Centre for Newcomer Integration

News

February 2025 Digest

February 7, 2025

January Highlights

Winter Term Courses In January, we kicked off four online courses:

  • Communication for Health Professions
  • Pronunciation for Health Professions
  • CELBAN Module – Speaking
  • Communication for Internationally Educated Nurses

We wish all students success in their occupation-specific language courses for healthcare, supporting their personal and professional growth.

Wednesday Health Guest Speaker Webinar Series

On January 22nd, Sheila Betker, Leadership Development Consultant with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and an instructor at the University of Manitoba, led a webinar titled Leadership Across Cultures: Understanding Canadian Practices in Healthcare in Manitoba. Key takeaways included:

  • Insights into cultural characteristics influencing leadership and organizational behaviour in Canada.
  • Tools and techniques to foster collaboration in culturally diverse workplaces.
  • A deeper appreciation of the LEADS framework to enhance leadership impact in healthcare.

The session featured expert-led discussions, real-world examples, and interactive engagement opportunities.

Upcoming Events in February

Focus Group Session 

On February 28th, CNI is hosting a focus group inviting students enrolled in health-specific language courses to share their perspectives on how we can best address their needs. Compensation is provided for participants. If you wish to have your voice heard, please contact akassymova@rrc.ca to sign up.

Live Online Webinar 

We are shifting our webinar schedule in February to a live online session on Friday, February 21st, from 10 am to 12 pm. The topic will be Collaborating with Specialized Supports. Early registration is now open, and those unable to attend live can sign up for an asynchronous option to access the recording. Registration is open to any CNI student, current or past. Register here.

Standardized Patients Workshops 

Our Standardized Patients workshops, which received excellent feedback last semester, will continue in February. These practical workshops allow students to practice with live actors who have experience in being standardized patients. Early registration is now open for the following dates:

  • Wednesday, Feb 26, 5:00 – 9:00 pm
  • Thursday, Feb 27, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
  • Monday, March 3, 5:00 – 9:00 pm
  • Tuesday, March 4, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
  • Wednesday, March 5, 5:00 – 9:00 pm

Why attend? These workshops are invaluable for internationally educated health professionals to gain hands-on experience and build confidence in a controlled, supportive environment. If interested, please email akassymova@rrc.ca.

March Course Launch

In March, we are launching core courses for the Communication for Internationally Educated Health Professions program for students with CLB 7/8. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Heidi DeFehr at hdefehr@rrc.ca.

We look forward to a productive and engaging month ahead!

Special Event: Love in All Forms

February 6, 2025

Come join us in the EDC Atrium on February 12th anytime between 11:30 to 1:30pm for our Love in All Forms event. 

This is a time for you to celebrate self-love, connection, and positivity. This event features a sticky note affirmation station, where students can write and share affirmations or uplifting messages on a communal wall, creating a visual display of encouragement and kindness.

Additionally, the Sexuality Education Resource Centre (SERC) will be present to provide information on healthy and safe sex practices as well as safe sex supplies, empowering students with knowledge about consent, relationships, and sexual well-being.

Join the Intercultural Partnership Program – Apply Today!

January 27, 2025

Do you have a genuine interest and curiosity to learn about other cultures?
Are you excited to share your own culture with others and willing to have insightful conversations about life experiences and perspectives?
Do you enjoy being able to explore all that Winnipeg has to offer?

The Intercultural Partnership Program (IPP) is looking for individuals just like you to take part in a cross-cultural volunteer experience this term. The program is a fun experience and truly makes a difference in the lives of local and global partners.

This partnership program matches Global Partners (immigrant or international students) with Local Partners (anyone with 1+ years in Canada) for a fun and rewarding intercultural experience! 
  
It’s a fun way to explore Winnipeg, make new friends, get involved in campus life, and develop valuable intercultural communication skills. Free tickets to events and activities are part of this program. 
   
Visit the IPP website for more information: https://www.rrc.ca/diversity/partnerships-awards/partnership/.

  

Welcome to the Centre for Newcomer Integration

January 6, 2025

The Center for Newcomer Integration (CNI) Student Support Team would like to welcome all new and returning students. Please visit our website to learn more about the ways that we support students. Have a great term!

Holiday Generosity Shines at CNI and Christmas Cheer Board Hamper Event 

December 23, 2024

The spirit of the holiday season was alive and well at RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) as students and their families received Christmas Cheer Board hampers filled with warmth and care. The two-day distribution event on November 25 and 26 brought together volunteers, staff, and students, to distribute over 300 hampers, creating a sense of unity and generosity that defines the holiday spirit.  

Each hamper included non-perishable food and gifts for families and children. These carefully prepared hampers help newcomers enjoy the holidays. One recipient said, “We finally feel like it’s Christmas time coming to our home,” showing how much these gifts mean to them. 

Families spoke of their children’s excitement and anticipation: “The kids are especially excited about the Christmas presents! Although they haven’t opened them yet, they’re eagerly looking forward to the surprises inside.” 

Lalla Zouboye, and her three happy children, pose with their gifts from their Christmas Cheer Board Hamper.
Lalla Zouboye and her three happy children pose with their gifts from their Christmas Cheer Board Hamper.
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CNI Students Experience the Thrill of Canadian Hockey with the Manitoba Moose 

December 11, 2024

On October 26 and 27, 2024, RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) partnered with the Manitoba Moose to offer students and their families an unforgettable introduction to a cornerstone of Canadian culture: live hockey. Thanks to the generosity of the Manitoba Moose, CNI received 40 complimentary Community Zone tickets—20 for each game and offered additional tickets at a discounted rate of $10 each, significantly reduced from the regular price of $38. For many, it was their first live hockey experience, and the games offered a unique window into a sport deeply embedded in Canada’s identity. 

Olena, a Ukrainian woman, at the Manitoba Moose game.
Olena Tymofiieva, pictured during the Manitoab Moose game.
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CNI Health Monthly Digest: December

December 3, 2024

November was filled with engaging events and opportunities for learning and skill development. Here’s a quick look at last month’s highlights and what’s coming up in December.

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Building Professional Networks in Canada as a Newcomer 

November 30, 2024

Building a professional network is essential to career success in Canada, especially for newcomers who may be starting from scratch in a new job market. Networking helps you meet people in your industry, learn from their experiences, and discover job opportunities that may not be advertised. Whether you’re attending in-person events or connecting online, here are some practical strategies to help you build and leverage your professional network to advance your career in Canada. 

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Exploring Job Market Preparation at RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) 

November 29, 2024

After understanding the basics of starting a career in Canada and getting familiar with workplace culture, it’s time to explore the career-preparation resources at RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI). From building a standout resume to honing interview skills and growing professional networks, CNI offers tailored support to help newcomers confidently enter the Canadian job market. 

Two people interviewing a student at the First Impression networking conference.
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RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, 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.

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