Effective April 1, 2026 Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will no longer support the following CLB language levels:  CLB 5, CLB 6, CLB 7. 

As a service provider of language training, Red River College Polytechnic relies on funding from IRCC to deliver training on their behalf. Without this funding, we can no longer offer Stage Two training, which includes Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5-8. Stage Two funding was reduced across Canada for all IRCC funded partners. 

CNI recognizes the significant contributions newcomers bring to our community and remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting their success. RRC Polytech will continue to advocate for support for the CNI Stage Two funding to provide higher-level language training with both levels of government. 

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. 

There are so many interesting and helpful ways to keep learning, practicing your English, meeting new people, and taking care of yourself outside the classroom. This guide shares a selection of online tools, community activities, skill‑building opportunities, and wellness resources to help you get started. Explore what interests you, try something new, and choose the options that fit your goals and your schedule. Your learning journey doesn’t stop here—these are just a few of the many possibilities waiting for you! 

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. 

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. 

On February 20, 2026, the Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) at RRC Polytech welcomed newcomers, students and community members to the Roundhouse Auditorium for a citizenship information session delivered in collaboration with Building Bridges for Newcomers and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).  

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. 

February 9 to February 27.

Speak to your instructor to register for these seminars

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.

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.