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

Tonight, the Medical Officer of Health, Manitoba Health and the Office of Drinking Water issued a precautionary localized boil water advisory for some parts of the City of Winnipeg. In an abundance of caution, the City of Winnipeg has decided to proactively issue a precautionary boil water advisory for the entire City of Winnipeg.

The precautionary advisory was issued because test results from Monday, January 26, 2015, tested positive for the presence of E. coli in City’s water supply.

Until further notice, staff and students should use boiled tap water that has cooled, or bottled water for:

• drinking and making ice
• preparing beverages, including infant formula
• preparing food
• brushing teeth

This advisory will affect the following services at all of Red River College’s Winnipeg Campuses.

• Food services will be limited at all sites and staff and students are encouraged to bring their own hot beverages tomorrow morning.
• Staff at PGI will provide bottled water for residents and will provide a limited breakfast to the residents tomorrow morning.
• Classes at PGI will not be affected but food services will be limited for the day.
• As a precaution Jane’s will be closed on Wednesday, January 28, 2015.
• Water fountains and bottle filling stations will be turned off and unavailable.

Bottled water will also be available for purchase from food services, The Ox, Mercantile, and College vending machines.

Staff and students are encouraged to read the Precautionary Measures During a Boil Water Advisory, and are also encouraged to advise friends and family who may not be aware of this advisory.

The City of Winnipeg will be providing regular updates at www.winnipeg.ca and will be re-evaluating the water quality tomorrow afternoon. Once the City of Winnipeg has provided an update, we will provide further direction for all College staff and students.

If you have any questions please contact David Clarke, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at 204-632-3075 or daclarke@rrc.ca.

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

On Monday, December 15th, 20 students from Red River College’s (RRC) School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, at the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute will bring their cooking skills to Siloam Mission preparing turkeys donated by the Manitoba Turkey Producers and Granny’s Poultry Cooperative Ltd.

Serving with the students will be the Honourable Kevin Chief, Minister of Jobs and Economy, His Worship, Mayor Brian Bowman, City of Winnipeg, and David Rew, Interim President & CEO, Red River College.

Under the guidance of RRC Culinary Arts Instructors, Chef Scott Ball and Chef Gordon Bailey, students will prepare approximately 18 turkeys which equates to 500 lbs, traditional vegetable side dishes, sauces, gravy, and dessert.

“We are proud our donation will help feed over 500 people who rely on Siloam Mission for a hot meal.” noted Bill Uruski, Chairman of Manitoba Turkey Producers. “We recognize many people in our community don’t get the opportunity to enjoy turkey with their family over the holidays. We hope our donation brings smiles to the faces of those who may often go without.”

Read More →

For Immediate Release: December 2, 2013

Middle school students from across Manitoba will get a firsthand look at the manufacturing industry this week, while taking part in a day-long expo aimed at encouraging teens to begin thinking about their post-secondary and career options.

“It’s key that we connect with young people about the skills and expertise they can acquire at RRC that can lead to many promising careers in the manufacturing industry,” said David Rew, Interim President & CEO, Red River College.“ This Expo really works to help youth to make meaningful and informed choices for the future and we’re pleased to be hosting it this year.”

The third annual Youth in Manufacturing expo, taking place Tue. Dec. 2, 2014, at Red River College’s Notre Dame Campus, will give Grade 9 and 10 students from local schools a chance to explore the impact of the manufacturing sector on Manitoba’s economy. It’ll also provide them with a range of industry-related educational options to consider as they begin planning for life after high school.

Read More →

Steinbach Regional Campus Closed – Friday, Nov. 28

As of 10:45am Red River College’s Steinbach campus is closed for the remainder of the day.

The campus was evacuated due to the strong smell of gas. Upon callout and response by the gas company, a gas leak was confirmed on the roof.  Repairs are being made and the campus will reopen on Monday, December 1st.

Red River College’s security services mission is to provide a safe and secure environment for all students, staff and visitors to the College.  Security services can be reached at 204-632-2323.

Students attending classes at the Steinbach Regional Campus can contact the campus main line at 204.320.2500 if they have any questions.