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.

There is no significant change to the update that was issued earlier today.

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. Students will not be negatively impacted should the storm impact their ability to attend class, submit an assignment or write a test or exam.

During this period only Staff, critical to the operations of our campuses will be permitted on-campus during. Campus entry at NDC will be limited to the Security entrance (C-tower) and card-only access at EDC. Please reach out directly to Regional Campuses if you require access. All programs and services are anticipated to resume as normal on Tuesday, April 19.

Campus services available remotely

In-person services will not be available at this time and Student Service Centre representatives will be available remotely from 8:00am-3:45pm by phone at 204-632-2327 or email at register@rrc.ca.  The offices of Student Support Services will remain closed until Tuesday, April 19, but will continue to offer services remotely, please contact 204-632-3966 or 204-949-8375. Campus Well-Being will continue offering some activities remotely.

The NDC Loft and the EDC Fitness Centre will be closed and re-open on April 19.

The Incident Command Team will continue to monitor the storm. Should conditions worsen and there are significant disruptions expected (power, water, internet service) or the City of Winnipeg or Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization declares a state of emergency, RRC Polytech will reassess our operations and provide updates as required.

Please continue to follow our social media channels, emails and visit online at rrc.ca/campusadvisory for further updates.

Update from Environment Canada

Major spring storm poised to wallop southern Manitoba beginning overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning and lasting until Friday morning. Widespread snowfall accumulations of 30-50 cm accompanied by northerly winds gusting 60-70 km/h giving zero visibility at times in snow and blowing snow.

By Friday morning, widespread snowfall accumulations of 30 to 40 cm are likely.

Travel will become increasingly difficult as the day progresses Wednesday, with widespread highway closures a near-certainty. By Wednesday evening even travel within communities may become impossible as the heavy snow and strong winds continue… and more of the same is expected on Thursday.

Do not plan to travel – this storm has the potential to be the worst blizzard in decades. Stock up on needed supplies and medications now. Power outages are likely, rural areas in particular should be prepared for extended outages.

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

Due to the incoming winter storm, RRC Polytech plans to operate our campuses on a limited capacity for Wednesday, April 13, 2022, and Thursday, April 14, 2022. Only staff, critical to the operations of our campuses will be permitted on-campus during this time. We do not anticipate a return to normal operations until Tuesday April 19.

All remaining staff and faculty will work from home during this period. Classes will be delivered remotely where possible or rescheduled as needed. Students will not be negatively impacted should the storm impact their ability to attend class, submit an assignment or write a test or exam. Program areas will connect with students by the end of the day to advise of any scheduled changes in advance of the storm.

Employees whose work that cannot be conducted remotely will be supported on a case-by-case basis through their immediate supervisor. Forms of leave will be made available in the event employees are disrupted by power outages, childcare issues, or other emergency situations, because of the storm.  

The College’s Incident Command Team has been activated. We will continue to monitor the storm and guidance from the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization, Environment Canada, and the City of Winnipeg.

This is our current approach in advance of the storm, but it is subject to change. The Incident Command Team will continue to assess the situation to ensure that we are taking the best course of action to keep our community safe and keep you informed.

Our next update will be at 4:00 pm.

Current Storm Situation from Environment Canada

A winter storm watch is currently in effect for southern Manitoba, including the City of Winnipeg. The storm is expected to begin Tuesday evening and could persist into Friday.

Environment Canada is predicting accumulations of 30-50 cm of snow accompanied by northerly winds gusting 70-90 km/h, resulting in zero visibility at times. Travel is not recommended on Wednesday and Thursday as widespread highway closures are anticipated, and travel within communities may become difficult.

The College will share further updates through email, social media, and online at rrc.ca/media

Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and prepare an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.

For information on emergency plans and kits, go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca.

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

Thank you

Kerri Korabelnikov speaks at the opening of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae

Kerri Korabelnikov, Dean, School of Education, Arts and Sciences at RRC Polytech, has been appointed to a new advisory council on immigration to recommend improvements to current immigration policies and programs for the province of Manitoba.

She is one of twenty Manitobans appointed to the Immigration Advisory Council (IAC), which will be co-chaired by Lloyd Axworthy and Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration Minister Jon Reyes.

“We are all coming to this council from different perspectives, but we all know how important encouraging economic growth is by investing in immigration,” said Korabelnikov. “Manitoba is an incredible destination for newcomers, especially for international students coming to RRC Polytech, and this work will ensure we are able to improve our foreign credential recognition to help these people enter the work force promptly.”

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.

-30-

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