The joint After-Degree Industrial Arts Education program is participating with the University of Winnipeg Faculty of Education to hold information sessions for students interested in applying to the After-Degree program. To learn more about the program, admission requirements, and application process, please register for one of the sessions below:

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. 12:30-1:20pm – In person, room 3M67 (3rd Floor, Manitoba Hall 515 Portage Ave.) – Register here

Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.  12:30-1:20pm – Online via Zoom – Register here

Friday, Dec. 4, 2026.  12:30-1:20pm – In person, room 3M67 (3rd Floor, Manitoba Hall 515 Portage Ave.) – Register here

Thursday, Jan. 14, 2027. 12:30-1:20pm  – Online via Zoom – Register here

“Queer Leadership in Polarizing Times”

The 5th Annual Queer Leadership Symposium will be held on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, 2026 in the Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building at the Exchange District Campus of Red River College Polytechnic (319 Elgin Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba).

This event is for queer people by queer people. It is intended for aspiring and experienced two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer (2SLGBTQIA+) leaders, and general nonconforming people who have an interest in queer leadership.

Join us for this event to learn, network, and engage in various topics as they relate to leadership.

Participants who are formal, informal, or aspiring leaders will walk away with understanding of how to navigate systems through the experiences and ideas shared by the presenters.

Sessions will be held throughout the day. When registering you will have the opportunity to select the sessions that you wish to attend, but your choices can also be changed on the day of the symposium.

Refreshments and lunch included.

On Friday at 4:30 p.m. there will be a Qmunity Networking event in the Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building; an evening of wine, hors d’oeuvres with Qmunity: a Manitoba Teachers’ Society  equity network. A chance to network with other 2SLGBTQIA+ members after your MTS PD Day session.

Following the Qmunity Networking event, Friday at 7:00 p.m. in the same building, join us for The World We Long For, a panel discussion and book launch with authors Vivek Shraya and Kai Cheng Thom, along with guest local author, Cale Plett. Join Canada’s most beloved trans authors as they release their new novels, The Hystericals, The Shapeshifter’s Guide to Gym Class, and The Saw Mouth. These novels question power, call in the truth, and explore emotionally powerful and socially charged topics, including prejudice, mental health, and violence (no graphic descriptions of violence will be included in this event). All allies and book lovers are welcome!

On Saturday from 4:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Canadian Human Rights Museum (85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, Manitoba) join us for Curating Queer Leadership: Lessons from the LGBT Purge Exhibition. This workshop explores how queer communities have transformed experiences of persecution into collective action, public memory, and institutional change. Drawing on Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge, participants will examine the activism that dismantled the Purge—from ground-level resistance to coalition-building and legal challenges.

The workshop also considers the exhibition itself as a case study in queer leadership: recovering suppressed histories, sharing authority with survivors and 2SLGBTQ+ community members, navigating institutional constraints, and translating oppressive government records into empowering public history. Through guided discussion, participants will consider what these experiences reveal about leadership in relation to storytelling, stewardship, and workplace change.

Presented by: Dr. Scott de Groot

Click here for information and to register.

Meaning of the Pin

A nursing pin is a badge worn by nurses to identify the nursing school from which they graduated. They are traditionally presented to newly graduated nurses by faculty at a Pinning Ceremony as a symbolic welcome into the profession. 

Most pins have a symbolic meaning, often representing the history of the nursing program for that school. The Red River College Polytechnic pin was designed by graduates of the program and incorporates the following symbols:

The vine that encircles the school and program name symbolizes growth, prosperity, and continual development.

The traditional medical caduceus (two snakes wrapped around a staff with wings at the top) is understood to represent the image of a nurse as a guardian angel who provides guidance and protection. 

The three dots surrounding the caduceus represent the students’ past, present, and future. The lamp at the base of the pin references Florence Nightingale, the “lady with the lamp,” who cared for injured soldiers during the Crimean War and revolutionized the art and science of nursing practice.

Agenda

Processional

Land Acknowledgement and Introduction of Guests

Tasha Gregory, Chair, Quality Assurance, Research and Curriculum

Welcome Remarks

 Elder Paul Guimond, Elder-in-Residence

Congratulations

Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Community Services

Greetings from College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba

Deb Elias, CEO/Registrar, College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba

Greetings from the Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba and Presentation of the Medals of Excellence

Jacob Ahiaegbe, President, Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba

History of the Pinning Ceremony / Significance of the BN Pin

Monica Burfoot, Chair, BN Program – Year 2 Theory and Clinical

Introduction of Graduates

Doris Miller, Nursing Instructor/Course Leader – Senior Practicum

Presentation of Nursing Pins and Roses

Lesley McGuirk, Associate Dean, Nursing

Monica Burfoot, Chair, BN Program – Year 2 Theory and Clinical

Karen Di Pietro, Nursing Instructor/Clinical Mentor, BN Program

Closing Remarks

Tasha Gregory, Chair, Quality Assurance, Research and Curriculum

Recessional

Audience to stand as graduates leave

CONGRATULATIONS

TO ALL OUR 2026 GRADUATES!

For students looking to succeed in a business career, RRC Polytech’s Business Administration program is exactly where they need to be. With the option to take the program at the Exchange District Campus, students are placed right in the heart of downtown, surrounded by industry and potential future employers.

“We’re really in the middle of cultural and business communities and there are so many large employers downtown,” says Jennifer Prusak, an instructor in the program’s Human Resource Management major. “Being immersed in this environment during the program is hugely beneficial and gives students some really great opportunities.”

Students take classes in the Roblin Centre and have access to the campus’s newest building Manitou a bi Bii daziigae (Anishinaabe: Ojibwe, -mowin: language) too. This space was designed as a hub for technology, collaboration and community. It supports connections to local industry with spaces where students, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations and corporations collaborate to bring ideas to life.

These opportunities to connect with industry are only growing in 2026. The campus is located right across the street from the upcoming Market Lands project – a creative hub, housing and market space scheduled to open in the Fall of 2026. It’s a strong indicator of the growth and economic development to come in Manitoba’s capital, and it puts students even closer to the industries and people that inspire them.

“The Exchange District Campus is accessible, convenient, and not too large that it feels overwhelming,” says Prusak. “With its proximity to businesses many students will apply to work in, it’s the perfect place to succeed in this program.”

Gauri, entering her second year of the program, feels the same way.

“I really enjoy being on campus because it is very peaceful, and everything here is easy to navigate,” she says. “The downtown location makes access to public transit and other amenities more convenient.”

Prusak has a background of 10 years in industry, some of it spent in downtown Winnipeg. She says that students becoming familiar with those environments early will help them enter the workforce prepared and ready. Many of the program’s other instructors come from industry backgrounds too, offering a direct connection to the workforce students will enter after graduation.

“The Business Administration program really gives students a lot of applied learning opportunities in a short period of time,” says Prusak. “All of that work that students put in really pays off because they are so prepared to enter the workforce as soon as they graduate.”

Students in the Business Administration program have seven majors to choose from in their second year from accounting, financial services, human resource management, marketing, logistics and supply chain management, tourism management or general studies – helping them learn the skills and make connections to be successful in any industry or chart their own course as an independent entrepreneur.

Gauri is looking forward to entering the Logistics and Supply Chain Management major this fall.

“My experience in the program has been very rewarding so far and I’m really interested in learning and getting to grow my knowledge within the field of my major,” says Gauri. “The most impactful aspect for me is that it provides a practical learning experience. I really enjoy working in a group setting, and the instructors have also been very supportive. They are experienced in their respective fields, which has made my learning experience even more valuable.”

Not only are students prepared to lead, succeed and innovate after graduation – they’re actually doing it. In fact, 96% of new grads from the program are hired after graduation.

Students have access to supports while on campus to support their success such as academic and accessibility, counselling and career services, along with safety services such as the SafeWalk and SafeRide programs and established reporting mechanisms — all in place to ensure a safe, positive on-campus experience. Indigenous students also have the opportunity to complete the Pathway to Business, Creative Communications and Digital Technologies program ahead of the Business Administration program to help ease the transition into post-secondary education.

For students who are curious, innovative, and ready to turn their ideas into impact, the Business Administration program at the Exchange District Campus builds the connections and skills to make it happen.

Written by Jennifer Pazdor (Creative Communications, 2019).

Guide the next generation of learners and connect children, families and communities through education.

Early Childhood Education Diploma

For students new to the field, including those just out of high school. No experience necessary.

Winnipeg • Fall 2026

Early Childhood Education Workplace Diploma

For child-care assistants (CCAs) with 6+ months of experience.

Winnipeg • Fall 2026

Winnipeg • Winter 2027

Interlake • Fall 2026

Portage • Fall 2026

Steinbach • Fall 2026

Winkler • Fall 2026

Mentorship Micro-Credential

For early childhood educators: become a mentor to newer educators in early learning and child-care settings and strengthen your own skillset.

Online • Various Dates

October 29 marked a milestone for innovation and collaboration at the Inspire Conference, where over 900 students and 100+ industry professionals came together to explore the theme: “Future-Proof: Skills and Mindsets for a Disrupted World.”

The conference wasn’t just an event—it was a movement. Designed to prepare students for careers that don’t yet exist, Inspire focused on agility, curiosity, and innovation as the keys to thriving in a rapidly changing world.

With around 50 different sessions, participants explored topics that challenged conventional thinking and sparked new ideas.

Student Quote
“Keynote was GREAT! Steve brought some thought-provoking ideas to me around instilling an innovative culture.”

Highlights from the Day

• Dynamic Agenda: Around 50 different sessions, all aimed at bridging the gap between education and emerging career paths.
• Networking Opportunities: Students connected with professionals at our Exhibitor Lounge, gaining insights into real-world challenges and building relationships.
• Theme in Action: Many of our sessions reinforced the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning in today’s disrupted landscape.

Student Quote
“All sessions were excellent. I learned so many things for my career pathway.”

Why It Matters

The Inspire Conference is more than a single-day event—it’s a catalyst for transformation. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, it equips students with the tools to navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the success of this year’s conference, one thing is clear: the future belongs to those who are ready to adapt, innovate, and lead.

Thank you to our Session Room Sponsors Northfield IT and Canada Life; and to our Exhibitors MB Blue Cross, ID Fusion, Johnston Group, ISACA Winnipeg, New Media Manitoba, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Pollard Banknote, and Exchange Technology Services.

Stay tuned for next year’s Inspire Conference and continue building the skills that will shape tomorrow’s world. Visit rrc.ca/inspire for more information.

The joint After-Degree Applied Commerce Education and Industrial Arts Education programs are participating with the University of Winnipeg Faculty of Education to hold information sessions for students interested in applying to the After-Degree programs. To learn more about the programs, admission requirements, and application process, please register for one of the sessions below:

Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.  12:30-1:20pm – Online via Zoom – Register here
Friday Dec. 5, 2025.  12:30-1:20pm – In person, room 2M72 (2nd Floor, Manitoba Hall) – Register here
Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. 12:30-1:20pm – Online via Zoom – Register here

A Leadership Symposium for and by Queer People

The Queer Leadership Symposium will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 and will be held in the Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building at the Exchange District Campus of Red River College Polytechnic (319 Elgin Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba).

The event is intended for aspiring and experienced two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer (2SLGBTQIA+) leaders, and general nonconforming people who have an interest in queer leadership.

Sessions will be held throughout the day, including a plenary panel in the afternoon. When registering, you will have the opportunity to select the sessions that you wish to attend, but your choices can also be changed the day of the symposium.

There will be morning refreshments, lunch is included, and there will be a social event beginning at 4:00pm for networking and celebrating.

Click here for more information including cost, parking and transit service.

Click here for the program of events

To register for the symposium, please go to this site (https://memberlink.mbteach.org/Event.axd?e=2943) and obtain a Manitoba Teachers Society membership. Membership is entirely free of charge and quick, but it is necessary to gain access to the conference portal and select your sessions. 

Sprint to Innovate: The Innovation Challenge powered by Canada Life brings together post-secondary students from varied disciplines such as technology, business, entrepreneurship, and more. All Manitoba Post Secondary Students are invited to participate. Students will learn about innovation while collaborating in a fun and exciting challenge to build a minimum viable prototype in two days.

We are pleased to announce that our next Sprint to Innovate: The Innovation Challenge is the weekend of January 30 to February 1! With our Networking and Training session on Thursday, January 29 at University of Manitoba.

We invite all companies to review our sponsorship and mentorship opportunities, and to consider submitting a business challenge; and for post-secondary students to consider participating.

HOW THE EVENT WORKS

Teams of 4 to 6 students will choose from available business challenges provided by industry. Students will then work together with support from mentors to create a solution, including developing a prototype to be presented to judges on the final day.

A prototype is a simple experimental model of the proposed product used to learn from. Prototypes range from low-fidelity (paper-based) prototypes that are used to explain concepts all the way to high-fidelity prototypes that have functional elements with more detail.  Teams may consist of technology and business students.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

As an Organization

1. Sponsor the event.
2. Volunteer your time as a mentor.
3. Provide us with a Business Challenge that your organization has by emailing ckubara@rrc.ca

As a Student

Students from any Manitoba post-secondary student may participate in a team at Sprint to Innovate. All students on the team should be available to participate throughout the event including:

• Orientation on Wednesday, January 21 (1 hour at 12:00 PM)
• Networking and Training event on Thursday, January 29 at University of Manitoba (evening)
• All assigned virtual meetings with Challenge Rep and Mentors
• For working on the project throughout the weekend
• Meetings and Presentations on Sunday, February 1 at RRC Polytech

We have reached our capacity for teams and Registration is now Closed.

Sponsors

Thank you to our Title Sponsor Canada Life; Refreshment Sponsor Access Credit Union; and Event Sponsors CIPS MB, Riipen, UM Partnerships and Innovation, and Payworks.

Taking place on October 29, 2025, the Inspire Conference is an opportunity for industry and students to network, promote technology and innovation, and be inspired.  

Date and Venue

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 

Time: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM 

Venue: RRC Polytech – Exchange District Campus 

About the Conference:

For the fourth year, the Inspire Conference is back! Hosted by RRC Polytech’s Applied Computer Education department, the Inspire Conference is a premier industry event, bringing together students from diverse programs and industry professionals for a day of networking, speaker sessions, and more. This conference allows students to gain an understanding of a variety of career paths before graduation and provides industry the opportunity to meet the next generation of educated, skilled and determined employees.  

Inspire Conference Theme

Future-Proof: Skills and Mindsets for a Disrupted World

In a world shaped by constant disruption—AI, automation, climate change, shifting job markets—students need more than just hard skills. They need agility, curiosity, and a bold innovation mindset to chart their course. Future-Proof is a theme about building enduring skills, embracing ambiguity, and preparing for career paths that don’t even exist yet.

Audience

Over 1000 attendees, from industry professionals, subject matter experts, and students with various backgrounds and disciplines from the following program areas:  

• Business Information Technology 
• Application Development and Delivery 
• Data Science and Machine Learning  
• Information Security  
• IT Operations 
• Pathway to IT Programs (Indigenous) 
     

Agenda

8:30 AM: Welcome and greetings 

9:00 AM: Keynote Speaker

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Various sessions aimed to inspire curiosity and innovation 

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Industry Networking and Exhibitor Lounge, providing attendees with opportunities to make connections, ignite passion, and explore new possibilities 

Speakers

We are looking for session speakers to speak for 45 minutes on a technical topic or related to the following topics.

• Agile for Everyone: Mindsets and habits for fast-changing careers
• Innovation Sprints: Mini challenges in design thinking and rapid ideation
• Embracing Uncertainty: Navigating non-linear career paths
• The Story You Tell: Building a career narrative that evolves with you
• Soft Skills, Strong Impact: Collaboration, emotional intelligence, and leadership
• The F Word (Failure): How innovation requires risk, and what to learn when things go wrong

Contact us at aceinfo@rrc.ca if you would like to be a speaker at the Inspire Conference!

Sponsorship Opportunities

This is your opportunity to connect with current and future industry leaders, create new partnerships, and bring brand recognition to your organization.  Participation in the Inspire Conference means that you can get in front of the future IT Workforce.  It means you can provide your first-hand knowledge and experience for students starting out.   

The Inspire Conference offers Sponsorship opportunities such as Exhibitor Lounge Sponsor, Session Room Sponsor, and Exhibitor.

To unlock the benefits of Inspire for your organization contact Cristy Kubara at ckubara@rrc.ca.