For immediate release: March 24, 2022

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation –For more than 15 years, RRC Polytech’s Research Partnerships & Innovation enterprise has collaborated with local industry and community partners to find solutions to real-world challenges. And, over the course of the last five months, work has been underway on RRC Polytech’s new Academic Plan and Research Plan, focusing on alignment with the key commitments of the Strategic Plan, In Front of What’s Ahead.
 
Both plans will support how RRC Polytech will live its bold new direction over the next five years, and play significant roles in how the College achieves a renewed commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, deepens relationships with employers, industry and community partners, and supports growth and prosperity within Manitoba.

As of April 1, 2022, the Research, Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) department will be re-aligned to join the Indigenous Strategy and Business Development portfolio, a newly re-imagined area at RRC Polytech, led by Vice President, James (Jamie) Wilson. This re-alignment was largely guided through the process of developing the new Research Plan.
 
“This change in structure was a natural fit, as several goals in the Research Plan align extremely well with the mandate of RRC Polytech’s newly created Indigenous Strategy and Business Development portfolio,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.
 
“This re-alignment is one of the ways we are positioning RRC Polytech to achieve our strategic goals and elevate our role in strengthening Manitoba’s economic, social, environmental and cultural prosperity.”
 
The College’s newly re-imagined area led by Vice President, Jamie Wilson, will now be Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development. Through the recent introduction of this role, Jamie Wilson, has already identified many opportunities to provide a suite of services including the continued service model that positions RRC Polytech as a responsive and client-centred partner for industry and employers. This service model is one that RPI continues to successfully leverage, providing solutions for industry challenges and delivering in-demand training to meet labour market needs.
 
“The overlap between business development, applied research and Indigenous growth is what differentiates Manitoba on a global scale. This is an empowerment of Manitoba’s value proposition,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development.
 
“The re-alignment of the Research, Partnerships & Innovation department will ensure research at the College is approached through an Indigenous lens, and open up new opportunities for collaboration on shared goals and initiatives between academic programs, applied research, and business development.”
 
As Manitoba’s Polytechnic, applied research will continue to play a key role in academic programs, providing high quality work-integrated learning opportunities for RRC Polytech students, including the integration of capstone projects into curricula.

RPI will continue to engage in the important work that it has set out to accomplish and re-alignment in this new portfolio will truly enable RRC Polytech’s work to expands its reach, creating the right connections within the College, and in the community to support the Research Plan’s ambitious goals and strategic direction over the next five years.  

The re-envisioned area of Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development presents an exciting new opportunity to create and deepen partnerships between the business community, College, and Indigenous community. And this opportunity will make a major impact as RRC Polytech embeds Truth and Reconciliation and pursues equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.

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Research, Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) at RRC Polytech involves applied research spanning sectors from aerospace to early childhood education and can include innovations in products, processes and the diffusion of information and technology. RPI is home to three Technology Access Centres (TACs) – Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC), Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK), and Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) – and dynamic research facilities, including the Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC) and the Science of Early Childhood Education (SECD) initiative. To learn more about RPI, visit rrc.ca/research.

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation –

RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC) will continue to lead the charge on the shift to zero-emission vehicles (ZEV), thanks to support from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).

The federal government, through NRCan recently announced a $225,000 grant for Enhancing Workplace Charging across Canada’s Prairie Region through Emphasizing Strategies for Cost-Effective Adaptation of Charging Infrastructure (Enhancing Workplace Charging), an initiative RRC Polytech will lead alongside partners Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech). This grant was provided along with funding for 22 organizations across Canada to undertake ZEV awareness projects.

Through this partnership, the College is extending its reach from Manitoba to throughout the Prairies to build public awareness of charging options for electric vehicles (EVs).

“Our VTEC team at the College is excited to build on the momentum of EV projects we’ve completed over the last decade. This initiative is particularly important because it addresses a major challenge of making the shift to EVs on the individual level, and how organizations can support charging infrastructure for the general public,” says Jojo Delos Reyes, Research Program Manager, VTEC.

The overall aim of the collaborative initiative is to address one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption, “range anxiety” due to lack of access to charging infrastructure. RRC Polytech and project partners have identified that the Prairie region presents a major opportunity to implement charging stations to meet workplace charging needs. Throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, there are numerous existing plug-in-points (nearly 500,000 in Manitoba alone) due to the cold climate, which can be adapted in a cost-effective manner for Level 1 charging.

To support EV adoption, RRC Polytech’s VTEC team, NAIT and Sask Polytech will leverage collective expertise to research and distribute informational material to build awareness of charging options and how to adapt current infrastructure for Level 1 workplace charging.

RRC Polytech is a founding member of Accelerate and member of Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2), and the Enhancing Workplace Charging project goals directly align with the mandates of these alliances to support a greener future, highlighting the College’s commitment to sustainability.

In addition, the project will help build a future workforce trained for clean-tech jobs, through student participation in applied learning. RRC Polytech researchers, technicians, and students will also help build the College’s capabilities for new zero-emission technology initiatives.

RRC Polytech remains on the leading-edge of the drive to zero-emission vehicles, growing the province as a hub for EV innovation and adoption. To learn more about the College’s past vehicle technology projects, visit rrc.ca/vtec

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation –

Today, RRC Polytech is celebrating the success of its Winter 2022 graduating class through a virtual convocation ceremony.

There are 1,040 students crossing the virtual stage, representing programs from the College’s eight campuses across Manitoba, and includes international students who studied virtually from their home countries. For many graduates their studies took place almost entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic, which challenged students to be open to new or different ways of learning and adapt to a changing world.

“We are proud to be honouring RRC Polytech’s graduates and celebrating as they take the next step into their careers. To get to where they are today shows true resilience and dedication, and I know they will carry those qualities with them into the workforce and help move Manitoba forward,“ said Fred Meier, President and CEO at RRC Polytech. “Our alumni have a strong reputation for being leaders across Manitoba’s leading industries, and I am looking forward to seeing what our newest graduates bring to the table.”

This is the second class to graduate since RRC Polytech’s evolution as a polytechnic. Last year, the College announced that, through its new strategic plan, it would increase its focus on strategic workforce development, applied research and flexible learning options that aim to keep Manitobans in front of what’s ahead.

Honorary Diploma Awarded to Restaurant Legend

RRC Polytech has the distinct privilege of honouring Doug Stephen, founder of WOW! Hospitality, with an Honorary Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

“I can’t tell you how honoured and humbled I am to be presented with this recognition,” said Doug Stephen, who also shared the following advice for today’s graduates. “If you can honestly say that you are passionate about what you do when you wake up in the morning, your life will be filled with happiness and fulfillment.”

Stephen is receiving the Honorary Diploma for being an integral part of the Winnipeg dining and hospitality sector, as well as his longstanding commitment to providing RRC Polytech students opportunities to gain hands-on training and work experience.

Graduates Encouraged to Celebrate Together on Social Media

Graduates are encouraged to join in the celebrations online by taking photos and sharing them on social media by tagging RRC Polytech (@redrivercollege) and using the official alumni hashtag (#rrcalumni). Graduates may also purchase lawn signs at the Campus Store. 

RRC Polytech’s Winter 2022 Virtual Convocation Ceremony will stream on RRC Polytech’s website and Facebook Live today, February 24 at 3:00pm.

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

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation 

As part of its longstanding and ongoing commitment to prioritize and promote mental health and well-being, RRC Polytech is encouraging staff, students and community members to take pause and participate in Bell Let’s Talk Day 2022.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted all of our lives. In this time, it is critical that we continue to prioritize, and further expand, RRC Polytech’s mental health and well-being initiatives,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO at RRC Polytech. “Bell Let’s Talk aligns with RRC Polytech’s objective to cultivate an environment of support that provides well-being, belonging, connectedness and positive mental health for our entire community.  RRC Polytech is proud to join the Bell Let’s Talk campaign and support expanded and enhanced mental health initiatives in Manitoba.”

As part of RRC Polytech’s Strategic Plan, the College is successfully creating a culture that supports the mental health and well-being of students, staff and faculty. Building on the strength of the Healthy Minds, Healthy College strategy launched in 2014, the College recently unveiled its new Campus Well-Being unit, which strives to take a more holistic approach to physical and mental health, with the goal of benefitting even more people by providing opportunities to connect through sport, recreation, and wellness-based activities.

In developing the unit’s mandate and guiding principles, RRC Polytech used the National Standard for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students as a foundational guide, a document developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and Canadian Standards Association Group, with financial support from Bell Let’s Talk.

Additionally, a generous donation from Bell’s Post-Secondary fund is helping RRC Polytech implement this National Standard; this funding is being used to help Campus Well-Being work with students to co-design a peer support program.

“Bell’s commitment to student mental health is an ongoing priority especially as students continue to be impacted by the effects of the pandemic. We are proud to continue our support of post-secondary institutions’ efforts to expand, enhance or establish programs that support student mental health and well-being, and ultimately student success,” says Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk.

On Bell Let’s Talk Day 2022, RRC Polytech will host a live virtual workshop at 12 p.m. for students, staff and faculty that will include short film viewings and a discussion on ways to open up conversations about mental health and wellness.

“Hearing stories from others about their experiences overcoming and navigating mental health barriers helps us to normalize these experiences and minimize the stigma or shame that we may feel concerning our own mental health,” says Breanna Sawatzky, Acting Manager of Campus Well-Being at RRC Polytech. “Now more than ever, we need to show compassion to one another as we all do our best to care for our own mental health and wellbeing. Supportive conversations, acts of kindness, wellness opportunities, and access to professional supports when needed are all part of the College’s strategy to support our community.”

Register for the workshop and learn about additional Bell Let’s Talk Day 2022 activities

Launched in 2010, Bell Let’s Talk focuses on action to increase awareness around mental health and mental illness, and encourages Canadians and people worldwide to keep listening, keep talking and keep being there for ourselves and each other.

This year, Bell Let’s Talk and the Canadian Red Cross announced a $250,000 partnership to enhance access to crisis support for people living with mental health challenges in Indigenous communities within Manitoba through the expansion of the Friendly Calls program, which helps address feelings of isolation and loneliness that have intensified for many throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on Bell Let’s Talk, visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk

To learn more about mental health supports, students can visit: https://www.rrc.ca/wellness/supports/

Information about resources for RRC Polytech staff can be found here https://www.rrc.ca/staff/resources/healthy-minds-healthy-college/

The new executive role will enable the Polytechnic to partner with Manitoba’s Indigenous communities, businesses, and entrepreneurs to make progress on RRC Polytech’s new strategic plan.

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – Today, RRC Polytech is taking an important step towards fulfilling the commitments within its 2022 – 2026 Strategic Plan: In Front of What’s Ahead, by establishing a new executive position under the leadership of Jamie Wilson (Opaskwayak Cree Nation) to guide this significant and transformational work for the College.

Wilson is a visionary leader with a passion for building bridges between communities and organizations, strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples, and creating opportunities for community and social development that lead towards economic opportunity and prosperity. 

“This is an area of significant importance for RRC Polytech, and we were fortunate to recruit Jamie to this new role. His experience and background will bring the vision and leadership we need to strengthen this work and advance our strategic commitments,” said Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech.

In addition to leading on Indigenous strategy, Wilson will take on the responsibility for business development at RRC Polytech, focusing on deepening and expanding the College’s relationship with business and employers to solve their greatest needs and drive positive outcomes for their growth and success.

“Our future economic prosperity and the growth of our labour market in Manitoba is inextricably linked to the success of our Indigenous communities and the province. This new role is essential for RRC Polytech to put everything we do through that lens to identify new opportunities for partnership and growth,” said Meier.

With a background as a Deputy Minister (Growth, Enterprise and Trade; Education), educator, a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, an Infantry officer and as Manitoba’s Treaty Commissioner, Wilson is uniquely positioned to lead this new portfolio.

“This is an important role at RRC Polytech, and I look forward to bringing my experiences to help shape this essential work and drive innovation in our processes and approach. The path that RRC Polytech has committed to has put them in the right place at the right time to grow to make meaningful progress towards the TRC Calls to Action and economic reconciliation through increased partnerships with Indigenous students, businesses and communities,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy and Business Development, RRC Polytech.

Partnerships are the core of the College’s success. They enable RRC Polytech to extend its resources, leverage the strengths of our partners, accelerate progress in innovation and research, and expand our reach. This new role will enable RRC Polytech to do more and play a more significant role in creating positive outcomes and opportunities throughout the province.

“RRC Polytech’s ability to co-design solutions to complex industry challenges is something I have witnessed from both business and government roles. I am keen to be a part of the team that continues and builds on this important work for Manitoba,” said Wilson.

Wilson will join RRC Polytech in this new role starting January 3, 2022.

Name paves way for Indigenous reclamation in the spirit of community, collaboration and reconciliation

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – Today, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) announced a new Indigenous name in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) for its newest building at the Exchange District Campus.

Formerly known as the Innovation Centre project, RRC Polytech officially opened its doors to Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, which translates to where creator sits (Manitou a bi) and brings light (Bii daziigae).

The Elders-in-Residence of RRC Polytech, Elder Paul Guimond, Okonace (Little Eagle Bone) from Sagkeeng First Nation, and Miss Una Swan, Black Eagle Woman, from Fisher River Cree Nation, held a pipe ceremony this morning during the official opening in the public agora for the new 100,000 square-foot space to bring spirit and life to the name, introduce the name to the RRC Polytech community, as well as to honour traditional sacred ceremony. 

Elders-in-Residence
“We’re in a time of beautiful change to bring that light – that hope, and I think if we can bring the spirit of that name into that building, maybe we’ll be able to take that step ahead and walk with it,” said Elder Paul Guimond.

“The new building is so unique. It’s powered by nature. Much like how we live, powered by nature and the sun. The sun is such a beautiful spirit; it brings warmth, it brings growth, it brings light, it brings hope. Without that sun there is no life. And if you look at the new building; it’s all powered by the sun. It’s just a matter of now respecting it and giving it the name that it needs to guide that spirit. It’s a building, but it has spirit. It’s going to bring that positive spirit in the minds and the realm of all people. I think there’s an opportunity to give a name to something that’s going to give us life, that’s going to give us hope. And I hope the name will serve its purpose, and I’m glad that opportunity is there.”

Indigenous knowledge, teachings and traditions were prioritized in the design and creation of the building to ensure Indigenous students, staff and community were represented through art by Anishinabee artist Jackie Traverse and Cree/British artist KC Adams and more; functionality for ceremony with ventilated spaces, including the 210-seat Roundhouse Auditorium; and the intention for inclusive spaces to connect and collaborate.

“To me, it means it’s a place where the spirit lives, where there’s light, where it’s progressive, forward thinking. You walk into the building and you feel the energy there. It’s so positive and it represents new beginnings and forward-thinking ideas that were not thought of before,” said Miss Una Swan. “Everything Indigenous people would have wanted done for this building has been done. All the material that could have been used from the old building was reused, it’s run by the sun. It epitomizes the Indigenous community here in Manitoba. So we’re very excited and proud about this building. You walk in there, you know, it’s an Indigenous building.”

“I thought that it represented transparency, because there’s so many windows in the building where you can see other areas, it’s wide open, there’s four levels, which speaks to me because of the four directions, and then they have two rooms that are round and ventilated so that we can invite people to have ceremonies or have drum practice. So we really want to enjoy it, invite the community into the building and making it a community place.”

Consultation and Process
The Elders-in-Residence were first approached and offered tobacco to begin a traditional naming process for the newest building at the Exchange District Campus, known previously as the Innovation Centre Project, a hub for technology, collaboration and connection. Both Elders utilized their own traditional ceremonial protocols for this process as their teachings instruct, given to them by their Elders and Spiritual Guides. They were also given tours of the building to help them inform an appropriate name.

“The new name presented by Elder Paul Guimond and Miss Una Swan represents a new beginning and reflects the space and history where the building stands. Having this name that has so much depth and meaning really grounds us in the pursuit of the building’s mission to spark transformation, ingenuity and collaboration between students and industry,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“This name honours the heritage of where we live, represents the work and learning that will occur inside, and serves as a powerful inspiration to continue in our commitment to embedding truth and reconciliation in everything we do. The building will house some of our most transformative and cutting-edge Indigenous Education programs, and we hope that the many layers of this building – from the artwork, to inclusive spaces, to the name, contributes to Indigenous student and community inclusion and success, and empowers them on their education journey. Working alongside our Elders during this process has been so wonderful and encompasses what we intend with Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.”

Name and Meaning
The new name Manitou a bi Bii daziigae translates to where creator sits (Manitou a bi) and brings light (Bii daziigae).

The first part of the name, Manitou a bi, signifies the importance of where the building is in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in Treaty No 1. The meaning of “where creator sits” has a few reasons for its deeper meaning by honouring the unique history of how Indigenous peoples came to meet and gather in the Winnipeg area on the converging rivers, as well as a representation of the diverse cultures and spiritually of Indigenous peoples. It’s our home. It drives innovation from the centre outward. It also means creators of light that connects and represents many facets of Bii daziigae.

The second part of the name, Bii daziigae, describes the purpose, intent, functionality, and beauty of the new space. “Bringing the light” is about the building’s aim to bring students, staff, community and business together to collaborate, bring new ideas, solve problems, future think, and utilize and create the newest technology. It signifies bringing in a new era of hope with the renewed commitment to pursuing truth and reconciliation in everything at RRC Polytech. It also represents the building’s solar energy and sustainability efforts, as well as the natural light that pours through the many windows and main open agora, which inspired the Elders. 

“Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, a place where the creator sits to the place that brings light. It’s a very spiritual name. We have to have faith; we have to believe that it’s in the spirit of that name that we’re going to be guided,” said Guimond. “Reconciliation is going to be happening in that in that space without even knowing it.”

“There’s just so many things that this word encompasses. The first part and the second part; it’s not just the name, it’s what those words represent. It represents all of those good, positive things.” said Swan. “It also represents truth and reconciliation era that we’re in right now. It’s a building that really honours the Indigenous community of this territory and everything that any Indigenous leaders and community people have always wanted has been done with this building.”

The Bigger Picture
The building project was announced in 2017 with a $40.6 million commitment of support from the Government of Canada through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund (PSI-SIF) and Government of Manitoba support through a loan of up to $54.8 million. By bringing more than 1,200 additional staff and students to the area per day, the space will help the College create jobs, expand research opportunities to work with Indigenous entrepreneurs, and foster pathways for education and careers for Indigenous learners.

“Our government is proud to support Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and the many opportunities it will create, including new academic options for First Nation, Inuit and Métis students across the province, and access to the technology and innovation that a polytechnic has to offer. Partnerships with entrepreneurs and businesses will provide new avenues to explore, while promoting economic growth and continued revitalization and expansion to the heart of Winnipeg,” said the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

“This name, that pays respect to Indigenous languages and heritage, combined with the intent and purpose of this new building, will be a beacon of inspiration of our shared journey of reconciliation. During my time as a social worker at a Winnipeg Indigenous family resource centre, I know the importance of prioritizing Indigenous places and programs. I want to thank RRC Polytech on their contribution and commitment to supporting Indigenous students and the broader community.”

The programs and opportunities that will take place within the space are also designed as part of RRC Polytech’s commitment to the province’s Skills, Talent and Knowledge strategy.

“The Province of Manitoba is honoured to be a part of this momentous occasion, and to partner with RRC Polytech in the opening of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae. Full participation of Indigenous people in Manitoba’s economy is critical to improving quality of life and to building a stronger social and economic fabric in our province,” said the Honourable Wayne Ewasko, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration for the Province of Manitoba. “The intention for RRC Polytech to collaborate with Indigenous communities, entrepreneurs and students within this space is essential – as a province we are committed to the role education and training plays in reconciliation.”

“The opening of RRC Polytech’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae is a significant milestone for our city’s downtown,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “Winnipeg was recently named the World’s Most Intelligent Community thanks to the efforts of important stakeholders like RRC Polytech. Part of this global recognition was because of our city’s commitment to innovation and reconciliation. As a partner to Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord, RRC Polytech is continuing to take meaningful action on our community’s journey of reconciliation.”

Some spaces within and around Manitou a bi Bii daziigae have been generously supported by the Red River College Students’ Association, Wawanesa Mutual Insurance, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Informanix Technology Group, Fortinet, and the Children’s Education Funds. RRC Polytech is proud to work with its donor community to enhance its learning spaces and create more opportunities for its students.

To learn more about the space, please visit: rrc.ca/edc/manitou-a-bi-bii-daziigae/

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation   – The Red River College Polytechnic community gathers virtually today to celebrate the College’s largest fall convocation, and the first class to graduate since Red River College embraced its new identity as RRC Polytech.

1,400 students will become graduates at today’s online ceremony, representing every RRC Polytech school and campus across the province, as well as international students from across the globe.

Earlier this October, Manitoba’s largest college unveiled a bold new strategic direction and embraced its identity as Manitoba’s polytechnic by bringing that word into its name, as Red River College Polytechnic, or RRC Polytech. The new name signals a stronger focus on strategic workforce development, applied research, and more flexible learning options that aim to keep Manitobans ahead by transforming disruption into opportunity.

“Today we mark a momentous occasion, both in the lives of our graduates and in the history of RRC Polytech. As our post-secondary institution embraces its strengths in polytechnic education by embarking on a new strategic plan, our graduates stand ready to thrive in a new world of work: one that needs their unique skills and knowledge like never before,” said Fred Meier, RRC Polytech President and CEO.

“Employers continue to embrace and adopt new technologies, industrial processes and economic and social realities as they emerge from the pandemic. RRC Polytech stands ready to lead and support our partners to seize the opportunities. Our institution is always one step ahead, and that means our graduates are, too. They are ready – now – to pivot, adapt, and create solutions that position Manitoba at the leading edge of innovation.”

The Fall 2021 Virtual Convocation Ceremony will feature messages from speakers across the College and province, including:

• Fred Meier, President and CEO;
• Dr. Christine Watson, Vice-President, Academic and Research;
• Loren Cisyk, Chair of RRC Polytech Board of Governors;
• The Honourable Wayne Ewasko, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration;
• Mandeep Sidhu, Vice President Internal, Red River College Students’ Association;
• Jared Akman, Director of Operations at Akman Construction, 2008 graduate of the Structural Engineering Technology program;
• Orycia Karpa, Communications Coordinator at Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada, 2020 graduate of the Creative Communications program;
• Deans, Chairs, Coordinators and Faculty from across the College; and
• Graduating students from the first graduating class of RRC Polytech

“Earning an academic credential is an important milestone — especially from programs like ours that have so much potential to shape the future of our businesses and communities,” said Dr. Christine Watson, VP Academic and Research, RRC Polytech. 

“We are so proud of what today’s graduates have accomplished, and proud of what their talent will tell the world about where they studied. Learning is a lifelong journey, and RRC Polytech is ready to walk beside them every step of the way.”

Graduates are encouraged to join in the celebrations online by taking photos and sharing them on social media by tagging Red River College Polytechnic (@redrivercollege) and using the hashtag RRC Polytech Alumni (#rrcalumni).  Graduates may also purchase lawn signs at the Campus Store. 

RRC Polytech’s Fall 2021 Virtual Convocation Ceremony will stream on Facebook Live today, Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 3:00pm. For a full list of graduates, award winners, and to stream the ceremony please visit rrc.ca/convocation.

RRC Polytech is the evolution of Red River College – embracing the unique education, training and partnerships it offers to Manitoba. To learn more about the recent evolution, and to view its new five-year strategic plan In Front of What’s Ahead visit the RRC Polytech site.

When referring to our institution, the abbreviated name RRC Polytech* should be used in nearly all circumstances.

More information on versions of our identity and when to use them can be found in our Brand Book (scroll to the very bottom under the heading of “Corporate Name”).

Please do not use the following:
Red River College Polytech
RRC Polytechnic
Red River Polytech
Red River College Poly
RRCP
OR any other combination of the aforementioned

*Please note: it is acceptable to refer to RRC Polytech as ‘the College’ in subsequent mentions as well.

If you have any questions, please email CollegeRelations@rrc.ca

RRC embraces bold new identity and plan to support recovery, innovation, and growth

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – Today, the province’s largest college has unveiled a bold new strategic direction and will embrace its identity as Manitoba’s polytechnic by bringing that word into its name, as Red River College Polytechnic, or RRC Polytech.

For RRC Polytech to continue to grow as the post-secondary institution that Manitoba needs today, and into the future, we are redefining ourselves. This will enable RRC Polytech to continue to modernize apprenticeship training and expand in areas that are hallmarks of a polytechnic education – applied research and work-integrated learning – which allow students to seamlessly transition from the classroom to their careers.

Embracing this new identity recognizes RRC Polytech’s evolution into a unique kind of post-secondary institution that blends deep, theoretical learning with applied, hands-on experience, and highlights the important role our graduates will play in growing Manitoba’s economy as our province recovers from the pandemic and looks to the future.

“For more than 80 years, Red River College Polytechnic has been a driving force to keep our province moving forward – economically, socially and culturally – by working on the cusp of what Manitoba needs now, and as we look towards the future,” said Honourable Wayne Ewasko, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration, Province of Manitoba.

“With this new identity and strategic direction, RRC Polytech is well-positioned to continue to meet the goals of the Skills, Talent and Knowledge Strategy – which provides an important framework for post-secondary institutions to prepare students for in-demand, good jobs, while accelerating our economic recovery and growth.”

The term polytechnic is used around the world to identify institutions who focus on strategic workforce development, applied research, and offer a variety of credentials from micro-credentials to bachelor degrees. The polytechnic model enables us to build on our strong foundation as a post-secondary institution and grow and expand our current offerings.

For students, a polytechnic education means more choices, flexible options, and opportunities to gain highly sought-after skills – at the start of their career or anywhere along the way.

For employers and industry partners, it means a pipeline to top Manitoba talent and a direct hand in developing a workforce that meets their current and future needs. It also means expanding partnerships and applied research collaborations to help position employers at the forefront of innovation and growth.

“Sectors across Manitoba continue to experience disruption at a faster and more frequent pace than ever before. This quickened pace demands an urgent and agile response, and RRC Polytech is perfectly positioned meet the emerging needs of our students and of the workforce they are entering,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“The polytechnic model best describes not only who we are, but where we are going. Aligning our new identity and strategic direction lays a strong foundation to be bold, to continue to take important leaps, and it allows us to play the larger role we need to in Manitoba’s post-secondary ecosystem. It puts us in the right place, at the right time, to stay in front of what’s ahead.”

RRC Polytech Strategic Plan 2022-2026: In Front of What’s Ahead

This new mission, vision, and direction for RRC Polytech was influenced by thousands of stakeholders and community partners who participated in the creation of the new five-year Strategic Plan: In Front of What’s Ahead.  This plan provides a roadmap for how these commitments will position Manitoba’s polytechnic to respond to what our province needs next.

RRC Polytech’s Commitments are:

1. Transform our learning models to meet emerging needs.
2. Commit to Truth and Reconciliation. Pursue Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in everything we do.
3. Deepen partnerships to maximize prosperity across industry and community.

Staying in front of what’s ahead requires RRC Polytech to align efforts across all priorities. These commitments ensure RRC Polytech can continue to meet the evolving needs of industry, employers and communities, by shaping the future of learning, building the collaborations that drive shared outcomes, and deconstructing colonial and biased assumptions that have broken trust in post-secondary education, employment, and administration.
 
This new strategic plan will cement RRC Polytech’s unique position in Manitoba’s post-secondary eco-system and will guide our work in a measurable way as we move forward.

“Across every industry and sector, jobs are changing, technology is evolving, and responding to disruption in new and innovative ways has become the new normal,” said Bram Strain, President and CEO, Business Council of Manitoba.

“As a diverse group of leaders of companies who are committed to Manitoba’s economic growth and community development, we rely on RRC Polytech as a valued partner to provide a talented and multifaceted pool of graduates who can anticipate the needs of today, and who can look to the future of what our business community will need tomorrow – in order to stay competitive.”

For more information about RRC Polytech’s Strategic Plan 2022-26: In Front of What’s Ahead, and about its role as Manitoba’s polytechnic, please visit rrc.ca/polytech

Click here to download the Strategic Plan backgrounder.
Click here to download the RRC Polytech backgrounder.

New logos can be accessed here.