The following update was shared with RRC Polytech staff and students this morning from Fred Meier, RRC Polytech President and CEO.

Over the last two years, RRC Polytech has provided updates to our community about the Canada-wide changes to immigration that have impacted international students and language training and have created challenges for post-secondary institutions across Manitoba.

Earlier this month, the Province of Manitoba shared an update on how these decisions have disrupted the post-secondary sector both financially and operationally. These changes have led to decline in international student enrolment at post-secondary institutions across Manitoba – including RRC Polytech.

Today, the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) provided an update to their community.  Due to changes that continue to impact enrolment, they are no longer financially sustainable and have been left with the difficult decision to formally wind down operations over the course of the next year. 

Over the next year, there will be a period of transition where RRC Polytech will work with MITT and the Province of Manitoba on a comprehensive review of MITT programming to determine which programs will be transferred to RRC Polytech.

There is some unique programming at MITT and there is also overlap between programs at both institutions. This MITT program review will prioritize students and labour market needs and will determine which programs may be preserved and transferred to RRC Polytech, and which programs may no longer be offered.

The most important commitment we all share is to all students and their academic success.

We are all working collaboratively to support students and ensure they can continue to finish their programs. For some, this may mean they are graduating with a MITT credential, and others may transfer to RRC Polytech and graduate here.

The information we are sharing today regarding MITT reaffirms the impact that these federal changes have had within our province. It reinforces the importance of our continued advocacy efforts for talented international students who want to pursue post-secondary studies at RRC Polytech.

We will continue to provide updates as this transition of MITT programs to RRC Polytech progresses.

Fred Meier,
President and CEO