Centre for Newcomer Integration

News

Show your PRIDE with RRC Polytech!

May 27, 2026

Join the 2026 Pride Parade and Rally! On Sunday, June 7, 2026, you are invited to walk alongside peers representing RRC Polytech. All are welcome.

The rally begins at 10a.m. at the Manitoba Legislative Grounds and the Parade will begin shortly after 11a.m.

This year to mark sustainable efforts, staff and students will be wearing the same bright yellow shirts as last year. A limited amount of new t-shirts have been ordered. Please help support our efforts and re-wear your shirt.

Register today to reserve your shirt and let us know you’ll be joining us!

We will not be offering T-Shirt pick-up will be available during June 2-5 at P308 (EDC) or C306 (NDC) as follows:

  • Tuesday June 2 12:00 PM -2:00 PM
  • Wednesday June 3 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
  • Thursday June 4 12:00 PM -2:00 PM
  • Friday June 5 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Pick up will be available as well as on the morning during the rally at the RRC Polytech float. 

More details about the rally and parade will be emailed to registered participants.

Free Community Event: Doors Open Winnipeg

May 27, 2026

Every year, on the last weekend of May, Heritage Winnipeg presents Doors Open Winnipeg. This is a free public event that showcases Winnipeg’s architecture, history and culture. On Saturday, May 30th and Sunday, May 31st, the public will have the opportunity to visit many buildings and sites around the city and participate in a variety of tours.

Online registration is required for some events. Visit the Doors Open Winnipeg website to register.

For more information, please visit Doors Open Winnipeg.

Communicative Competence Training for Internationally Educated Health Professionals

May 20, 2026

RRC Polytech has secured a renewed contract with Manitoba Settlement and Support Services to continue delivering job-specific language and communication activities for IEHPs and other healthcare workers in Manitoba. Courses and activities take place in three academic terms (Spring, Fall and Winter) to support participants at different stages of employment, licensure preparation, and professional integration.

Communicative Competence Training for IEHPs will equip participants with the knowledge and experience they need to successfully integrate into healthcare careers in Manitoba, including:

  1. Increased confidence gathering information in health history interviews, providing patient instructions, and supporting patients
  2. Improved ability to communicate updates and collaborate effectively with healthcare teams and colleagues
  3. Consistent application of clear, concise, and coherent communication to ensure information is conveyed accurately and efficiently

Eligible participants include Manitoba residents who are:

  • Temporary Residents with valid work or study permits
  • Refugee Claimants
  • Canadian Citizens who identify as newcomers, including Naturalized Citizens, Canadian born Citizens raised abroad, and foreign born children of Canadian Citizens
  • Spouses/common law partners and dependent children of the above

Permanent Residents will be considered only if seats remain available after Manitoba-eligible clients have been fully prioritized.

Visit the Occupation-Specific Language Learning for Health Professionals page to learn more about the programs available for IEHPs.


Visit a Famous Manitoban Tourist Attraction: Narcisse Snake Dens

May 7, 2026

Are you looking for something fun, exciting, free and somewhat creepy to do this weekend? If so, one of Manitoba’s most famous attractions, the Narcisse Snake Dens, is the place to be!

Every year, tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes come out of their winter homes to meet ‘that special someone’. Actually, the snakes come to the surface to perform a fascinating mating ritual before going off to nearby marshes for the summer. The snakes only stay at the Narcisse Dens for a few weeks at this time of year, so don’t miss your chance to see them.

Here is a link to a short video about the snakes at Narcisse.

  • When: Now 
    • The dens are open every day. The best time to see a lot of snakes is on a warm, sunny day.
  • Where: Narcisse Snake Dens are located about 130 km North of Winnipeg. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to get there by car.
  • Cost: Free!

For more information, visit the Government of Manitoba’s Narcisse Snake Dens page.

You can find updated information on snake den activity here.

Free Activity: Birding at The Forks

May 4, 2026

Join Bird Friendly Winnipeg and Justin Rasmussen from the University of Manitoba’s Indigenous Birding Club for a guided birding walk at The Forks in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day!

  • Explore the site with expert eyes
  • Learn to identify local and migratory birds
  • Hear tips on preventing window collisions to protect our feathered friends

Where: The Forks (Participants are asked to gather under the canopy)

When: Saturday, May 9th, 9:30 AM

Visit the website to reserve a spot!

Giveaway Weekend: May 9 and 10

May 4, 2026

If you walk or drive around town this Saturday and Sunday, you might notice that there are many items on the curb in front of people’s houses and apartments. That’s because this weekend is a Giveaway Weekend in Winnipeg. It’s a great time to clear out some household items that you no longer use or to browse the curbs for some gently used finds.

Tips if you are giving away items:

  • Place unwanted household items at the curb on your front street.
  • Label each item with a “FREE” sticker or sign.
  • Store items out of sight that you do not want to give away.
  • Remove leftover items from the curb by dusk on Sunday.
  • Do not put out any items that may be infected with bedbugs.

Tips if you are looking for items:

  • Take only the items at the curb marked “FREE.”
  • Check all items closely to ensure they are safe and in good condition before you put them in your vehicle or bring them into your home.
  • Don’t walk or drive on private lawns or gardens.

For more information, please visit the City of Winnipeg website.

Mental Health Week: May 4th – May10th

April 29, 2026

Being connected to others is an important part of our health and well-being. But too many people are feeling alone. In Canada, millions of people say they feel lonely.

From May 4-10, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is inviting people across Canada to Come Together. This week is about small, simple acts of connection and recognizing that we all have a role in supporting mental health by reaching out to one another. You can learn more about the benefits of social connections here.

Together, we can strengthen mental health, build healthier communities, and help more people feel connected.

Visit the CMHA website to learn more.

Free Community Tours: May 1st – May 3rd

April 29, 2026

Join a free community tour and explore Winnipeg. These guided walks help you learn about neighbourhoods, local history, and community stories while meeting new people.

The tours are free and take place in different neighbourhoods all over Winnipeg!

Visit the website for more information or to register.

Volunteer Opportunity: Winnipeg International Jazz Festival

April 21, 2026

Jazz Winnipeg is the proud producer of the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival in downtown Winnipeg. In 2026, the Festival runs from June 16th to 21st.

The Festival relies on a huge team of volunteers like you.

READY to Volunteer? Whether you are returning to help or you are a new volunteer, please fill in the Jazz Winnipeg application, so you can be matched up with your ideal crew.

Jazz Festival Time Commitment: All Jazz Winnipeg Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 12-16 volunteer hours over the course of the Festival and attend 1.5 hours of training.

Learn more about each volunteer position, and fill in an application today!

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.