When Laila Souto Rodrigues arrived in Canada in 2017, she was filled with hope and dreams but faced the daunting challenge of not speaking English. She turned to Manitoba Start, a government program dedicated to assisting newcomers. A counsellor there provided her with a structured plan, outlining steps such as immersing herself in English, securing employment to initiate the permanent residency process, and volunteering in the healthcare sector to gain relevant experience.  

When Roman Petrushel and Kate Pine moved to Canada, they brought years of entrepreneurial experience and a thriving business background. However, they were uncertain how quickly they could adapt to the Canadian market and whether their success abroad could translate to a new country. They anticipated a long journey to establish themselves but were pleasantly surprised by how quickly things progressed, thanks in large part to RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI). 

Daylight saving time 2025 will begin at 2:00 am, Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Don’t forget to ‘Spring Ahead’ and turn your clocks ahead 1 hour.

Ready to learn what you need for your income tax return?

Join this free webinar on March 12, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, and get essential insights on:

✅ What documents you need for your income tax return
✅ CRA guidelines for filing your taxes
✅ Tips for a smooth tax process

Important: This event is exclusive to Immigrant Centre clients.
Not a client yet? No problem! Register here: https://www.icmanitoba.com/get-started/.

Platform: Online via Zoom

Secure your spot now and get ready for tax season with confidence!

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.

Come join us in the EDC Atrium on February 12^th 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.

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/.

  

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.” 

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.