project have helped him to reach new emotions, work collaboratively, and receive constructive criticism. The result? Three promotions within six months to his current role at EDW as Corporate Communications Coordinator.  

Working Draft is a yearlong project students embark on at the start of their second year in Creative Communications. Students must choose their story idea based on a common theme, pitch their ideas, and have them approved by a panel. Once their story idea is approved, they begin researching their topics and start interviewing their subjects. Students choose from three styles of writing: feature, creative nonfiction, and white paper. Once the stories are completed, students create multimedia to augment their impact.

Students work closely with Faculty Advisors Emily Cain and Karen Press, along with instructors from various disciplines within Creative Communications on developing and refining their Working Draft stories throughout the year.

“All of our students worked incredibly hard on these stories throughout the year. They were brave for telling their stories, they all had to dig deep for research and put themselves in a vulnerable place,” said Emily Cain, Creative Communications instructor at RRC Polytech.

Both Press and Cain looked at the COPA submission criteria, discussing which stories they thought would do well. They submitted six stories plus the Journalism Specialization podcast into the contest.

Three stories shortlisted for the COPAs is a fantastic national profile for the Creative Communications program and adds to the profile of Working Draft, added Cain. She said her first emotion when she found out was pride for the students.

“I’m proud they are being recognized for their work,” she said.

Press and Cain put a lot of work into guiding the students as they write and edit the magazine. Berhane recognizes their dedication to the students and Working Draft.

“They work with us until it is finished, this project really opens doors for us and gives us a platform,” said Berhane.

“Their guidance and mentorship have been the cornerstone in my development. I thank them for their encouragement, the invaluable lessons they imparted, the platform they provided, and, most importantly, believing in my story, which has been nothing short of transformational,” Berhane said.

The recognition is incredible, and it is an honour being up against incredible writers with amazing stories, added Berhane.

“This nomination is a shared achievement, and while it does not guarantee a win, it is a testament to the collective effort of everyone who has been part of this journey,” said Berhane.

Summaries of the three CreComm student stories and journalism class project nominated for the 2023 COPAs (Academic Category):

1. Robel Berhane:  Best Multicultural Story with “Almost Home”
   After soldiers broke down the gates to Robel Berhane’s childhood home and took his parents away, forcing him to look after his younger brothers, how can he find home again? 
   
2. Caleb Dueck: Best Feel-Good Story with “Making my Peace with Babel”
   Nonverbal Learning Disorder shaped Caleb Dueck’s identity and mental health. His journey to understanding himself began with a doll house.
   
3. Rachel Ferstl: Best Feature Story with “Camp like a Girl”      
   What does it mean to camp like a girl? Rachel Ferstl discovers it means getting outside in spite of sexism and traditional gender norms. She talks to two Manitoban organizations that are getting women into the wilderness and celebrating how being outside helps women tap into their innate power — and have fun while doing it.
   
4. Journalism specialization: Best Podcast (Media Category) with The Basement: A Son’s Quest for Justice
   Journalism students worked on this investigative podcast as a class project under the guidance of instructor, James Turner. They are up against media outlets such as the CBC.

The winners will be announced on February 8, 2024 here.

Learn more about the Creative Communications program here.

There is a winter storm impacting the province today.  Please be advised that the Perimeter Highway is closed due to poor driving conditions.

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

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

• Portage campus will be open but classes will be delivered online.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses will be open with classes as usual during the day.
• Winkler campus will be open but classes will be delivered online
• Selkirk campus is closed with online delivery today.
• Peguis campus is closed with online delivery today.
• Sagkeeng campus is closed with online delivery.
• Steinbach and Arborg Language Training Centre classes will be cancelled.

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

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to weather conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Any updates to campus operations will be shared here.

Let’s get digital! rrc.ca/dtti

Last week, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) announced a $3,250,000 Mobilize grant to fund Red River College Polytechnic’s new Digital Technology Transformation Initiative (DTTI). The funding comes as part of a larger investment from NSERC to support applied research projects at colleges across Canada that are designed to address local challenges.

The DTTI will build applied research capacity to support Manitoba as it moves towards digital transformation, while achieving net-zero goals in the leading sectors of advanced manufacturing and climate/clean tech.

“This funding empowers RRC Polytech, through the DTTI, to strengthen our position as a vital resource in Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem, regional socioeconomic system, and provincial economy now and into the future,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech. “The establishment of the DTTI is not only a great benefit to the College and our partners, but it goes a long way in supporting RRC Polytech as we strive to meet our strategic commitments – particularly deepening partnerships to maximize prosperity across industry and community.”

The DTTI aims to rapidly accelerate digitally-focused applied research expertise at RRC Polytech, so the College can continue to address industry’s most critical needs in the areas of advanced digital manufacturing (ADM) and climate/clean tech, while laying the groundwork for deepening collaborations with current and prospective partners in these areas. The DTTI will also provide invaluable experiential learning opportunities for students while facilitating a talent pipeline of diverse innovators to power the workforce of tomorrow.

“The DTTI is designed to alleviate some of the common challenges faced by the advanced manufacturing and climate and clean tech sectors, such as the increased pressure on businesses to engage in digital innovation, adoption, and net-zero strategies,” says Wilson.

“While RRC Polytech has existing and substantial infrastructure and expertise, this funding provides the additional human resource capacity and project funds necessary to establish a broad range of interdisciplinary applied research partnerships in the digital technology transformation space.”

RRC Polytech’s research enterprise, Research Partnerships & Innovation, has been a crucial player in the Canadian applied research scene for 20 years. The Mobilize funding comes on the heels of RRC Polytech’s recent 14^th place ranking in Re$earch Infosource’s annual list of Canada’s top 50 research colleges.

For more information, visit rrc.ca/dtti.

At RRC Polytech, we aim to provide the best parking experience possible for staff and students. To ensure we can maintain and improve our parking services, there will be a gradual increase in monthly parking fees at the Notre Dame and Stevenson campuses. The first increase is $3.00 as of January 1, followed by $2.00 as of July 1, 2024.

Our goal is to keep parking rate increases manageable and reasonable over time. The new rates will support continued maintenance to our parking services, and where possible, upgrades to parking infrastructure.

Starting January 1, 2024, the new parking permit rates, GST included, are as follows:

Notre Dame Campus:

• Power Stall: $66.15 (Previously $63.00)
  • Term rate: $264.60
  • Annual rate: $793.89 TOTAL = $33.08 bi-weekly

• Non-Power Stall: $58.80 (Previously $55.65)
  • Term Rate: $235.20
  • Annual Rate: $705.60 TOTAL = $29.40 bi-weekly

Stevenson Campus:

• Power Stall: $41.16 (Previously $38.01)
  • Term Rate: $164.64
  • Annual rate $493.92
    
• Non-Power Stall: $35.49 (Previously $32.34)
  • Term Rate: $141.96
  • Annual rate: $425.88

Staff who are on payroll deduction will have their parking fees adjusted in accordance with the new permit rates. The new rates for payroll deduction will appear on the pay period ending January 12, 2024. Additionally, term passes will be adjusted accordingly with the monthly increase.

The hourly parking rate at NDC and Stevenson are $2.00/hour, with a daily maximum of $8.00.

As the College grows and evolves, so do its parking needs. Parking at RRC Polytech is an ever-evolving process, which we invite you to be a part of. Please contact Commuting and Parking Services at parking@rrc.ca with any questions. Feedback from staff and students continues to be an important consideration in managing the parking program.

Frequently Asked Questions

All 1,400 graduates celebrated at RRC Polytech’s fall convocation this week share a sense of tremendous pride in their accomplishments and while Brittney Smith is no exception, she has been recognized for being exceptional.

In addition to graduating with Honours from the Legal Assistant Certificate Program, Brittney also proudly accepted RRC Polytech’s 2023 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal, the College’s highest honour awarded for academic and technical achievement, involvement in College and/or community activities, and good character.

Brittney says she’s humbled by her selection, but that her educational journey has also taught her to balance her fierce determination with the understanding that everyone needs support along the way. She believes there should not be any shame or embarrassment in acknowledging your struggles and welcoming the kindness of others.  

“Don’t let your pride stop you from achieving your goals. It’s ok to ask for help and it’s ok to accept help,” is the advice the award-winning graduate wants to share, even though she knows how difficult it can feel in the moment.       

Brittney’s determination to succeed and pursue a career in law began as a child. She has always been driven by an unwavering desire to help others around her and support those in need. Growing up, she prioritized her education and worked diligently to maintain top grades while recognizing that all activities and pursuits lead to valuable life experiences that provide the balance and perspective required to reach her ultimate goals. From basketball; dance; volunteering to plan, decorate and host events; to hand-crafting Indigenous bead wear for donations, Brittney took pride in putting others first while building trust and relationships in her community.

But when her immediate family abruptly moved to B.C. without her during her senior year, her priorities were quickly shifted to helping her older sister cover the bills and scrambling to find their next meal. Despite their strong work ethic, they simply couldn’t keep up with the increasing costs of living on their own. It was stressful. It was devastating. She felt her dream slipping away until she received a lifeline in the form of a full tuition scholarship to attend RRC Polytech from the Schroeder Foundation.       

“At the time, I could barely afford to eat so without the generous support of the scholarship I was granted, there was simply no way I would have been able to even think about attending post-secondary. I was so excited and felt so much relief when I was offered an option to work my way out of the tough spot, I was in. It motivated me to keep going and I cannot thank Walter and Maria enough for the impact they’ve made in my life.”   

She was a step closer to becoming a legal assistant, but her challenges were far from over. Just a few weeks into her 11-month program Brittney and her sister were evicted and she found herself essentially homeless. Her mental health deteriorated but she reached out mainly through support links and helplines to find the strength to manage her situation and stay focused.

She stayed late on campus to study, so her grades didn’t suffer and then with support and guidance from Career Services and her instructor, she was able to secure a practicum at one of Winnipeg’s biggest law firms. She gained valuable experience while showcasing her skills and professionalism and ultimately, they offered her a full-time position as a Legal Assistant. She’s now renting her own apartment and she’s already volunteering at the not-for-profit, Higher Learning Foundation that helps students manage their mental wellness.

“It wasn’t easy and there were times I wanted to quit, but by using the resources available to me through the College and from family and friends, I felt supported and motivated to push through – and it was so worth it! Now, just a few months removed from needing assistance, I’m in a position where I can be the one helping and encouraging others that with a lot of hard work and a little help, it is totally possible.”        

Despite her academic journey taking many unexpected twists and turns, Brittney Smith believes in the power of education, the importance of being kind and that it is empowering to accept help when you need it – and she’s not afraid to tell anyone her story in an effort to destigmatize the effects of financial instability and poor mental health.

“I’m very proud of my dedication and resiliency to earn my credentials, this award, and a job through my practicum placement,” said Smith. “I want to share my life story to inspire people that find themselves homeless and struggling with declining mental health to never give up because I’ve been able to overcome those challenges, and they need to know they can too.”

RRC Polytech adds second ceremony to celebrate over 1,400 graduates at Fall Convocation

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – For the first time since introducing a Fall Convocation, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) has added a second ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of more than 1,400 students who have completed various degree, diploma and certificate programs between May 1, 2023 and August 27, 2023.

“Our highest attended Fall Convocation to date speaks volumes to the exceptional experience RRC Polytech provides for students.  We’re thrilled our graduates want to celebrate the culmination of their studies with family, friends, loved ones and the entire College community who have supported them along their academic journey,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“The class of 2023 has the required skills, training and knowledge to drive Manitoba’s economy forward and we look forward to seeing what these leaders of tomorrow bring to the workforce and to their communities.”

RRC Polytech’s 2023 Fall Convocation marks the first time that graduates will receive credentials in two new programs:

• Nurse Re-Entry – Post-Graduate Certificate
• Welding – Applied Certificate through the Women of Steel program

Manitoba’s polytechnic 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, 96 per cent of RRC Polytech graduates begin working in their field within six months of graduating.

RRC Polytech’s Fall Convocation will take place at RBC Convention Centre, starting at 7:00pm on both evenings:

Tuesday, November 7 

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

Wednesday, November 8

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

For a full list of graduates, award winners, and to stream the ceremonies please visit rrc.ca/convocation.