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.

RRC Polytech’s annual Thrive Week is Monday, Nov 6 to Saturday, Nov 11, 2023. The week organized in collaboration between Campus Well-Being and the RRC Polytech Students’ Association is a time to focus on finding the balance that supports your mental health and well-being, so you can thrive in your studies, work, and personal life. Whether you find your balance through being active, creative, connected or relaxed, there’s an activity or event for you during Thrive Week!

This year we are pleased to welcome local singer-songwriter, performer and three-time JUNO Award nominee, Don Amero, as our keynote speaker. Whether Amero is performing, public speaking or hosting an episode of his podcast, Through the Fire, he taps into his ability to connect effortlessly and genuinely with his audience.

Students and staff can expect to get “up close and personal” with Amero as he shares the stories and songs that got him through some tough times. The singer-songwriter will be performing a few songs and sharing his lived experience thriving despite adversity.

“My desire is to leave people with hope and help them see that there’s beauty in life that’s worth fighting for,” says Amero, on what people can anticipate from his Thrive Week keynote presentation and mini performance.

On a personal level, music has helped Amero through trying times, which led him to research its therapeutic benefits. From a balance of research and his own experience, Amero developed the Music Is Medicine workshop, focusing on the impact and power music has mentally and physically. Elements of the workshop will be woven into Amero’s keynote presentation, illustrating the healing benefits of incorporating music into your life during challenging times.

Amero’s journey to pursuing music as a full-time career has come with its own unique challenges. In 2006, a disheartening experience on Canadian Idol left him feeling “quite depressed.”

“My wife said to me, ‘you’re giving them too much power – take the reins and don’t leave it up to others.’”

With his wife’s steadfast support, Amero continued living his passion for performing, dabbling in open mic nights and any opportunities he could find to share his music. Eventually he embarked on a coast-to-coast tour, performing 30 shows in only six weeks. He hit the road from Winnipeg to Vancouver, then east all the way to Halifax, and then headed back to his hometown.

“I made $0.00 – probably negative dollars – but I was very happy chasing my joy and peace,” says Amero of his first cross-country tour.

Amero had left his job laying flooring to chase his calling as a country singer-songwriter, noting that his wife worked two jobs to support his dream. While he continued to break into the music scene, he and his family lived very minimally. After about five years of focusing on music as an independent career, Amero was able to “make it work” as the sole income provider for his family.

Looking back on his journey so far, one of the pivotal moments was winning the Indigenous Singer-Songwriter of the Year at the 2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards, which he was up against the legendary Buffy Sainte-Marie and fellow Manitoban, the late Vince Fontaine.

“When I look around at the grand music industry, there’s so much talent. Sometimes I question how I got to a place where I’m thriving and able to financially support my family, feeding three kids on the regular.”

Amero expresses that it’s incredible that music provides him with this life. Equally, his ability to press on through life’s hard moments has played a key role in his successes.

Alongside a successful music career, he has branched out into other paths, including authoring a children’s book, These Roots Of Love, advocating for Indigenous communities, public speaking and podcasting.

Amero’s podcast and video series, Through the Fire, focuses on overcoming adversity, re-framing misfortune, and celebrating the courage to get through it all. Guests featured on Through the Fire are primarily public figures and musicians, including Mark Chipman, Sam Corbett of The Sheepdogs, and Fred Penner, to name a few.

Throughout the series, many guests have shared how they’ve got to the other side of obstacles along their paths and overcome some deeply painful experiences. When asked about advice for those going through challenging or painful times, Amero turned to the words from his friend and podcast guest, Christa Couture.

“Christa has experienced some of the most traumatic loss, and as a father, I felt the weight and heaviness. She spoke about grief, noting that there’s something to be said about the passage of time – if you allow yourself to sit in the sorrow and trust that while the wound will still hurt, the pain won’t always feel the same.”

Breaking an ankle, for example, there’s immediate, searing pain, but we know we will come to the other side. Amero emphasizes that emotional pain, too, takes time. We need to create space to allow ourselves the time to heal.

Similarly, Amero expresses that prioritizing self-care is something to be very intentional about. Amidst his busy schedule, he takes time out for himself, using the time to build.

“When travelling, my goal is to find a nice park to take a walk or use the hotel gym. At times it’s okay to sit and watch TV, too, but for me, moving and exercise are my self-care.”

Catch Don Amero’s Thrive Week Keynote Presentation to learn more about his journey and experience some of his songs live, on Thursday, November 9, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., in the Roundhouse Auditorium at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus. The Keynote will also be livestreamed. Register to attend in-person or virtually.

Read more about Don Amero at donamero.ca and listen to his latest EP, Six, which includes the singles, Ain’t Too Late and Go Girl on Spotify or wherever you stream your music.

Today, students, staff and alumni from Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) are showing off their talents and skills at the College’s first annual fall market and showcase. Fifty vendors from the College community will be selling everything from French macarons to holiday décor to Indigenous artwork – and much more – at RRC Polytech’s Exchange District Campus.

The Fall Market and Showcase will also feature information booths from some of RRC Polytech’s program areas, inviting visitors to learn more about what a polytechnic education has to offer.

Interactive workshops invite guests to make their own puzzles, design and draw wood ornaments, create candles, and even participate in an outdoor pumpkin carving contest taking place in the Elgin Ave. Plaza.

The event is free to attend, and all are welcome. Learn more here.

What: RRC Polytech’s Fall Market and Showcase

Where: RRC Polytech Exchange District Campus – The Roblin Centre (160 Princess St.) and Manitou a bi Bii daziigae (319 Elgin Ave.)

When: Wednesday, October 11, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

• Market: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Vendors are set up throughout the Roblin Centre and Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, workshops take place in the Roundhouse (second floor, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae)
• Program area showcase: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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.

Today, October 4, is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S). We wear red to observe this day, to raise awareness about the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people and encourage people to learn more about how we can support the 231 Calls to Justice of the National Inquiry’s Final Report.

This report, Reclaiming Power and Place, was published on June 3, 2019, after an extensive truth-gathering and research period. The two-volume report with a cumulative 1080 pages details testimony from 1,484 family members and Survivors, 83 experts, Knowledge Keepers and officials, and 819 artists and asserts 231 Calls to Justice.

Truth and Reconciliation is the responsibility of all of us that call North America—Turtle Island—home. We are past promising to do better: now is the time for us, for everyone, to act.

Acting on Truth and Reconciliation is especially important for us as an educational institution with Campuses across the province – and in Winnipeg. The families of women, girls and Two Spirit people who have been murdered or have gone missing grieve every day the loss of their loved ones.

Morgan Harris. Marcedes Myran. Rebecca Contois. Mashkode Mizhiki’ikwe. These women and their families cannot be forgotten.

The history and ongoing violence and discrimination of Indigenous Peoples on this land, this Indigenous land, and around the world, is a disgrace. Truth in Truth and Reconciliation, in part, is recognizing this fact.

We cannot do work in Truth and Reconciliation without understanding first the damage that Indigenous Peoples, communities and nations have endured. We must confront the past and the present, so those that come after us do not forget why our work is important—for future Indigenous Peoples to heal and for future Canadians to understand.

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

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.

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.

This 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. The bursary, valued at $1,000, aims to alleviate some financial stress for Indigenous students. The shirts are produced and ordered through Red Rebel Armour, owned and operated by RRC Polytech alumnus Sean Rayland-Boubar.

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, our Indigenous community may decline discussing this observance because of its emotional and cultural impact.

Fred Meier, President and CEO

Jamie Wilson, VP Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development

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.

Tomorrow, September 30, is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which grew from the Indigenous-led grassroots movement, Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters. The flags on RRC Polytech Campuses are lowered today as the College observes Orange Shirt Day and will remain lowered this weekend in observance.

Wearing an orange shirt to recognize Residential School Survivors and remember those who never made it home originates from Phyllis Webstad’s story. Phyllis attended Mission School and on her first day, the brand-new orange shirt from her grandmother was taken from her, never to be worn again.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation brings to light everything that was taken from Indigenous Peoples through the horrific history of the Canadian Residential School System – culture and traditions, family, language, and sovereignty. And as Ininew artist, Leticia Spence, who created RRC Polytech’s 2023 orange shirt design highlights, it is also a time to foster hope for a better future.

“In difficult times, hope is the one thing we can grasp onto – not only to survive, but to drive us to fight for a world in which we no longer have to cry out for justice, and to reinforce that we deserve to exist.”

It is the responsibility of all Canadians to build a more equitable and inclusive society that closes the gaps in social, health and economic outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and people. That includes RRC Polytech as an organization, teams within the College and everyone as individuals. This year’s theme, “Colonialism impacts everyone,” demonstrates shared experiences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in different contexts and how together we can move forward in a way that’s equitable for everyone.

Through our shared responsibility to fostering Truth and Reconciliation we must continue to listen, grow, and open ourselves up to different ways of thinking and learning, discover areas where we can improve, and show our commitment to walk together on the journey. Inevitably along the way as an organization and as individuals we will all make missteps, but how we learn from past mistakes is critical along the journey of Truth and Reconciliation.

One story that I’d like to share is about the 2022 RRC Polytech Orange Shirt, designed by local Indigenous artist, Peatr Thomas. Peatr was commissioned to create the design, but the production of the t-shirts was not outsourced to an Indigenous-owned company. Employees and media reached out to us to address this oversight. Learning from this misstep ensured this year’s Orange Shirts were produced by Red Rebel Armour, an Indigenous streetwear outlet owned and operated by RRC Polytech grad Sean Rayland-Boubar.  Like last year, proceeds from t-shirt sales will support the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award when applications open in January 2024.

As teams, individuals and as an organization we continue to come together to foster deeper understanding and growth. RRC Polytech’s annual Truth and Reconciliation Week speaks volumes to the progress we have made – from two people leading Truth and Reconciliation Week to this year, almost 90 people volunteering their time. As you’ll notice, this year the programming has expanded to student-, staff- and community-led sessions taking place over two weeks.

Miigwech to Carla Kematch, the Planning Committee and volunteers, and especially those who are leading Truth and Reconciliation Week sessions. We recognize the emotional labour and vulnerability of sharing your story and lived experience. And in turn, we must also be vulnerable, remaining steadfast in our commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation, despite the fear of potentially doing or saying something wrong. Inaction and staying complacent will not allow us to move forward on our shared journey. 

I encourage all students and staff to continue to engage with the opportunities available to you next week and beyond. You can find more information about upcoming Truth and Reconciliation Week sessions here.

Please note that RRC Polytech campuses are closed on Monday, October 2, in lieu of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which falls on a Saturday. It is not just another day off. Tomorrow – and every day – is a time to recognize Survivors and the generations who continue to be impacted by the Residential School System. We must continue to look inward at our own biases and knowledge to evolve and grow our understanding of history, current issues that impact Indigenous peoples and reconciliation efforts.

My hope is that you create some intentional time tomorrow to listen to and learn from Indigenous voices. Our Library team has curated self-guided resources and there are many community events happening across the province. For example, Wa-Say Healing Centre is hosting a walk and Pow Wow in downtown Winnipeg.

Take good care of yourself and those around you,

Fred Meier
RRC Polytech President and CEO

There’s a new sign in town!

RRC Polytech’s Portage Campus is now home to a new community welcome sign that was created by artist, Annie Beach at the request of the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC), and features Indigenous languages while recognizing Treaty One land.

The Portage Campus was approached by the PCRC to partner on the project which now features the colourful new signage on the campus building as you drive down 5th Street SE.

Portage Campus Manager, Guy Moffat, was interviewed by local newspaper, PortageOnline, and shared more about the partnership and sign as part of RRC Polytech’s commitment to truth and reconciliation, and pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

“First of all, to partner with Portage Community Revitalization Corporation is something we do regularly. And having a great big welcome sign on the building was a great opportunity,” said Campus Manager, Guy Moffat in a recent interview. “We work hard to make sure that we are [collaborating] with First Nations communities and Indigenous people to [ensure] that the programming that we’re offering is meeting the needs of the community.”

The artist, Annie Beach, was born and based in Winnipeg, is Cree/Saulteaux/Ukrainian, with relations from Peguis First Nation. Beach is a visual artist, muralist and instructor, with a BFA (Honours) from the University of Manitoba School of Art. She has created numerous public art murals in Winnipeg’s downtown, murals celebrating the Seven Sacred Teachings for the North End Women’s Centre, as well as work for the CN Railway, Portage Community Revitalization Corporation, and an art installation at the Remai Modern in Saskatoon.

On her Instagram page, Beach posted photos of her artwork and described being asked to create the piece and her inspiration for the sign:

“A new welcome sign adorns the exterior of RRC Polytech Portage la Prairie Campus,” said Beach. “When I was asked to create this welcome sign, I wanted to encapsulate the history of various communities collaborating and trading in the early days of the city’s establishment. I chose to depict the grand prairie sunset sky with two voyageurs crossing the landscape towards three tipis. I wanted to create the intermingling of family lines to create the city that we call home. The three phrases of hello and welcome are translated in Anishinaabemowin, Michif, and Dakota. Miigwetch to the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation for inviting me to work on this project.”

On Saturday, September 23 the community was invited to the Portage Campus for a grand unveiling of the sign. Artist, Annie Beach was in attendance and local Elder Darryl Taylor led the ceremony with an honour song to signify the importance of the sign. The sign unveiling was part of the Pimachiowin Aki Land Based Experience event as part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation or Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters on September 30.

The event was well attended with over 150 participants in attendance to have their first glance at the new welcome sign, and provided opportunities to learn about trapping and fishing, taste preserved traditional foods, learn about canoeing and animal calls, and listen to stories and playing games.

Read the story PortageOnline wrote here.

Karen Kabel, Associate Dean of Creative Arts & Applied Computer Education (ACE) at RRC Polytech has the encryption key to success when it comes to cybersecurity and was recently recognized as one of Canada’s top women in the field by IT World Canada.

Kabel joins twenty leading experts who were recently honoured at the IT World Canada Top Women in Cybersecurity celebration, Surpassing Expectations. The event hosted a group of women who excel in the various cybersecurity disciplines for organizations such as Microsoft, IBM Deloitte, Scotiabank, the Government of Canada, National Microbiology Lab, and RRC Polytech.

“When I entered the cybersecurity industry, I was one of the first women, so it’s incredible to join twenty of the best in this field from across Canada for this prestigious recognition,” said Kabel. “I’ve always had a passion for encouraging and mentoring women to become interested and certified, and one of the other recipients was someone I helped receive their certification, so it made this experience even more special.”

IT World Canada is an organization committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in the IT sector. The Top Women in Cybersecurity event was created by IT World Canada (ITWC) in association with the Women in Security & Resilience Alliance (WISECRA) and the Canadian Women in Security Forum to recognize women who have advanced the Canadian security industry.

IT World Canada hopes that by recognizing Canada’s top women in cybersecurity it will not only highlight the diverse talents within Canada but also serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring young women. Something IT World Canada and Karen Kabel have in common.

As the Associate Dean of Creative Arts and ACE at RRC Polytech, Kabel has dedicated her career to the cybersecurity field and today, helps inspire the next generation of learners. With a career spanning Canada and Europe, Karen has provided essential security services to multiple companies. She believes that learning about cybersecurity education can start as early as kindergarten and continue throughout a lifetime, and she volunteers her time to train and mentor individuals in the field.

“There is a shortage of women in this industry, so I have always strived to encourage others to consider this path and done whatever I can to support their training along the way – whether it was hosting study groups with pizza or mentoring through the certification process,” said Kabel.

Kabel came to RRC Polytech as an Information Security program instructor in 2018 and became the Chair of Applied Computer Education in 2020, where she helped expand the IT program portfolio to include several new programs. In partnership with the School of Indigenous Education, Kabel helped co-create a new Indigenous IT Pathway program and led the development of three new diploma programs including Data Science and Machine Learning, IT Operations and Application Development & Delivery. She was named Associate Dean of Creative Arts and ACE in January 2023.

As a woman in cybersecurity, Karen advocates for more female representation, highlighting their multitasking abilities and stress-handling skills.

“People have always asked me how I can stay so calm and work under stress – which is key if you work in this industry. I always credit my job of being a mom and raising four children into adulthood, said Kabel. “As a parent you are always prioritizing, problem solving, and trying to remain calm under pressure, and these are strategies that I’ve tried to bring from my home life into the working environment.” 

There are currently 25,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions in Canada and the gap is widening. Kabel says RRC Polytech is encouraging more women to enter the field through a training and work-integrated learning pilot with the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) and Microsoft.

The pilot will recruit 20 students who are women or who identify as women in RRC Polytech’s Information Technology programs to acquire foundational Microsoft Cybersecurity training and certification, mentorship, and experiential work-integrated learning – all at no cost to the student.

To learn more about the ICTC and Microsoft Cybersecurity Training Pilot, or to register, click here.

The following message was sent to all staff and students from Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer

This week marks the beginning of another exciting semester ahead and it’s wonderful to see the halls begin to fill with staff, faculty and eager learners back on our campuses across the province.

As we prepare for the term, we want to remind the College community that your health and safety remains our top priority. While the threat of COVID-19 remains low in our community, as we approach Influenza season, it’s important to remain diligent and do our part to stop the spread of all communicable diseases.

As a reminder, RRC Polytech continues to take the following preventative precautions to keep you safe while on-campus:

• RRC Polytech staff and students must stay home when sick, even if symptoms are mild.
• Sanitizer stations remain available throughout our campuses. Regular handwashing and sanitizing, especially after using high touch areas, helps to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• While there is no change in our mask policy, we support the use of masks on-campus.
• All staff and students, who are able, are encouraged to receive their COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots, as well as the flu shot once available. RRC Polytech allows staff up to three hours of medical leave to receive their vaccines or booster shots, or to accompany a family member to receive their vaccines and boosters.
  • RRC Polytech will share more details on COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine clinics on-campus this fall as this information becomes available.

As we approach cold and flu season, we must all do our part to stop the spread of illness. Collectively, we all achieve more when we are healthy.

Thank you for your commitment in helping keep RRC Polytech campuses safe places to study and work. We will continue to provide health updates as needed. If you have any questions, please contact safety@rrc.ca.

Thank you,

Melanie Gudmundson
Chief Human Resource Officer

A dozen ambitious new welders empowered with skills, credentials and confidence are ready to contribute to the world of manufacturing after completing the Women of Steel™: Forging Forward Program at RRC Polytech. The dynamic group of talented and passionate women celebrated the end of their classroom studies and the beginning of their two-week workplace practicums with cake, certificates and conversation with industry partners at a recent informal luncheon on the Notre Dame Campus.    

RRC Polytech partnered with the CWB Welding Foundation to offer the tuition-free program that provides experiential learning for anyone who identifies as female and is interested in exploring welding or working in other welding-related skilled trades as they present a stable career choice with many options for women.

The federally funded program also offers additional support to reduce barriers related to transportation and childcare – and in an unexpected highlight of the summer, the College’s Women of Steel™ cohort was able to say thank-you directly, during a surprise visit from the Deputy Prime Minister. In addition to showing off their skills to the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, the resourceful group also took advantage of the unique opportunity to ask for tips on becoming powerful female role models in traditionally male dominated fields.     

They continued to fearlessly seek out information from the representatives of the private enterprises and the City of Winnipeg who attended the luncheon. The practicum placement hosts confirmed the high demand for tradespeople and offered assurance that the manufacturing sector is welcoming to anyone who does competent work. They advised the students to be on time, prepared to work hard and to ask questions to maximize their workplace experience.

Instructor Sara Broesky joined in the discussion to attest to the significance of the students’ accomplishment and express her personal pride in the growth they’ve demonstrated since May. She lauded their commitment to master the required skills quickly and stressed the importance of programs like Women of Steel™ that encourage women to consider careers in the skilled trades.  

“It’s truly incredible how quickly these women went from terrified to sparks flying to producing strong welds,” says Broesky. “Every one of them obtained at least one Canadian Welding Bureau certification and many earned multiple tickets which qualifies them to perform basic fabrication. It’s a strong foundation they can use to seek employment right away or can build on if they choose to pursue further training.”

The students spoke openly about their own educational journeys and shared their success stories of overcoming various challenges. Coming from widely different backgrounds, they all agreed that feeling safe and comfortable allowed them to achieve their true potential.         

Corleigh Bourns was in education, teaching band before the pandemic struck and limited her opportunities. The reset forced her to re-consider her options and while trades had been initially outside of her comfort zone, a tuition-free introduction was too tempting to pass up.

“I learned that I love welding and there was no reason for me to be intimidated,” she says. “I’m so proud of myself for taking a chance on something new and so grateful for the opportunity to work with and connect with so many inspirational women.” 

Always interested in a career in the trades, Amber Brown had dabbled in becoming a millwright, but never felt truly comfortable committing to a career path.

“Based on my own trauma I felt like I didn’t quite belong in previous trades environments. I always felt judged and unsure of my abilities even though I knew I had a passion to get in there and do good work,” says Brown. “My instructors and classmates understood those hesitations and I was surrounded with support allowing me to acquire the skills and confidence to prove that I can weld as well or better than anyone.”     

Brown says the entire class is now bonded for life, and she’s eager to help change the demographics in the trades while exploring sheet metal during her practicum at Magellan Aerospace.  

“This group of amazing women is going to achieve great things; I can’t wait to get started!”

Women of Steel™: Forging Forward is an Applied Certificate program at RRC Polytech, so each graduate will get the chance to be formally celebrated as they cross the stage to receive their parchment at Fall Convocation in November.

This week, you’ll notice stickers with QR codes being added to the doorways of most spaces across RRC Polytech-owned campuses. These QR codes are part of the College’s Hazardous Materials Inventory System (HMIS), used by Facilities Management and on-site contractors.

By scanning the QR code, our Facilities team and contractors have access to important information through the HMIS, prior to beginning any repairs or renovations in a space.

Presently, the QR codes identify asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in a given space. The information provided through the HMIS is in addition to the robust asbestos management program and procedures already in place at RRC Polytech.

Prior to 1990, asbestos was used in several different building materials in many public spaces in Manitoba. As the majority of RRC Polytech’s buildings pre-date 1990, some spaces inevitably have ACM, as do numerous buildings and homes across the province.

While the notion that a hazardous material is present in a space may seem unsettling, there is no risk posed to staff, students and/or visitors who are occupying the space. All ACM on RRC Polytech campuses are regularly inspected to ensure they remain encapsulated in a manner that prevents any asbestos fibers from becoming airborne and posing risk to occupants.

At RRC Polytech, we are committed to keeping you informed and updated on College-wide operations. For further information about the HMIS QR codes, please see the frequently asked questions, below, or contact Safety, Health and Security Services at safety@rrc.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions