Protein Industries Canada (PIC) is investing $1.2 million in a collaborative applied research project to explore agri-food opportunities and address barriers to food security in rural and remote communities in Manitoba.

The $1.6 million project in total will feature the professional staff and students from RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) and the College of Rehabilitation Sciences at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba (UM) working together with local communities across the province to address food insecurity and Indigenous food sovereignty barriers related to First Nations and Red River Métis food production and distribution systems. 

“On behalf of the Manitoba Métis Federation – National Government of the Red River Métis, I am pleased today to be announcing a new partnership as part of a Consortium, together with Red River College Polytechnic, the University of Manitoba, and enabled by the commitment and funding provided through Protein Industries Canada,” said David Beaudin, Minister of Agriculture and Associate Minister of Provincial Education for the MMF in a news release. “This project will help facilitate the reimagining of Red River Métis food systems and will unlock new opportunities to better connect with our foods across the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. I look forward to seeing the project build value through capacity and skills development, all while enabling greater local access to nutritious food options.” 

Food security exists when all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.  It’s not just about having enough food –  it also means having the ability to access it and use it in a way that supports a healthy and active life.  

Fresh, nutrient-dense groceries often come with a hefty price tag in rural and remote Indigenous communities, so the consortium will work with the Red River Métis and First Nations communities across Manitoba to increase access to affordable, nutritious, supply-stable and culturally appropriate food and create community-specific recipes that will incorporate pulses and other plant-based ingredients. 

The collaborative creation of these food options aims to nourish and nurture long-term health outcomes, while increasing opportunities for student learning and jobs and contributing toward future Indigenous economic development. 

“The investments into this project are advancing the future of food for all Canadians,” Protein Industries Canada CEO Robert Hunter said. “Diversifying the value-added sector provides protein options and country-wide economic growth that supports the expansion of Canada’s plant-based food and ingredient ecosystem. It’s equally important that we invest in communities and economic reconciliation with Indigenous people, ensuring the growth of this industry supports inclusion, shared prosperity and long-term partnerships across the country.” 

Throughout this project, the consortium will collaborate with the communities in a variety of ways. Together, RRC Polytech, MMF and UM will engage community members; hire students and interns; perform market research on both existing food products and future resource applications; develop food products; teach hands-on classes; and develop workshop materials to engage communities in food production and cooking skills. The project is expected to provide a case study for engaging in respectful discussions with Indigenous communities and creating an example for other organizations to follow a similar path forward. 

“RRC Polytech is committed to elevating Indigenous Peoples and communities, so we’re excited for our team of experts at Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) to join our partners in this transformative initiative,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development, RRC Polytech. “PRK’s professional staff and student workforce has led the way in embracing Truth and Reconciliation within our College community, and across the province at large, by being the first to create Indigenous research positions; mandating Four Seasons training for all staff; engaging students from the Indigenous Culinary Skills program; and actively pursuing and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs. Their knowledge, understanding and eagerness to collaborate will be a tremendous asset to the project.” 

Read the PIC News Release

About Protein Industries Canada (PIC):

PIC is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization created to position Canada as a global source of high-quality plant protein and plant-based co-products. We are one of Canada’s five Global Innovation Clusters. Our mission is to invest collaboratively to accelerate innovation and the competitiveness of the Canadian plant protein sector. The growth of Canada’s ingredient manufacturing sector can offer economic prosperity, reduced emissions, a strengthened food supply chain and economic resilience, all in the face of a changing global landscape. 

The following news release was distributed by the Province of Manitoba:

The Manitoba government is supporting the launch of Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) modernized American Sign Language (ASL) – English Interpretation Advanced Diploma Program (AEIP) to improve outcomes for students serving both the Deaf and non-Deaf communities, Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable announced today.

“Embracing diversity and inclusion makes our communities and province stronger,” said Cable. “We’re proud to work with RRC to make Manitoba a more inclusive and accessible place. The new program will enhance student success and prepare graduates to provide interpretive services for Deaf Manitobans.”
The Manitoba government has provided $225,000 for one-time renovation and equipment costs, in addition to $190,000 in annual funding to support ongoing program operations.

The modernized program provides a strong foundation in ASL fluency and Deaf history and culture, with interpreting practice in both classroom and real-world settings, noted the minister. The program has undergone an academic transformation, revamping its content, design and delivery to better meet the evolving needs of learners and the community. Graduates will be equipped to work as entry-level interpreters in various settings including kindergarten to Grade 12 public schools, colleges, businesses and social services.

Other new program elements include:

• a three-year full-time program encompassing eight terms;
• revised admission requirements to ensure incoming learners have intermediate language fluency and a minimum of 120 hours of ASL learning;
• leveraging work-integrated learning opportunities such as practicums to augment in-class training and provide hands-on experience to enhance foundational skills for general interpreting; and
• opportunities for community involvement that will further increase ASL fluency and understanding of Deaf history.

RRC Polytech is also offering three ASL courses through Continuing Education to support greater proliferation of ASL language training and support future program participants to meet admission requirements, the minister noted. The first intake in fall 2025 has a projected enrollment of 10 students, with an annual capacity of 20 students.

“RRC Polytech is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity both on campus and in our communities,” said Aileen Najduch, acting vice-president academic, RRC Polytech. “Our programs are routinely updated and modernized to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the students and industries we serve. This new advanced diploma will have benefits to the community including a new learning lab and more simulation experience opportunities which will improve outcomes for students who will graduate from the program and ultimately for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community they will support.”

RRC Polytech consulted several partners and community representatives when structuring this programming and curriculum, including employers and practicum partners, the minister noted. Indigenous ways of knowing and learning have also been integrated into the program to strengthen relationships with Indigenous partners, learners and communities.

Longtime RRC Polytech supporter Walter Schroeder has been named one of 12 Manitobans to receive the 2025 Order of Manitoba, the province’s highest honour. Schroeder will formally receive the recognition in a ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building on July 17, 2025. 

The Schroeder Foundation, the philanthropical organization that Walter and his wife Maria established following his retirement, is behind RRC Polytech’s largest donation in history: a $15-million gift to launch the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts. 

The Schroeders, in partnership with RRC Polytech, created the Institute to support ongoing opportunities for students at RRC Polytech, and to foster growth and development in Manitoba’s burgeoning creative arts industry. 

“Walter Schroeder is one of RRC Polytech’s prolific supporters, and his generosity is driven purely by his dedication to changing students’ lives,” said Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech. “Through the Schroeder Foundation, Walter and Maria have created countless opportunities for students in Manitoba, particularly those with more barriers to accessing post-secondary education. The Schroeders’ investment in RRC Polytech, and their commitment to expanding programming to address needs, is a testament to their selfless desire to make Manitoba a more equitable place to work and learn, for all.” 

The Schroeder Foundation provides fully paid scholarships to hundreds of RRC Polytech students, which includes tuition, books, and wrap-around supports.  

In December 2024, the Schroeder Foundation reached a milestone of $18.2 million in support to RRC Polytech, with an additional $1.25 million donation coming on the heels of the $15 million Schroeder Institute gift, to provide even more full-ride scholarships for Winnipeg students. 

Schroeder Foundation students also have the opportunity to participate in the Transition to College program, which helps them start their programs with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed from day one. 

In 2023, Walter and Maria Schroeder were awarded with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Manitoba Outstanding Philanthropist Award.  RRC Polytech also honoured the duo with an Honorary Bachelor of Education degree in 2022, in recognition of their dedication to removing barriers to education for Manitoba youth. 

IG Wealth Management (IG) and Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) today announced the inaugural 10 recipients of the IG Empower Your Tomorrow Indigenous Scholarship.

The 2025 scholarship includes $12,000 in financial support for each student to pursue their studies, a paid work-integrated internship at IG’s headquarters in Winnipeg and various year-round supports such as navigating childcare options and services, wellness and mental health resources and professional development. Additionally, RRC Polytech is creating opportunities for the scholarship recipients to develop their soft and hard skills through workshops and local conferences.

The scholarship is a part of the IG Empower Your Tomorrow program at RRC Polytech, initially announced in January 2024. The program supports up to 300 RRC Polytech Indigenous students each year within the School of Business, Information Technology, Creative Arts and the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts. Students benefit from an IG Empower Your Tomorrow Navigation Coach, who assists with their academic journey, promotes overall well-being and provides career coaching and mentorship opportunities.

 The 10 2025 IG Empower Your Tomorrow scholarship recipients are:

• Kaya Barkman
• Tristan Bickel
• Michael Delorme
• Jordan Fontaine
• Sage King
• Hevyn-Lee Martens
• Tyler Nykiforuk
• Matthew Paul
• Brandon Selkirk
• Cathrine Van Damme

“I would like to congratulate each student and thank RRC Polytech for their ongoing partnership as we work together to provide Indigenous students with the support they need to thrive academically and professionally,” said Damon Murchison, President and CEO, IG Wealth Management. “I’m looking forward to having this group join us at IG this summer and am certain they’ll make an impact on our business while benefitting from the experience.”

The scholarship recipients will work in various departments across IG this summer, gaining valuable professional experience through hands-on corporate engagement. IG employees will also have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with Indigenous talent for future opportunities.

“It’s inspiring to see our partners actively answering calls to Truth and Reconciliation by investing in the success of Indigenous students,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development, RRC Polytech. “Thanks to IG’s support, we’re not only celebrating the first award recipients – we’re witnessing how meaningful partnerships like this can pave the way for students to thrive in their education and be welcomed into the careers they’re pursuing. Financial support like this helps ease the challenges students face when they leave their communities, including the high cost of living in an urban centre, tuition and school-related expenses like books and equipment, as well as transportation and childcare costs.”

About IG Wealth Management

Founded in 1926, IG Wealth Management (“IG”) is a Canadian leader in delivering financial planning with approximately $139 billion in assets under advisement as of April 30, 2025. For more than 95 years, IG has been focused on improving the financial well-being of Canadians so they can confidently embrace all of life’s possibilities. Through a network of advisors located across the country, IG provides approximately one million clients with personalized advice, comprehensive financial planning, insurance and mortgage services and professionally managed investment solutions.  IG is a member of IGM Financial Inc. (TSX: IGM), part of the Power Corporation group of companies and one of Canada’s leading diversified wealth and asset management organizations with approximately $270 billion in total assets under management and advisement as of April 30, 2025. For more information, visit ig.ca.

About Red River College Polytechnic

RRC Polytech is Manitoba’s largest institute of applied learning and research, with more than 150 full- and part-time degree, diploma and certificate options. Through hands-on and online learning opportunities and state-of-the-art instruction, we prepare our students to become leaders in their fields — while also ensuring they can meet changing industry demands, and contribute to the province’s economic growth.

Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, is proud to announce its partnership with Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah as the local presenting partner of the Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch. Mittohnee is providing local Indigenous entrepreneurs with access to funding and resources to help jumpstart their business ideas.

Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah is RRC Polytech’s new Indigenous entrepreneurship acceleration and incubator initiative that is the first of its kind to cultivate a space in Winnipeg for technology, collaboration, and community. Mittohnee helps Indigenous students start their own businesses as they graduate out of RRC Polytech’s entrepreneurship-based Social Innovation and Community Development program. It does so by connecting them with a network of resources and expertise focused on process, people, and leveraging existing capacity.

As the local presenting partner of the Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch, Mittohnee will present the 1st Place Prize of $5,000 to the winning entrepreneur, engage as a final round judge, and provide community mentors to help entrepreneurs refine their pitch.

“This partnership between Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah and Pow Wow Pitch marks a full circle moment for me as both a proud alumna and long-time supporter of Pow Wow Pitch,” said Amy Jackson, Director of Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah. “Pow Wow Pitch’s mission to uplift and champion Indigenous entrepreneurs deeply aligns with Mittohnee’s vision to create space, support, and opportunity for our people to thrive through innovation and business. Together, we’re not just accelerating ideas—we’re building a future grounded in culture, community, and economic empowerment.”

“Collaboration is key to expanding support for Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “We’re excited to be partnering with Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah, led by Pow Wow Pitch alumna Amy Jackson—an inspiring champion for community and Indigenous entrepreneurship. Together, we are strengthening our impact across Manitoba by combining our efforts to provide meaningful support, mentorship, and opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous business leaders.”

By working together, Pow Wow Pitch and Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah are forging a path for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start, excel, and accomplish more for our communities.

About Pow Wow Pitch

Pow Wow Pitch is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, with the co-presenting support of Mastercard and RBC. Our vision is to create a world where Indigenous entrepreneurs thrive, feeling supported, safe, and encouraged to develop their ideas and build businesses that create a positive cycle of growth. With a mission to provide resources and mentorship, we empower Indigenous entrepreneurs while amplifying their stories to inspire future generations and foster a more inclusive world.

For more information, visit powwowpitch.org.

Over the last few months, the monthly safety updates to the College community have focused mainly on security, however another important initiative at RRC Polytech is the health services we provide to students and staff.

RRC Polytech’s Health Services provides students and staff with a variety of health and wellness information for general interest, ongoing health condition maintenance, plus treatment for injuries and illness.

RRC Polytech has continued to see growth and expansion of the Exchange District Campus with the opening of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and more students and staff working and learning downtown.

With the increased presence and growing needs downtown, we have recently begun an exciting initiative to bring a health centre to serve the downtown campus community.

This space is currently being renovated at The Roblin Centre and will be open to students or staff to make appointments with members of the Health Services nursing team who will work from this centre.

While the Health Services nursing team currently serves students at EDC through regular meetings downtown, bringing students to the Notre Dame Campus for appointments, or annual events like the flu vaccine clinics, this new space and presence will help ensure the College community can seek health service assistance from the nursing team when they need it.

We look forward to sharing more information about this exciting initiative with the College community once the space is complete and open in the near future.

Please remember the Health Services team is here to help with a number of supports and services to all members of the College community. The Health Centre is open from 8:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday and we encourage students or staff to call anytime to speak with nursing staff at RRC Polytech: 204-632-2238 or HealthServices@rrc.ca  

Canadian Public Relations Society of Manitoba (CPRS) awards Emerging Communications Leader and Outstanding Contributions to Truth and Reconciliation and EDIA to College’s comms team.

The Communications and Public Relations team at RRC Polytech was named Manitoba’s Communicators of the Year (MCOY) in two categories by the Canadian Public Relations Society of Manitoba last week. These six individuals were recognized amongst their peers at the annual awards ceremony celebrating excellence in the communications industry in Manitoba. 

Since 2008, CPRS Manitoba Communicators of the Year Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose work in communications has made a significant impact. The College’s Communications Officers took home the hardware in two of six award categories. 

Jenn Pazdor was named Emerging Communications Leader, a category recognizing public relations professionals with up to six years of experience who have demonstrated a strategic mindset and innovative approach above and beyond what is normally expected at the early stages of their career.  

Jenn joined the College as a Communications Officer in March 2024 for a one-year term position. In that time, she led communications efforts for several large-scale events at RRC Polytech, including announcing the College’s largest-ever gift to establish the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts and the grand opening of the Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre.  

A Creative Communications grad (2019), Jenn is now pursuing a post-graduate diploma in Communications Management while working full-time as a Digital Automation Specialist at RRC Polytech. 

“I am truly honoured to be the recipient of this year’s MCOY Emerging Leader award. I often say the best decision I ever made was coming to RRC Polytech for the Creative Communications program,” said Jenn Pazdor.  

“This award is yet another example of how well the program prepared me with confidence and tools to achieve big things in this profession. Having one of my former instructors – now a valued mentor – present me with the award was a very surreal experience and makes this achievement even more special. I’m deeply grateful for the trust and support I’ve received from the team at RRC Polytech and from all the folks I’ve worked with and learned from in my career so far. Manitoba’s communications industry is truly special to be a part of.” 

Jenn was also recognized for her commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead in the ever-evolving communications landscape. She is also actively involved in Winnipeg’s creative and running communities, as a committee member of CreativeMornings Winnipeg and The Good Way Run.  

In the Team Award Category, five Communications Officers – Robin Ringland, Kevin Olszewski, Laina Hughes, Breanne Lucky, and Lauren Parsons – were awarded for Outstanding Contributions to Truth and Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. 

They were recognized for their efforts to advance RRC Polytech’s reconciliation and EDIA initiatives through strategic communications, including the pivotal role they play in supporting the College’s strategic plan, “In Front of What’s Ahead,” and advancing its commitment to enact truth and reconciliation, and pursue EDIA in everything we do. 

“This small yet nimble team consistently puts forward new, creative, and strategic ideas to engage the community in our institutional efforts,” said Conor Lloyd, APR, Director, College and Public Relations.  

“Initiatives such as the ‘Not a Grey Area,’ anti-racism campaign, the EDIA calendar working group, the Indigenous style guide, and their efforts to meet and engage with students across the province and share their stories, have significantly enhanced our outreach and engagement, making our commitment to these values more visible and impactful.” 

The team also played a key role in developing the College’s annual Report to the Community, which shares data collected through Key Performance Indicators and highlights the stories of progress towards the college’s commitments. This report is a powerful tool for accountability and transparency, showcasing the college’s achievements and ongoing efforts. 

“Through storytelling, outreach, internal campaigns, and a focus on diverse voices, the Communications team has helped build a culture that truly celebrates and embraces difference. Their efforts have boosted engagement among employees and students, bringing people together through events and initiatives that reflect our commitment to inclusivity,” said Melanie Gudmunson, Chief Human Resource Officer at RRC Polytech in her letter of support. 

“The RRC Polytech Communications team is a great example of how strategic communication can drive meaningful progress. Their innovative and thoughtful approach to reconciliation and EDI sets a benchmark for others to follow.” 

Both nominations were submitted by Emily Doer, Manager of Communications and Public Relations at RRC Polytech. 

RRC Polytech’s goal is to prepare students to become leaders in their fields. Creative Communications and Communications Management grads and staff continue to be recognized for their contributions to the public relations and communications industry. At the 2024 MCOY awards, out of five award categories, four were won by RRC Polytech grads and teams they worked on, and one by a current program chair. 

Learn more about the 2025 MCOY Awards: Past MCOY Award Recipients – Canadian Public Relations Society Manitoba 

The next generation of skilled professionals are putting their talents on display today as they compete in the 27th Annual Skills Manitoba Competition. 

Approximately 500 young Manitobans will compete in over 40 Olympic-style hands-on contests at the secondary and post-secondary/apprentice level. It’s a showcase of skills in robotics and manufacturing, 3D character computer animation, construction trades, hairstyling, and many more. 

Gold medal winners of many of the competitions will form Team Manitoba and advance to the Skills Canada National Competition in Regina, Saskatchewan May 27-May 31, 2025 

Hosted by Skills Canada Manitoba, this event is designed to provide much needed awareness of Canada’s skilled workforce shortage, while encouraging young people to pursue a career in a trade they enjoy. 

“The skilled trades offer opportunities for positions with great pay, job security and flexibility. There is a continuing significant worker shortage in many of these areas,” said Maria Pacella, Executive Director of Skills Canada Manitoba, “Most people are unaware of the merits of post-secondary training in trades and technology and competitions like this allow students to explore their options and see where something that started as a hobby can be a rewarding career.” 

Skills Canada Manitoba has hosted the annual competition at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Notre Dame Campus for 26 years, and for high school competitors it is also an opportunity to meet instructors, see the shop and lab spaces and learn more about post-secondary options. 

“The Skills Manitoba competition is one of the most exciting and energizing days on campus every year,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Our programs provide training for in-demand skills that allow our graduates to have a positive impact on our province’s economy and communities. It’s exciting to walk through the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre and see the incredible talent showcased by our students and competitors from both the high school and post-secondary levels. We’re always proud to watch our students compete, and to welcome the next generation of talent onto campus in hopes we will see them enrolled as students in the near future.” 

The 27^th annual competition will take place today, Thursday, April 10, 2025: 

9:00 am – 2:30 pm 
Red River College Polytechnic, 2055 Notre Dame Ave. 
Operations Room – A137 

Medal Presentations at 3:30 pm in the South Gym 

Annual Young Women’s Conference:
During the competition, 170 young women from junior highs in Manitoba will have the opportunity learn about career options in the trades and technology field at the Young Women’s Conference. Also hosted by Skills Canada Manitoba, this one-day event features entertaining and informative keynote speakers and team activities plus an opportunity to talk to mentors from employers such as Manitoba Hydro, CN and Birchwood. 

Media is invited to learn more about how these young women view their future career opportunities in the trades and technology field on: 

Thursday, April 10, 2025 
9:30 am- 2:30 pm 
Red River College Polytechnic, 2055 Notre Dame Ave. 
Voyageur Cafeteria 

For information contact:  
Maria Pacella, Executive Director 
Skills Canada Manitoba 
204-770-4287 

Outstanding co-op experience at MacDon takes Brandon Doucet to the fields in Australia

It took Mechanical Engineering Technology student Brandon Doucet approximately ten seconds to say ‘yes’ to an opportunity that would take him across the world to Australia for six months.

While on a co-operative work placement with MacDon Industries, Brandon was working on a prototype for a new combine header that was completely new to the agriculture industry. When it came time to test the product in the field, his supervisors noticed the interest he had taken and asked if he would be willing to conduct the testing with Australian farmers.

“It was a big leap, I learned a lot about who I am and what kind of worker I am and what kind of work that I enjoy,” says Brandon, who was 19 years old at the time of his co-op. “All in all I travelled every state and drove more than 30,000 kilometres – on the other side of the road. I got to see a lot of the country and met locals who had so many stories about farming and life.”

The product Brandon was testing is the MacDon FD261 FlexDraper, which is now available publicly to farmers worldwide. The header is 61-feet long, which about ten feet more than the previous FD2 design and about double the length of a standard combine header used to harvest crops. The header also flexes to cover the ground better and produce a better yield.

The six months of field testing entailed working directly with Australian farmers, using their combines with the MacDon prototype header. Brandon would perform regular inspections, maintenance, upgrades, and operation of the prototype equipment in the field. He would also collect data from the hydraulic and electrical systems, which would then be relayed back to the engineering team in Winnipeg for further analysis. 

“I really enjoy all the nitty gritty details of engineering testing, laying out what’s being tested, why it’s being tested and how the improvement can make a better product,” says Brandon. “During this experience I really grew to respect how much documentation plays a role in engineering. Keeping things organized so it can be looked back on after each change, and using what was learned to continuously improve.”

When Brandon first started his co-op with MacDon he had one more term left in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program before graduating. On top of the stint in Australia, he also had the opportunity to work on projects in cities across North America and decided to take a total of 16 months off from the program to gain the real-world experience.

Part of the reason he felt comfortable and confident in that decision was the reassurance from his instructor, Doris Peloquin, that the program would still be there for him to complete. She emphasized that having the diploma completed would help him in his career, but that there is value to taking on practical experiences when they present themselves.

“Co-op or internships give the students the ability to apply what they’ve learned during classwork in a real-world scenario. At RRC Polytech we do a good job of providing hands-on learning scenarios in class but it’s not quite the same experience of what you gain from a real-world experience,” says Doris. “There’s networking and professionalism and learning their soft skills – especially that ability to communicate at different levels; with leaders and those on the shop floor, and interdepartmentally.”

After graduating from RRC Polytech this June, Brandon plans to attend Lakehead University to obtain his Engineering Degree and aspires to work in Motorsport Engineering.

“Before my co-op with MacDon, I remember thinking there’s no way I’d leave Manitoba. But now I know I can always travel, learn from different parts of the world, and then come home with new ideas or ways of doing things,” says Brandon.

For more information about the Mechanical Engineering Technology program visit RRC Polytech’s Program Explorer page.

The following message is from Fred Meier, President and CEO at RRC Polytech:

Since the end of last year, we’ve committed to sharing regular Safety Updates with staff and students to keep everyone informed about safety enhancements and existing services on campus.

Safe Ride and Safe Walk are services familiar to most staff and students. For those who aren’t familiar, the Safe Walk and Safe Ride programs at RRC Polytech provide escorts for students and staff between two points on campus or to nearby locations, ensuring safety and security.

Although I was familiar with Safe Ride, I had never used the service. When invited by Safety, Health, and Security Services for a “ride along,” I seized the opportunity to experience it firsthand.

I headed to the Exchange District Campus (EDC) during peak hours – between 8:00 and 10 a.m. – and buckled up in the passenger seat next to Dilawar (Dil) Singh Randhawa, Security Officer, who drives one of the two Safe Ride vans. The second van was added in fall 2024 to support an average of 180 safe rides each day at EDC.

One of my greatest points of pride is the incredible work that supports our campus community daily. It’s always an eye opening experience to see behind the scenes or a day in the life. As I’ve discovered through experiences like this ride along, there are many hidden heroes who make our campuses better places for all.

While I could write more about my experience, I want to keep this message brief, so you can all take a few minutes to watch the Safe Ride Along video, below.

Thank you to the Security Services team for sharing an inside look at the Safe Ride program, letting me tag along to chat with students and staff about their experiences. And I would be remiss to not acknowledge everyone who took the time to chat with me – both on- and off-camera. I recognize people were likely not expecting a camera crew as a part of their morning commute to campus!

As a reminder, if you need a Safe Ride – or Safe Walk – call Security Services at 204-949-8305 (EDC) or 204-632-2323 (NDC). Services are available from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at EDC and 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at NDC, with evening Safe Rides available upon request.