Communications and Marketing

News Release

Red River College launches redesign of ACCESS programs

February 13, 2017

Red River College today announced plans to redevelop and expand its ACCESS programs in order to better meet the education needs of its Indigenous and other students, including providing them with an opportunity to enroll in a wider range of Red River College programs.

At present, students enrolled in ACCESS are restricted to studying in four program areas – Nursing, Aircraft Maintenance & Manufacturing, Business Administration and Civil Technology.

“It’s time for us to modernize how ACCESS programs are delivered at Red River College to better meet student, community and industry needs,” said Christine Watson, vice president Academic. “Ultimately one of our main goals is to remove some of the existing program restrictions and provide Indigenous, immigrant and other students facing barriers to education, more training options and new and improved pathways to meaningful careers.”

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Proud to be a Top Employer in Manitoba

November 30, 2016

Red River College Named one of the Province’s Top 25 Employers for seventh year running

Manitoba Top Employer Logo

Red River College (RRC) is proud to again be recognized for building a supportive, inclusive and engaging work environment for more than 2,300 employees who have made their careers at one of Manitoba’s largest post-secondary institutions.

“When it comes to growing Manitoba’s economy and driving innovation in education, Red River College plays a vital role in preparing students and industry for the economic and job opportunities of today and tomorrow,” said Paul Vogt, president & CEO, Red River College.

“This important job is in the hands of Red River College employees, who are extremely dedicated and passionate about making a difference in the lives of their students. We recognize this commitment of our employees and try to return the favour by ensuring the college provides an environment where staff are supported and encouraged in meaningful ways.”

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First-of-its-kind accounting program provides students with unique opportunity

November 28, 2016

Partnership with industry creates a seamless pathway for students

Post-secondary students interested in pursuing a career as a professional accountant now have a new option, made possible through a partnership signed today by The University of Winnipeg (UWinnipeg), Red River College and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Manitoba (CPA Manitoba).

The newly-designed option, in effect September 2017, is the only pathway of its kind in Canada. It allows a student to obtain a two-year diploma in business administration with a major in accounting at Red River College, then ladder into UWinnipeg’s Faculty of Business & Economics to obtain a three-year Bachelor degree in Business Administration, and finally to complete five CPA preparatory courses to meet the entrance requirements for the CPA Professional Education Program.

“We are proud to partner with Red River College and CPA Manitoba to provide a seamless pathway for students to fulfill their academic goals.” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg. “This partnership demonstrates what is possible and I look forward to developing similar initiatives that provide more choices for students.”

“We want to continue to be on the leading edge of meeting the needs of industry,” said Paul Vogt, President and CEO, Red River College.  “Today’s partnership with UWinnipeg shows that we are working together as a network of post-secondary institutions to create greater mobility for students. Our partnership with CPA further demonstrates our close connections to industry and our ongoing efforts to ensure that our programming is relevant, timely, and accessible.  The end result will benefit the profession and open more doors to rewarding careers for our students.”

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Extreme weather testing facility coming soon to Red River College

November 28, 2016

Red River College today announced the next steps on the construction of MotiveLab – a highly-specialized extreme weather testing facility that will be the first of its kind in Western Canada.

MotiveLab is a 3,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility – essentially a giant heater or freezer – that will work in close connection with industry to provide testing for heavy vehicles of all shapes and sizes, including transit and highway buses. Already, companies have identified more than 65 full days of demand for MotiveLab’s research and development services.

“Manitoba’s heavy vehicle manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of our economy, and this research and testing facility is a direct result of our close ties with manufacturers, as well as our efforts to meet current and future training and technology needs,” said Paul Vogt, president & CEO, Red River College. “It’s an approach we are taking across all sectors to help local industry innovate, create jobs of the future and be more competitive in the global marketplace.”

Today’s announcement provides a total of $6 million from the federal and provincial governments and RRC for the construction of MotiveLab, a climatic chamber that allows for year-round testing to be conducted at extreme temperatures and under full loads with using a 1,000 horsepower, three-axle, dynamometer. The program will also train students in this highly-specialized and emerging program area.

“The heavy vehicle sector is faced with increasingly stringent environmental demands, which has its players pushing the envelope in terms of new design and technology implementation,” said Ray Hoemsen, executive director, Research Partnerships & Innovation, Red River College. “This all gives way to ever greater research and testing needs. MotiveLab will be a unique Western Canadian facility that will help give Manitoba firms a competitive edge.”

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Steady and stable enrolments signal another busy academic year for Red River College

September 15, 2016

Red River College has had a very strong start to this academic year – including a $5.9 million investment in research funding – the largest the College has seen since it began its applied research program in 2004; and to add to that good news, preliminary early enrolment numbers are a sure sign of more good things to come.

Early numbers for 2016 indicate that Red River College’s enrolment remains stable and the College will continue the pattern of steady and increasing enrolments going forward.

Based on a five-year trend, Red River College saw an overall increase of .5 per cent in its program enrolments this year, and over the past 15 years the College has experienced an increase of 66 per cent in its program areas.

Of particular note, this year’s numbers identified significant increases in the following areas: Business Information Technology (up 15.1%), Applied Accounting (up 14 %), Business Administration (up 3%), Primary Care Paramedicine (up 23%), Civil Engineering Technology (up 3.7%), and Community Development/Economic Development (up 53%).

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$5.9 million for Red River College to bolster research in heavy vehicles and culinary innovation

September 8, 2016

Today, Red River College received the largest influx of research funding since founding its research enterprise in 2004. This new investment will allow Red River College to boost innovation capacity in Manitoba’s vehicle technology and food development sectors.

“This is a red-letter day for the College, our partners, and for Manitoba’s innovation outlook in general,” said Paul Vogt, president and CEO of Red River College. “These national awards acknowledge not only industry needs, but the ability of the College to deliver innovation services, and Manitoba as a place where leading edge products are developed.”

The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour (on behalf of The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science) announced that Red River College will receive $3.6 million for advanced and sustainable vehicle technology research and $2.3 million for culinary innovation. Read More →

Statement from Red River College regarding Jackie Healey’s Statement of Claim

August 3, 2016

For Immediate Release: August 3, 2016

WINNIPEG, MB – Red River College has been notified that a Statement of Claim was filed on behalf of Jackie Healey regarding the assault that occurred at the Behavioural Health Foundation in Selkirk, Manitoba.

As a leader in post-secondary education, Red River College is committed to ensuring that our students are safe and secure in all educational settings. We are investigating this incident thoroughly to determine what occurred and what improvements can be made.

Dr. Linda Burnside, PhD, is leading the investigation and review, and we anticipate that her work will be concluded prior to the start of the academic year.

Red River College remains committed to supporting Ms. Healey throughout her recovery and in her educational pursuits.

As this matter is now before the courts, Red River College will refrain from making any further comments related to this incident.

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Statement from Lloyd Schreyer, Chair, Red River College Board of Governors

July 7, 2016

For Immediate Release: July 7, 2016

WINNIPEG, MB – This message serves as an update regarding the Winnipeg Police Service review surrounding allegations that RRC’s former President used marble from the Union Bank Tower for a home renovation project.

In January 2015, the board asked the Winnipeg Police Service to review these allegations. Prior to engaging the police, the Board had conducted their own internal investigation but the results were inconclusive, which resulted in our decision to ask the Winnipeg Police for their assistance, as they possessed the necessary tools and authority to properly review this matter.

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Working Together to Help Build Manitoba: Red River College and the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology sign MOU

June 22, 2016

Today, Red River College (RRC) and the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) committed to explore new ways to work cooperatively to provide programs and services to benefit learners, employers and communities throughout Manitoba.

“This new agreement builds on the strengths of MITT and RRC by growing the relationship between both of our institutions,” said Paul Vogt, President and CEO, Red River College. “Not only will today’s commitment support our work in driving our Province’s skilled trades agenda, but it will put us in a position to collaborate on initiatives that help all students succeed, including Indigenous, newcomer and international students. This evolving relationship between our institutions will continue to allow us to provide meaningful and rewarding educational opportunities and pathways for students.”

The MOU reaffirms their commitment to work cooperatively to provide programs, improve pathways and expand services to benefit learners, employers and communities throughout Manitoba. The MOU further states that both RRC and MITT will examine ways that each institution can share resources – including but not limited to: facilities, equipment, curriculum and faculty expertise – while also supporting economic and social development initiatives to boost opportunities for Manitoba’s Indigenous and international students.

“The signing of the MOU demonstrates the commitment of both colleges to work together to the benefit of our students,” said Paul Holden, President and CEO, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology. “We have to continue to encourage these forms of agreements across the post-secondary system.  Whether that be between universities and colleges or between a college and another college as is the case here, students need the opportunity to take what they have learned and see it recognized as they pursue advanced studies in other institutions in Manitoba.”

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Investigation begins into the assault on Red River College student Jackie Healey

June 15, 2016

Following the May 29th attack that left Red River College student Jackie Healey and a worker at the Behavioural Health Foundation in Selkirk severely injured, Red River College has hired Dr. Linda Burnside, PhD to conduct an investigation into the incident and to review current policies and procedures related to workplace practicums for the College’s Child and Youth Care Diploma program.


Dr. Burnside has extensive experience in the social services field in a variety of direct service delivery, managerial, and administrative roles in both non-profit and government sectors, with a particular emphasis on practice in the child and family services system.  Additionally, she is well versed in post-secondary practices, working as a sessional instructor with students studying social work and counselling at the University of Manitoba since 1995. 

She has extensive experience in conducting systemic and case-specific reviews regarding complex cases or serious incidents involving children in care.  She has conducted research and published numerous reports, articles and book chapters on issues facing children and families involved with the child welfare system.  Read More →

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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