June 14, 2022

With a career spanning multiple decades, Doctor John Richard Middleton (Dick) Smith has made an enduring mark on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Winnipeg.

He was one of the first doctors in Winnipeg to support patients diagnosed with HIV and AIDS, saving countless lives through treatment and education. Now, RRC Polytech is honouring his efforts by presenting him with an honorary diploma in Community Development.

“Dr. Smith represents the embodiment of caring and giving back to your community – a value we work to instill into every one of our grads,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech. “We are proud to honour Dr. Smith for his tireless work advocating for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. His work teaches us if something doesn’t yet exist in the world but is necessary and positive, then be fearless and pursue it.”

He moved to Winnipeg from England in 1972 and was one of the first local doctors to support patients diagnosed with HIV and AIDS, saving countless lives through treatment and education. After seeing the need for specialized health care and safe spaces, he helped found the Winnipeg Gay Community Health Centre, the Village Clinic and Nine Circles Community Health Centre. He brought his activism and leadership to other roles as President of the Manitoba College of Family Physicians and President of Medical Staff for Misericordia Hospital.

“Receiving this recognition from RRC Polytech is a great honour,” says Dr. Smith. “Working with people has been the touchstone of my career and I’ve been so fortunate to forge many valuable connections here in Winnipeg while doing something I love. I hope that RRC Polytech graduates find something they love to do and find wonderful people to work alongside.”

In 2016, Dr. Smith came out of retirement to help open a multidisciplinary organization called Our Own Health Centre, which specializes in providing medical and well-being care to members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

A brave pioneer, a determined activist, an empathetic and nurturing caregiver, a committed leader, a philanthropist, and treasured member of the queer community, Dr. Smith serves as an incredible example to students, faculty, and alumni of RRC Polytech.

“Dr. Smith cannot be commended enough for the positive impact his inspirational journey has made. From healing the sick, to educating others about accepting all people and their chosen identities, to influencing systemic change – his passion for improving the lives of those around him has never wavered,” says Dr. Christine Watson, RRC Polytech Vice President, Academic and Tributes Committee Chair. “RRC Polytech has made a commitment in our new Strategic Plan to incorporate equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. Dr. Smith’s legacy reinforces why this commitment is so important and serves as a reminder that systemic change is not only necessary but achievable.”

Due to a Manitoba Hydro power outage, RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus is closing for the day and all on-campus classes and services are cancelled. We expect regular operation to resume tomorrow, Thursday, June 30.

This outage is affecting customers across in the area surrounding the campus and Manitoba Hydro will need an extended amount of time to resolve the issue.

Regular operations are expected to resume on Thursday, June 30, 2022. All other campuses remain open today.

Today, after two years of virtual graduation ceremonies, alumni and their classmates, friends, family and loved ones, along with RRC Polytech staff are gathering for a second chance at convocation. Almost 1000 RRC Polytech alumni will be donning a cap and gown to cross the stage in person during ceremonies at the Centennial Concert Hall.

“We recognize that being surrounded by classmates and loved ones, and crossing the stage is a major milestone to help celebrate students’ hard work and achievements. We wanted to be able to provide this memorable in-person experience to alumni who had virtual convocation ceremonies over the last two years,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, who is emceeing the alumni graduation ceremonies.

Earlier this spring, after receiving positive survey responses from alumni who graduated between Spring 2020 and Winter 2022, the College announced that special return convocation ceremonies would be held for its alumni.

For Tian Tian, since arriving in Canada in 2020, not only did she have to learn how to navigate a new country and way of life, but also navigate classes in a new online learning environment. Despite all challenges, Tian, seamlessly managed a demanding class schedule, found time to give back to the community, and began building a family.

Starting her education journey at the onset of the pandemic, and finishing during another wave of the pandemic, she now has the opportunity to attend the in-person convocation ceremony she had anticipated.

“I am grateful to be able to join my instructors and fellow classmates in person – they have been fundamental in helping me build brave relationships here at RRC Polytech and prepare for my future career,” says Tian, who is a 2021 Honours grad of the Manufacturing CAD program and recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for outstanding achievement.

“Today is also extremely special because my son, Alexis, who became our youngest classmate, will be with my family in the audience while I cross the stage.”

Tian will be bringing remarks at the 7:00 p.m. alumni convocation ceremony tonight – this ceremony along those at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. will be available via livestream at rrc.ca/convocation.

Congratulations to the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022!

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day! RRC Polytech is proud to announce we have worked with local artist Peatr Thomas on an original design for Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters in support of the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, created in partnership by RRC Polytech’s School of Indigenous Education and the Campus Store.

Peatr Thomas is a multidisciplinary Ininew and Anishinaabe self-taught full-time visual artist from the Pimicikamak and Miskooseepi territories. A Youth Facilitator for many years, he is sharing passed down knowledge, traditional teachings, culture and the healing process in creating visual forms of art.

“Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters and truth and reconciliation have become such a large part of College community and we can see how it has been embraced through the engagement and attendance of our events and workshops, but also through the funds we have raised for the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award and the Indigenous students we’ve been able to support so far,” says Carla Kematch, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement. “Part of the values of truth and reconciliation is embedding Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and I’m so honoured that Peatr agreed to work with us to create an authentic piece of artwork that staff and students can feel proud to wear that is true to the meaning behind Every Child Matters. Peatr is an established artist in our community with a distinct vision, many will recognize his incredible murals throughout the city, and we are so grateful for him sharing his art and teachings with us. I can’t wait to see this path for us grow and to create more opportunities.”

All proceeds for Orange Shirt Day t-shirt sales, as well as designs for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit, go towards the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award. The word Mínwastánikéwin is Cree and means ‘to set it right.’ This award seeks to advance Indigenous student achievement and has annually distributed $1,000 awards since 2019 with the launch of the College’s first annual Truth and Reconciliation Week held at the end of September.

Today, RRC Polytech is celebrating its latest group of graduates with an in-person ceremony — the first held in-person since February 2020.

“Tonight’s ceremony marks a fresh start for our graduates. They have accomplished a great deal through challenging circumstances — they truly deserve a celebration,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice-President Academic.

“Our convocation ceremonies represent opportunity and new beginnings. We are excited to be gathering together again to celebrate our students’ achievements.”

More than 2,000 students — many of whom completed a significant portion of their learning in a virtual setting — will cross the stage over three ceremonies, the first of which takes place tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Among the honourees at this week’s ceremonies are Taryn Lucas and Trent Adams, the College’s 2022 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal recipients. RRC Polytech awards up to four Lieutenant Governor’s Medal awards each year to graduating students who excel in academic and technical achievement, involvement in College and/or community activities, and good character.

Lucas graduates from the Community Development program, while Adams graduates from Environmental Engineering Technology.

“At RRC Polytech, I have been able to develop meaningful and impactful relationships with amazing students and communities, which has helped to further develop my portfolio of purpose. I now feel capable of tackling the real-life situations in front of me,” says Lucas.

“I hope to further my education towards law school and include advancements in my social finance and impact investing knowledge, which will in turn allow me to reach the point of becoming Mayor of Winnipeg, helping to decide our city council which helps to impact the Greater Winnipeg and Manitoba region.”

“The class of 2022 have proven they’re capable to adapt to great change, and thrive despite challenging circumstances,” says Dr. Watson. “I look forward to seeing what they bring to their careers and communities.”

RRC Polytech will continue to offer a virtual convocation experience for those who are unable to attend or are not yet ready for a large, in-person gathering.

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

A crowd of 100 teachers and teacher candidates from RRC Polytech’s Bachelor of Education programs were honoured at the annual Cooperating Teacher Appreciation Dinner on Tuesday night (May 3, 2022). The hosts from Teacher Education were thrilled to pay proper tribute with an in-person banquet for the first time since the onset of the pandemic.       

Cooperating teachers are an integral part of Bachelor of Education programs that host and mentor student teachers in their Applied Commerce Education, Industrial Arts Education and Technical Vocational Education classrooms.

RRC Polytech’s President and CEO, Fred Meier was in attendance and formally opened the evening’s festivities, while Dr. Jeanine Webber and Kerri Caldwell Korabelnikov brought congratulatory messages on behalf of the College’s School of Education, Arts and Sciences. The University of Winnipeg’s Dean of Education, Dr. Laurie Hellsten also lent her support, while the Manitoba Teachers’ Society was represented by Raymond Job.

On behalf of RRC Polytech and our Legal and Compliance team, we are delighted to welcome our new Resource and Resolution Advisor, Christine Jeroski.  

Christine is joining the College from a large national private law firm where she gained significant experience in human rights law.

Christine is thrilled to transition the skills she has learned in private practice into the role of Resource and Resolution Advisor. In this role, Christine is the point of contact for all reports of concerns and complaints related to bullying, discrimination and harassment, and sexual violence in all its forms for all members of the RRC Polytech Community.

In her spare time, Christine enjoys working out, creating art, and spending time with her cats Andy and Lucy.

Christine can be reached at cjeroski@rrc.ca

RRC Polytech has won the bronze medal for Excellence in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Awards of Excellence, held in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Following our commitment to embed EDI and Truth and Reconciliation into everything we do, the College proudly implemented a corporate equity, diversity, and inclusion action plan over the past year. This helped establish a network of Diversity Champions who encourage EDI engagement on campus through events, programs, and training opportunities.

The College has made a public pledge to make Manitoba a centre of excellence for Indigenous education, research, languages, and culture. To guide this significant and transformational work, the College continuously seeks strategic advice from its Elders-in-Residence, Knowledge Keepers Council, Director of Truth and Reconciliation, and new Vice President of Indigenous Strategy, Research, and Business Development portfolio.

RRC Polytech continues to actively embed EDI practices and Truth and Reconciliation into all activity across all campuses to ensure everyone in the College community feels welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. 

The CICan Awards of Excellence recognize best practices from colleges, institutes, cegeps and polytechnics across the country, as well as individual leadership and achievements in 10 categories. The awards are distributed in partnership with TD Insurance.

RRC Polytech is an anchor tenant on the list of Canada’s Greenest Employers, which is compiled annually by Mediacorp Inc. and unveiled each Earth Day. This year marks the 12^th consecutive time the College has earned this distinction. It’s an enviable streak made possible by a campus community committed to environmental awareness, and the ongoing expansion of programs and practices that enhances sustainability.

“We’re proud of how universal the commitment to sustainability is at RRC Polytech,” says Maria Mendes, Director, Environmental Stewardship and Campus Renewal. “Earth Day is a perfect occasion to celebrate the steps we’ve taken together toward greater sustainability. It’s also a time for us to reflect on how we will enhance these efforts in the years to come.”

In addition to recognizing RRC Polytech’s environmentally friendly policies and programs, the award also honours the opening of Manitoba a bi Bii daziigae – a significant new expression of sustainable design.

The new facility expands the green footprint of RRC Polytech’s Exchange District Campus. Its state-of-the-art design includes Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) along its exterior that use Kromatix glass panels to allow monocrystine solar cells to absorb and conduct energy while also protecting the building from the elements. This installation is the first of its kind in Canada and will reduce energy consumption by an estimated 15 to 20% per cent.

There are no changes to the update issued yesterday.

RRC Polytech will operate on a limited capacity for Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 14. All programs at all campuses will be delivered online. Programs and services are anticipated to resume as normal on Tuesday, April 19.

Winnipeg Campus access is limited to critical staff only. Campus access at NDC will be restricted to Security (C-tower) and card-only access at EDC.

RRC Polytech’s Regional Campuses, as well as Stevenson Winnipeg, are closed for April 13, with all staff working from home and classes taking place online.

RRC Polytech understands that many students, faculty, and staff will be impacted with K-12 school closures. Our goal is to accommodate, to the greatest extent possible, those who must care for their children. If staff and faculty are affected by today’s closures, please connect with your manager or program so we can best support you. Students will not be negatively impacted should the storm or K-12 school closures impact your ability to attend class, submit an assignment or write a test or exam – please reach out to your programs for further support.

The Incident Command Team will continue to monitor the storm. Should there be significant disruptions expected (power, water, internet service) or a state of emergency declared, RRC Polytech will reassess our operations and provide updates as required.

Continue to follow our social media, emails or visit rrc.ca for further updates.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact safety@rrc.ca

Update from Environment Canada

Snow which pushed northward into Winnipeg in the early morning hours will continue to track northward this morning into the Interlake. Snow at times heavy and blowing snow is expected to continue throughout the day, accompanied by northeast winds gusting as high as 70 km/h at times.

For the Red River Valley including Winnipeg and southeastern Manitoba the majority of the snow expected with this system will fall today. Snow and blowing snow will continue tonight through Thursday, although with lesser amounts expected. The southern Red River Valley and southeastern Manitoba may also see some drizzle or freezing drizzle as warmer air wraps into the system. Snow will continue Thursday evening, but accumulations should be limited, before tapering to flurries on Friday.

Further north the Interlake and areas east of Lake Winnipeg will see the majority of the snow tonight through Thursday.

Total snowfall accumulations by the time the time the storm tapers off range from 30-40 cm for Winnipeg, 40-60 cm for the western Red River Valley including Portage La Prairie and Morden, and 20-40 cm for the eastern Red River Valley and southeastern Manitoba.

Travel will become increasingly difficult as the day progresses.