Centre for Newcomer Integration

News

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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January English Seminars: Learning and Having Fun!

December 18, 2025

January 12 to January 30.

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 Wednesday and Friday 12:00 to 1:00 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 Tuesday and Thursday 5:00 to 6:00 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 Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 to 1:00 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 Monday and Wednesday 5:00 to 6:00 PM

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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Red Talks: An Evening of Inspiration, Strength and Shared Stories 

December 9, 2025

Red Talks took place on November 19 at the Exchange District Campus and brought CNI students together for an evening of learning, conversation and inspiration. The atmosphere was positive and welcoming, and many students said the event helped them feel more confident.  

The evening opened with remarks from event organizer Jesse Friesen, who encouraged students to see Red Talks as a chance to learn with and from one another while strengthening real-world communication skills. After that, three 20-minute presentations were delivered by inspirational speakers. They spoke on a range of topics including personal stories, career journeys, honest reflections about the challenges and successes they experienced as newcomers or professionals working with newcomers and artificial intelligence. 

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Community Spotlight

November 24, 2025

The Connection Spot – Where campus meets community

Volunteer Manitoba is visiting CNI!

  • Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 5:30 – 7:30 PM
  • Location: Outside the CNI Office, 2nd Floor – Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building

Volunteer Manitoba connects people who want to volunteer with organizations that need their support. They provide resources, training, and opportunities for students and community members to get involved, develop skills, and make a meaningful impact in Manitoba.

From one-time opportunities to long-term commitments, Volunteer Manitoba helps you find the right volunteer role to match your passions, interests, and career goals. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, meet new people, and strengthen your community.

Stop by on December 2 to explore volunteer opportunities, connect with staff, and discover how you can make a difference in Manitoba!

Discover how you can get involved by visiting: https://www.volunteermanitoba.ca

Community Spotlight

November 17, 2025

The Connection Spot – Where campus meets community

West Central Women’s Resource Centre is visiting CNI!

  • Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 5:30 – 7:30 PM
  • Location: Outside the CNI Office, 2nd Floor – Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building

The West Central Women’s Resource Centre (WCWRC) provides programs and services to build community, support families, and empower women from all walks of life. With a strong focus on newcomer settlement, WCWRC offers support in housing, employment, health, language learning, and community connections.

Through drop-in services, mentorship, and culturally safe programs, WCWRC works alongside women and families to navigate challenges and take steps toward building a thriving life in Manitoba.

To learn more about WCWRC programs and services, visit their website: https://wcwrc.ca

Understanding Canadian Job Interviews: What Newcomers Can Expect

November 14, 2025

Every November, Manitoba highlights Career and Workforce Development Month by encouraging people across the province to explore training, build new skills, and learn more about employment opportunities. For newcomers, this is a great time to focus on the tools that can help you take your next step toward a meaningful career.

Starting a career in Manitoba often begins with a job interview. For many newcomers, the process may feel different from what you are used to. Canadian employers often expect clear communication, confidence, and short examples from your experience. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and more relaxed.

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Community Spotlight

November 6, 2025

The Connection Spot – Where campus meets community

Manitoba Possible is visiting CNI!

  • Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Location: Outside the CNI Office, 2nd Floor – Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building

This Week at The Connection Spot – Where Campus Meets Community

Connect with Manitoba Possible!

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Outside the Manitoba Possible Office, 2nd Floor – Manitou a bi Bii daziigae Building

Manitoba Possible is dedicated organization to supporting newcomers in their journey to settle, thrive, and connect with the community. They provide programs, resources, and opportunities that help individuals access education, employment, and social connections in Manitoba. Its team is here to guide, mentor, and empower newcomers, helping them build a strong foundation for success and belonging in their new home.

Come meet the team, get your questions answered, and discover how Manitoba Possible can support you!

Further information about Manitoba Possible can be found on their official website: www.manitobapossible.ca

First Fridays at the Manitoba Museum

November 4, 2025

The Manitoba Museum is excited to offer free general admission to its three main attractions – the Museum Galleries, Planetarium, and Science Gallery on the First Friday of every month!

When: Friday, Oct. 7, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Where: Manitoba Museum, 190 Rupert Ave.

Visit the Manitoba Museum website for more information.

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.