Red River College is proud to be named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2015. This prestigious recognition highlights employers that stand out through their efforts to create diverse, inclusive workplaces.

This is the first time Red River College has been recognized with this distinction. Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2015 was announced today with 65 organizations leading the nation in creating inclusive workplace cultures.

“At Red River College we strive to ensure that equity and diversity are embedded in the College’s practices and that it is demonstrated in the classroom, and throughout the workplace,” said David Rew, Interim President & CEO, Red River College. “Equity and inclusion are an integral part of our values that allows Red River to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. I know I speak for the entire organization when I say how honoured we are to have Red River College recognized with this distinction.”

As part of Red River College’s submission many areas were highlighted as initiatives that support an inclusive and open environment at Red River, they include the College’s LGBTT* Initiative, Mental Health First Aid, along with many wellness and staff award and recognition programming to support staff success and well-being.

“Red River College has always been proactive in their efforts to support its employees and today’s award is ongoing recognition of the work we are doing,” said Lori Grandmont, Acting Vice-President, Human Resources and Sustainability, Red River College. “I want to congratulate our staff for their work on these initiatives and for their input into continually finding new and innovative ways to strengthen our workplace.

Red River College would also like to congratulate other Manitoba organizations recognized with this award – The Government of Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Public Insurance, Cargill Ltd., and Boeing Canada Operations Ltd.

Red River College has nine campuses and annual enrolments of more than 30,000 in full-and part-time degree, diploma and certificate programs. Through award-winning instruction and training on state-of-the-art equipment, RRC prepares its students to become leaders in their fields, while partnering with industry to conduct research and ensure curriculum remains up-to-date.

Red River College is giving Manitoba electric vehicle (EV) owners a boost with its recently installed and operational Level 3 (30KW DC) quick charging station, the first of its kind in the province and one of about two dozen across Canada.

Drivers of Level 3 compliant EVs, including Nissan Leafs, Mitsubishi i-MiEVs, and Teslas, can now drop by the College’s Notre Dame Campus to charge up while contributing to research on the charger’s performance in Manitoba’s climate.

“With the installation of this new charger, we continue to play a leading role in Manitoba’s green transportation future,” said David Rew, RRC interim president and CEO. “This rapid charging station is another key element in our Mobility from Green Energy Initiative and a logical next step in our vehicle technology research program.”

Level 3 stations can charge an EV to at least an 80 percent charge in 15 to 30 minutes; this is compared to a 220/240V Level 2 charger, which can take 4 to 6 hours to get to full charge, or an 110/120V Level 1 charger (like those found around your house), which can take about 24 hours.

“There are currently no other rapid charging stations of this level in a climate as diverse as Winnipeg’s,” said Ray Hoemsen, director of Applied Research & Commercialization at Red River College. “The effect on both the Lithium ion battery and vehicle performance when utilizing rapid charging in extreme winter weather is still unknown.”

The new charging station will be handy for compliant EV owners – especially those traveling from out of town – who need a quick boost to make it to their next destination.

“EV owners who live more than an hour’s drive from Winnipeg will now be able to use their EVs to commute to the city,” said Robert Elms, president of the Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association. “This is a major step forward in the establishment of EV charging infrastructure in Manitoba.”

Red River College is sharing the charging station with whoever is able to use it, so long as they register and agree to participate in its study when called upon.

Funding for the charger was provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; it will be used as part of the College’s ongoing EV research, testing, and demonstration projects at its Electric Vehicle Technology & Education Centre (EVTEC).

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Download a copy of the backgrounder here.

Download our fact sheet on EVTEC here.

WINNIPEG, MB – Following a comprehensive search, Red River College Interim President and CEO, David Rew is pleased to announce Debbie Frankel will join the College in the role of Vice-President, Finance & Administration commencing May 19, 2015.

Ms. Frankel is a Certified General Accountant and joins RRC from the Misericordia Health Centre where she held the position of Chief Financial Officer for the past three years. Ms. Frankel managed a large operating budget with a diverse area of responsibility that included: finance, supply chain management, food services, plant services, security and parking and project coordination.

Ms. Frankel has an extensive financial background serving in Manitoba’s healthcare industry. Her roles have included, Administrative Director, Director of Finance and Chief Administrative Officer at the Grace Hospital, as well as serving as the Director of Finance for CancerCare Manitoba.

At Red River College, she will serve as Vice-President Finance & Administration as well as Treasurer for the Board of Governors. In her role, she will oversee all aspects of the current Finance and Administration portfolio.

“We are pleased to welcome Ms. Frankel to Red River College’s executive team,” said David Rew, Interim President & CEO, Red River College. “Her skills and experience will be a tremendous asset to our organization. She brings the necessary expertise and leadership to the College in the areas of finance and administration and we are pleased to welcome such an accomplished and qualified individual to our team.”

Red River College would like to acknowledge Interim Vice-President of Finance and Administration, Maura Leahy for her leadership of the finance division while the College carried out its executive search.

WINNIPEG, MB – Red River College opens its doors this week to more than 2,500 prospective students from throughout Manitoba, as part of annual Open House events aimed at showcasing the best the College has to offer.

On Tuesday, Feb. 18 (12-3 p.m.; 5-8 p.m.) and Wednesday, Feb. 19 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.), attendees can learn about the wide variety of programs and services available at RRC by touring the Winnipeg campuses, meeting with staff and instructors, and taking part in information sessions, career exploration showcases and other interactive events.

At RRC’s Notre Dame campus, attendees can peruse displays and kiosks representing more than 200 full- and part-time programs. Scheduled tours of the Notre Dame, Exchange District and Stevenson Campuses will also take place throughout the duration of the event, with complimentary shuttle services available to transport students from location to location.

“We’re again offering specialized tours to better suit students’ individual needs,” says Clint Thiessen, a Student Recruitment Officer at RRC. “Students can choose from several different tours that focus on such areas as Health Sciences, Trades and Technology, and our Culinary and Hospitality programs’ new Paterson GlobalFoods Institute, as well as our new student residence, to name a few.”

Open House is aimed not just at potential students, but also parents, teachers and guidance counselors, all of whom are invited to seek the resources they need to make informed decisions about post-secondary and career paths.

“Whether you’re taking one class, or pursuing a certificate, diploma or degree, it’s definitely worth your time to check out the options at Red River College, and Open House is the perfect time to do that,” says Student Recruitment Officer Jennifer Powell.

“Not only will you have the opportunity to gather information about RRC programs, you’ll also get a taste for the vibrant, active and culturally diverse student life that awaits students on our campuses.”

To learn more about this year’s event, visit www.rrc.ca/openhouse.

For Immediate Release: February 13, 2015

WINNIPEG, MB – Red River College (RRC) will soon begin providing hope and educational opportunities to student refugees in Winnipeg, thanks to a new humanitarian aid initiative launched in partnership with World University Services of Canada (WUSC).

The College’s newly announced Student Refugee Program will allow the RRC community to support one passionate and dedicated student per year, as they arrive in Canada as permanent residents to pursue post-secondary education.

Each year in Canada, similar Student Refugee Programs allow more than 55 student refugees to enter the country and begin their studies.

The program’s success is ensured by WUSC, whose members facilitate the overseas selection of the student refugees, place them at Canadian universities and colleges, and provide training and guidance to local WUSC committees. A campus-based Local committee, whose members raise any necessary funds ahead of time, and provide students with at least 12 months of financial, social and academic support, sponsors each refugee.

“In addition to the compelling nature of the program on humanitarian grounds alone, the Student Refugee Program (SRP) is an extremely valuable way of promoting peace and social justice, facilitating learning and understanding, and establishing on-campus opportunities for all staff and students to become involved through volunteerism,” says Lauren Konrad, Student Integration Coordinator with RRC’s Diversity and Intercultural Services office.

The College’s first student refugee will arrive in Canada in August 2015. The student will be enrolled in RRC’s Applied Accounting program, and will live on-campus at the College’s student residence downtown.

Currently, WUSC recognizes RRC as a leader among Canadian colleges, on account of the model used to implement the program on campus, and develop long-term sustainability.

The College’s SRP Local Committee includes representation from various students, staff and faculty from a number of student services and program area. The Committee receives advisory support from Benigne Aaron (a former SRP student at Université de Saint-Boniface) and Albert El Tassi, who immigrated to Winnipeg from Lebanon in 1969, began working in the shipping department at Peerless Garments, and later rose through the ranks to become president and CEO of the company. Mr. El Tassi is a generous donor and supporter of the program.

Click here for more information on WUSC’s Student Refugee Program.

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For Immediate Release: February 9, 2015

WINNIPEG, MB – Red River College congratulates its most recent recipients of the Lieutenant – Governor’s Medals for Proficiency, Diego Mendoza (Chemical Biosciences Technology), and Pablo Steinberg (International Business).

Each year, a maximum of four Lt-.Gov.’s Medals are awarded to RRC students who best combine good character, academic and technical achievement, and involvement in the College and/or community This year’s winners embodied every aspect of the award.

DIEGO FERNANDO MENDOZA:

A May 2014 graduate of the College’s Chemical and Biosciences Technology program, Diego Mendoza was born in El Salvador, and moved with his family to Canada in 1993, following years of civil unrest.

He graduated with an International Baccalaureate diploma from Miles MacDonnell Collegiate in 2003, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Sciences degree with a major in Microbiology from the University of Manitoba.

After working in quality assurance for a local food company, he enrolled at RRC, where he hoped to gain further experience in analytical and laboratory work. As part of his program’s co-op education component, he landed his current job as a laboratory technician with the City of Winnipeg’s Water and Waste Department, where he monitors local industries to ensure proper waste treatment processes and environmental protections are in place.

While attending RRC, Diego served as a student representative for the Chemical and Biosciences Technology Advisory Committee; following his graduation, he has continued to serve as an industry representative.

Diego has a 10-year history as a Canadian Naval Reservist with HMCS Chippawa in Winnipeg, having been inspired to join the military by the sacrifices his parents made in moving to Canada.

His years of naval service include several coastal patrols to safeguard Canada’s waters and sovereignty, and a number of local deployments prompted by emergency flood responses throughout Manitoba.

For the last five years, he’s served as president of HMCS Chippawa’s Junior Ranks Mess, a support and mentorship initiative for local sailors that also raises funds for such charities as the Christmas Cheer Board, the Firefighters Burn Fund, Prostate Cancer Canada, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, and the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities’ Easter Seals campaign.

In 2012, Diego was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his considerable military, academic and community outreach efforts.

PABLO STEINBERG:

Originally from Argentina, International Business graduate Pablo Steinberg moved to Canada with his family in 2004, and became a Canadian citizen in 2008.

Over the last 10 years, he’s worked in advertising and marketing for such companies as JWT Worldwide, BBDO, and McCann-Erickson, where his portfolios included such clients as Ford, Esso, Kraft, and Procter & Gamble.

Armed with a keen interest in cultural diversity, Pablo enrolled in Red River College’s International Business program in 2013, graduating with honours in January of this year.

In his award submission essay, Pablo notes the decision to return to school was one he made with his family, since he wanted to impart two lessons to his children: that education is the key to success, and that effort at any age is the key to excellence.

Pablo believes education provides the opportunity to open doors, and the power to make changes. In his case, he’d planned to make changes not only to his own life and the lives of those around him, but also to the economy of Manitoba and or Canada.

Pablo sees his community involvement as a means by which to begin effecting change. While in Winnipeg, he has volunteered for Manitoba Opera’s signature fundraising gala, for the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Manitoba, and for Folklorama’s Argentina “Tango” Pavilion, for which he’s served as vice-president for the last two years.

While at RRC, Pablo served as a peer tutor and as a class representative. He is also heavily involved in Winnipeg’s start-up community; earlier this year, his entrepreneurial efforts earned him the Best Student Pitch award at Innovate Manitoba’s annual Pitch Day event.

He is currently involved in a number of projects, including serving as a board member for International Manitoba Global Traders, and coordinating the operations of Vantage Studios & Print Shop, a local advertising and marketing agency.

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*Note to editors – approved photos are attached

**Red River College’s Winter Convocation takes place February 9 and 10 at Winnipeg’s Centennial Concert Hall starting at 7pm. To view this year’s convocation ceremonies visit http://www.rrc.ca/grad

For Immediate Release: January 21, 2015

WINNIPEG, MB – Today, Lloyd Schreyer, Chair, Red River College Board of Governors, made the following statement regarding the Board’s investigation into allegations of marble being taken from the Union Bank Tower project by RRC’s former president.

“As of yesterday, the board made the decision to engage Winnipeg Police to undertake a review of the allegations.  The board looked into this to the best of its ability but determined we do not possess the necessary legal tools to adequately conclude the investigation. Once the Police review is complete, appropriate action will be taken.”

“The Board will await the results. At this juncture, it is not appropriate to discuss this further until the review is complete and conclusive.”

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For Immediate Release: January 21, 2015

WINNIPEG, MB – Today, Manitoba Education and Advanced Learning released its report detailing a review of specific financial and human resource practices at Red River College for the period of September 2010 to May 2014.

Red River College accepts the findings and recommendations contained in the report, and the College has been taking action to improve the financial, human resources and contracting processes at the College.

“It’s important to highlight that this report is not a reflection of the College as a whole,” said David Rew, Interim President, Red River College. “Red River College has proudly and effectively served its students and the Province of Manitoba for more than 76 years. Red River College continues to be an excellent school and is focused on continuing to drive Manitoba’s economy and creating skilled graduates.”

Red River College will work in partnership with the Province to ensure that, by the end of the College’s fiscal year, June 30, 2015 all of the recommendations in the report will be addressed.

“We will address our challenges and continue to be accountable to staff, students and public,” said Lloyd Schreyer, Chair, Red River College Board of Governors.  “Our stakeholders expect the best from us and we intend to deliver. From now until the end of the fiscal year we will align our work to ensure all of the recommendations are addressed and reported on by June 30, 2015.

Red River College extends its sincere appreciation to the many College employees who cooperated with the Province throughout this review process, and thanks them for their professionalism, openness, and integrity.

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NOTE:  Red River College, Chair, Lloyd Schreyer and Interim President & CEO, David Rew will be available for media comment at RRC’s Notre Dame Campus in Room A147 (Selkirk Lounge) at 11:00 a.m., TODAY, Wednesday, Jan. 21. Media can park in the East Lot, off of Entrance 2, and enter through the doors to A Building. Appropriate signage will be posted to direct all to the Selkirk Lounge.

Red River College showcases its latest applied research in food innovation at the PatersonGlobalFoods Institute, this time incorporating bean flours and purees into healthy familiar dishes.

The showcase, entitled ‘Plating Pulses’ is the product of a research partnership between the College and the Manitoba Pulse Growers Association Inc. (MPGA), a not-for-profit organization representing 3,000 Manitoba farmers of edible pulses such as soybeans, dry beans and peas.

“We are thrilled with the work the College has been doing to develop nutritional and delicious recipes that demonstrate to consumers how locally produced pulses can be incorporated into their everyday diets,” said Kyle Friesen, MPGA president.

Research has shown that only a half-cup of beans per day can reduce bad cholesterol, help manage hunger, and provide a sustainable source of protein.

“That is why we partnered with College,” said Friesen. “We know about the amazing health benefits of pulses, but we wanted to create more awareness among consumers and the Manitoba food industry by modifying traditional dishes that feature pulses, without affecting the taste or texture of the food.”

The dishes showcased include perogies made from bean flour dough, chicken potpie with a bean flour crust, and crème brulée with half the fat cut using navy bean puree.

“This showcase is an excellent example of the role that our culinary institute plays in supporting the growth of Manitoba’s food producers,” said Ray Hoemsen, director, Applied Research and Commercialization, Red River College.  “Along with training the culinary innovators of tomorrow, RRC provides a wealth of applied research resources for local businesses, including recipe development, test marketing, and demonstrations.”

Red River College’s Paterson GlobalFoods Institute opened in 2013 and was supported with funding from the Paterson Foundation and Western Economic Diversification Canada to fill an innovation gap for food product development and service in Manitoba.

“Our Government is pleased to support the applied research being conducted at Red River College through the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute. The partnership between RRC and the Manitoba Pulse Growers Association demonstrates how locally grown produce and grains can be transformed into healthy and delicious foods,” said the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

Winnipeg is becoming a true leader in culinary excellence, with the recent opening of Red River College’s Paterson GlobalFoods Institute. World-class instruction, cutting-­edge technology and partnerships with key industry players prepare RRC students to become the next generation of influencers in the fields of culinary arts, professional baking and patisserie and hospitality and tourism management.

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The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, today while on a tour of Red River College announced the launch of the new Canada Apprentice Loan, an Economic Action 2014 commitment that provides apprentices in Red Seal trades access to interest-free loans of up to $4,000 per period of technical training.

In her tour of Red River College, Minister Glover reiterated that enhanced support for apprentices and apprenticeship training are key to power and grow the Canadian economy. That is why, in addition to the Canada Apprentice Loan, the Government also supports apprentices through several other initiatives, including Grants and Tax Credits. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has also provided apprenticeship grants and Tax credits for both apprentices and employers to encourage apprenticeships and careers in the skilled trades. To date, the Government has issued over 500,000 apprenticeship grants to Canadians worth nearly $700 million to help them get the skills and training they need to get well-paying jobs.

Minister Glover emphasized the value of skilled trades and underlined the pressing demand for skilled tradespeople, particularly in areas such as infrastructure projects like the Government’s New Building Canada Plan, which commits $53 billion in funding, including $476 million to projects in Manitoba under the New Building Canada Fund.

Quick Facts

• It is estimated that at least 26,000 apprentices a year will apply for over $100 million in Canada Apprentice Loans.
• Red Seal trades include 57 skilled trades including bakers, bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, gasfitters, heavy equipment operators, ironworkers, machinists, painters, plumbers, sheet metal workers, and truck mechanics, to name a few.
• According to Statistics Canada, almost 360,000 people are enrolled in over 400 apprenticeship and skilled trades programs. But, only half of apprentices are completing their programs.
• There are approximately 2.9 million skilled trade workers in Canada which represent 17 percent of the workforce.

Quotes

“Since 2006, our Government has recognized the important role that apprentices play in Canada’s economy and, to this end, has made significant investments to help apprentices and the employers that hire them. Now, thanks to the Canada Apprentice Loan, more Canadians are able to complete their training and become skilled journeypeople and fill in-demand jobs.”

– The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“Our Government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity. Jobs in the skilled trades are in-demand in many sectors and regions across the country. We are taking concrete action to address this challenge by providing even more support for apprentices. This includes the introduction of the Canada Apprentice Loan, which will help more apprentices complete their training and encourage more Canadians to pursue a career in the skilled trades.”

– The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development

“In 2015 Red River College and the Province of Manitoba will break ground on a new 100,000 square foot state-of-the-art Skilled Trades and Technology Centre as jobs in the skilled trades are in high demand and one of our strategic priorities is to fuel Manitoba’s economy. We applaud The Government of Canada on today’s announcement and their commitment to continue to provide additional opportunities that further support the work being done by Apprenticeship Manitoba and our industry partners to help our apprentices achieve success.”

– David Rew, Interim President & CEO, Red River College