Centre for Newcomer Integration

News

RED Talks returns with stories of resilience, transformation and possibility 

March 18, 2026

On March 2, the Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) at RRC Polytech welcomed students, staff and community members to the third RED Talks event. The evening created space for conversation, shared experiences and opportunities for students to build confidence through meaningful dialogue. 

RED Talks features short presentations followed by small-group discussions. The format allows language learners to hear from experienced leaders while practising English in a supportive and welcoming environment. This session highlighted stories of resilience and transformation and reminded students that growth often begins during moments of challenge and change. 

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RED Talks IEHPs Highlights the Journeys of Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHPs) 

March 12, 2026

Students, instructors and guests gathered at RRC Polytech’s Roundhouse on Feb. 26 for RED Talks Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHPs) an evening designed to help learners build confidence using English while discussing topics related to working in Canada’s health-care system. 

Hosted by the Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI), the event featured short presentations from internationally educated health professionals followed by small-group discussions at each table. The format allowed students to listen, reflect and practise speaking in a supportive environment. 

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CNI Celebrates “I Love to Read” Month with Book Exchange Event 

March 12, 2026

February marks “I Love to Read” Month, a celebration that encourages readers of all ages to discover new stories and build a lifelong love of reading. In that spirit, RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) welcomed students to a book exchange on Feb. 9-10, 2026, in the Round House Auditorium.  

The two-day event invited CNI students to select books donated by the community, helping many newcomers begin or expand their home libraries. 

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Red Talks Returns: Building Confidence Through Real Dialogue 

February 12, 2026

The Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) is bringing back RED Talks this March, continuing a student-focused event designed to help learners build confidence using English in real-world settings. 

RED Talks features short, live presentations followed by small-group discussions. The format introduces students to lecture-style learning in an interactive and supportive environment where they can share ideas, explore new perspectives and strengthen their communication skills. 

By combining inspiring speakers with guided discussion, RED Talks encourages students to see English not just as a classroom subject, but as a tool for connection, leadership and opportunity.

 

Event Details 

Date: Monday, March 2, 2026 
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Location: Roundhouse Auditorium, Exchange District Campus (319 Elgin Ave.) 
Cost: Free for CNI students and staff 

What to Expect 

The morning will feature: 

  • Short live presentations from experienced leaders and community builders 
  • Facilitated small-group discussions where students can practise English, ask questions and reflect on key ideas 
  • A welcoming, student-centred environment designed specifically for language learners 

RED Talks supports language development through authentic experiences. Students are encouraged to listen actively, participate in discussions, and build confidence speaking in a group setting. 

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February English Seminars: Learning & Having Fun! 

January 12, 2026

February 9 to February 27.

Speak to your instructor to register for these seminars

CLB 1 and CLB 2
Games and Conversations


Practice English and play games. Learn how to give instructions, laugh, and have fun!

Every Monday and Thursday 12:00 to 1:00 PM  


CLB 3 and CLB 4
Writing Your Story

Become an author and write your story! Make new friends and learn about their story.  

Every Tuesday and Thursday 5:00 to 6:00 PM


CLB 3 and CLB 4
Games and Conversation

Practice English and play games at the same time!  You’ll make new friends and laugh together. You’ll learn Canadian games, while developing your English listening and speaking skills  

Every Wednesday and Friday 12:00 to 1:00 PM  

CLB 3 and CLB 4
Crafts and Conversations

Listen, interact and create in English!  Each class will give you an opportunity to follow instructions and create a craft in English, while enjoying interactive time with classmates and your teacher.  

Every Monday and Wednesday 5:00 to 6:00 PM


CLB 3 and CLB 4
Red River Readers Club  

Join the book club and read classic, level appropriate English books. You’ll read many interesting stories. You’ll make new friends and have interesting conversations.  

Every Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 to 1:00 PM  

English Conversation Circles

January 7, 2026

Hosted by the Academic Success Centre (ASC), Centre for Newcomer Integration students are invited to join the weekly English Conversation Circles to strengthen speaking skills and build connection and confidence through communication practice.

No registration required, just drop in and join the conversation!  Sessions will run weekly for the duration of the term, starting the week of January 12th. 

  • Tuesdays, 12:00-12:50pm at Exchange District Campus (EDC), Room P-204
  • Thursdays, 12:00-12:50pm online, visit the ASC website to find the links.

  Each week participants will practice different conversational speaking skills, including:

  • Starting a Conversation
  • Closing a Conversation
  • Interrupting
  • Resuming after an interruption
  • Giving opinions
  • Asking personal questions
  • Keeping the Conversation Going
  • Checking Comprehension

Conversation skills will be practiced around topics of interest to the group, including:

  • Getting to know one another
  • Family & Friends
  • Winter activities
  • Cultural practices
  • Getting to know Winnipeg

To learn more, contact ealsupport@rrc.ca.

Christmas Cheer Board Hampers Bring Warmth and Support to CNI Families 

December 22, 2025

The spirit of the holiday season was felt across RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) as students and their families received Christmas Cheer Board hampers filled with care, generosity and community support. 

On Monday, November 24, over 200 hampers were distributed to CNI students at the Exchange District Campus. The event brought together CNI students, staff, volunteers and community partners, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere during a busy and often challenging time of year for many newcomers. 

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Build Your Communication Skills for Nursing in Canada

December 19, 2025

If you are an internationally educated nurse planning to work in Manitoba, strong communication skills are key to better patient outcomes and successful professional working relationships. Communication for Professional Practice for International Educated Nurses (CPP-IENs) is a fully online, for-credit course designed to help you build skills and feel more prepared for working with patients as part of collaborative healthcare teams in Canada.

Through participation in lectures, discussion in case studies, and applied practice in role-plays, you will gain communication skills and confidence for interacting with a diverse group of patients and colleagues to gather and share information, provide culturally safe care, advocate for patients, and manage challenging interactions and conflicts.

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Open Doors at CNI: Strengthening Connections Across Manitoba’s Newcomer-Serving Sector 

December 17, 2025

On December 3, RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) in partnership MANSO welcomed approximately 70 newcomer-serving organizations from across Manitoba for an Open Doors event.  

The Open Doors series is a new initiative designed to strengthen connections across Manitoba’s newcomer-serving sector. This series invites newcomer servicing organizations to open their doors, share their work, and build relationships that support collaboration and innovation. Hosting the event at CNI provided an opportunity for participants to see the programs and spaces where newcomers build the language and communication skills they need to move forward in education, training and employment. 

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RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.