Last week, the Province declared a state of emergency in response to the ongoing wildfires across Manitoba.

Understandably, this has raised questions about what this means for our College community, and how we can continue to offer our support. 

We remain in regular contact with the province’s Emergency Management Office (EMO) and the Canadian Red Cross to determine how we can help.  

Currently, the shelter site at NDC remains on standby status. At this time, we do not anticipate our facility will be needed as a shelter site, as the Leila Soccer Complex is already activated and preparations for the RBC Convention Centre are underway as another emergency shelter. 

Today, we received an urgent request from the community of Garden Hill First Nation who are in need of gently used and clean children’s clothing and shoes of all sizes. 

We will be collecting items on behalf of the RRC Polytech community and delivering them to a drop-off location later this week.

Any staff members who have items they would like to donate can do so today until the end of day Thursday, July 17 at the Security Office at the Notre Dame Campus or the Roblin Centre. 

Items we will be accepting and donating: 

• Gently used, clean baby and children’s clothing (all sizes) 
• Gently used, clean children’s shoes (all sizes) 
• New socks and underwear for children 
• Diapers and wipes 
• Formula  
• Gently used strollers 

We will continue to provide updates on further donations and the status of our shelter site as needed through rrc.ca/marcom and Staff and Student News to keep you informed. 

Thank you for your continued commitment to our community and for supporting one another during this difficult time. 

Portage la Prairie, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis –

Aspiring healthcare workers in the Central Plains region will soon have the opportunity to train as Health Care Aides through a program delivered by RRC Polytech in Treherne, Manitoba.  

There are 25 seats available in the six-month program, which begins January 26, 2026, and is being run as a dual credit – providing grade 12 students from local high schools the opportunity to get a head start on their careers in health care.  

This initiative is made possible through a strong partnership with Prairie Mountain Health, Southern Health-Santé Sud, and Norfolk Treherne Community Development Corporation, all working together to address the growing need for skilled health care professionals in the region. This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to strengthening rural health care and creating accessible education pathways for Manitobans. 

“This program is a true example of what can be achieved through partnership,” said Guy Moffat, Regional Campus Manager at RRC Polytech, Portage Campus. “Together with Prairie Mountain Health, Southern Health-Santé Sud, and Norfolk Treherne Community Development Corporation, we’re creating opportunities that benefit both individuals and the broader community.” 

The Health Care Aide program combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience, preparing students to provide compassionate, high-quality care in a variety of healthcare settings. 

“Southern Health-Santé Sud is proud to collaborate with RRC Polytech and our community partners to bring this vital training opportunity to the region,” said Kathryn Reimer, Manager, Recruitment & Retention at Southern Health-Santé Sud. “By investing in local talent, we’re not only supporting our healthcare system but also empowering individuals to build meaningful careers close to home.” 

To help prospective students learn more about the program, RRC Polytech will host a series of information sessions this fall in: 

• Treherne 
• Glenboro 
• Notre Dame de Lourdes 

Dates and locations for these sessions will be announced in the coming weeks. 

For more information about the program or to express interest in attending an information session, please visit rrc.ca/portage/programs. 

RRC Polytech’s Health Care Aide program is currently also offered in Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Steinbach, Winkler, and through the Peguis-Fisher River campus in Arborg.   

Manitoba’s Polytechnic adds exclusive new tools to its Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre

RRC Polytech is using federal funding announced this week to enhance the research capacity and innovation potential at its Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC). The funding awarded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) enables BETAC to become the first in Canada to acquire advanced equipment that improves the accuracy and efficiency of retrofit planning.

“The new equipment will help to reduce risks, improve cost-efficiency in design, and accelerate innovation by providing detailed, reliable data on building conditions so that we can better support our industry and community partners,” said Dr. Alireza Kaboorani, Director at RRC Polytech’s Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre. “It will also enable BETAC to test and validate novel retrofit solutions in both laboratory and real-world environments.”

Leading-edge tools like the Sorama CAM for detecting building inefficiencies; the Nexys LiDAR system for precise building assessments; and the TRSYS20 system for accurate thermal resistance measurements will directly support BETAC’s ongoing projects such as the Gordon Bell High School retrofit and other heritage building upgrades across the province.

The investment also aligns with sustainable housing goals by enhancing retrofit precision, supporting affordable housing initiatives, and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration among architects, engineers, and researchers.

“By supporting research that fuels technological progress and economic growth, this investment ensures impactful collaboration between partners, benefiting industries, communities, and Canadians alike,” said Professor Alejandro Adem, FRSC, President, NSERC, in the government release.

The announcement included a total investment of $29.82 million through the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program, as part of a national strategy to strengthen the ability of colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics to drive cutting-edge advancements, promote meaningful partnerships that create lasting impact, and ultimately bolster the Canadian economy.

BETAC was awarded a $200,000 Applied Research Tools and Instruments (ARTI) grant which provides funding for Canadian colleges to acquire essential research equipment, strengthen partnerships with industry, public, and health organizations while offering hands-on training opportunities for students.

“Manitoba’s rich history has endowed us with incredible infrastructure and stunning architecture, but it requires a significant commitment from all stakeholders to preserve and protect,” said Kaboorani. “Retrofits not only extend the life of heritage structures but can transform them into modern, energy-efficient and sustainable works of art. The new technology acquired with this funding combined with BETAC’s expertise will save time and money which are critical to the success of our partners across the sector.”

Sustainability is one of the core values at RRC Polytech, influencing the way students and staff approach learning, living, and leadership.  

On June 25, 2025, close to 75 students from the Intensive English for International Students (IEIS) – Global Access program came together at the Notre Dame Campus for a unique mid-term event focused on land-based sustainability and service learning. 

This collaborative initiative between the Global Access program, Sustainability Office, School of Indigenous Education, Landscaping and Grounds team, and RRC Polytech Students’ Association, provided IEIS students the opportunity to take action on RRC Polytech’s sustainability goals while practicing their English language skills in a real-world setting.  

Beyond conversations and classroom learning, students used their skills to follow instructions, collaborate in teams, and reflect on their learning. This was the first time this event took place and has the potential to grow into an annual learning experience. 

The event supported key objectives from RRC Polytech’s Sustainability Strategy, including fostering cross-departmental collaboration, expanding land-based learning, and enhancing sustainability education beyond the classroom. 

Throughout the day, students participated in five engaging activities: 

• Invasive Plant Identification and Removal: Students learned to identify and remove invasive species like Canada Thistle, helping protect native plant life on campus. 

• Medicine Wheel Teaching: Guided by Elder Paul Guimond and Grandmother Janice Millar, students explored Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural teachings while caring for the land. 

• Campus Clean-Up: Equipped with gloves and garbage pickers, students worked in teams to clean up the campus and surrounding community, reinforcing environmental responsibility. 

• BioBlitz: Using the iNaturalist app, students documented local biodiversity, contributing to citizen science and deepening their connection to nature. 

• Food Bank Clean-Up: Students organized and cleaned the campus Food Bank trailer, preparing it for the upcoming term and supporting food security efforts. 

Visit the Sustainability blog to stay up to date on upcoming news and events. 

A Symbol of Collaboration and Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

June is National Indigenous History Month, honouring and celebrating the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. This month, RRC Polytech’s Portage Campus proudly welcomes a significant new installation on its grounds – a student-made metal teepee. This permanent installation symbolizes RRC Polytech’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation while showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of students.

“Our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation is woven into the very fabric of our campus community. We strive to create spaces where students, staff, and community members not only feel a deep sense of belonging, but also see their identities and stories reflected in our campus environment,” said Guy Moffat, Manager of the Portage Campus.

The teepee, standing prominently on campus grounds, incorporates the Ojibway teaching of the Medicine Wheel and its colours, yellow, red, black and white. Beyond its striking visual design, the structure embodies applied learning, as every component was crafted and welded by students at the Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg.

A cohort of international students in the Introduction to Fabrication course collaborated to construct the teepee, gaining practical experience while learning about Indigenous culture in Manitoba.

“Students demonstrated not only technical skill but also a genuine respect for the cultural significance of this project,” said Shylyte Bloodworth, Chair of Manufacturing at RRC Polytech. “Through this collaborative work, students acquired hands-on experience and made a meaningful contribution to our campus community and its commitment to reconciliation.”

This project exemplifies how education intersects with culture, enabling students to refine their skills while deepening their cultural understanding and appreciation.

RRC Polytech is grateful for the consultation and collaboration of the Portage Urban Indigenous Peoples Coalition – which is also known as Suta Kachicha – and the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation, in developing the idea to construct a metal teepee. We also acknowledge the Portage Friendship Centre and Suta Kachicha for their guidance on the colours used and the number of poles.

We invite the Polytech community to visit the Portage Campus and experience this meaningful installation for themselves. The teepee stands as a symbol of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural understanding and collaboration. Come and witness the creativity and skill of RRC Polytech students, and join us in celebrating this significant addition to the campus.

Jordan Owen, Izaak Verheist, Malaya Gertley, Chris Hagyard and Josh Klassen after the Skills Canada National Competition.

One small decision can impact your life forever – for five apprentices representing RRC Polytech and Manitoba at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition, choosing which seat to take on the six-hour drive to Regina was the start of a lifelong bond.  

Josh Klassen (Bricklaying), Chris Hagyard (Sprinkler Fitter), Malaya Gertley (Steamfitter/Pipefitter), Izaak Verheist and Jordan Owen (Landscape Gardening) didn’t just represent Manitoba with skill and pride – they built a strong connection by going through the intense competition process together. 

“It felt so natural,” Klassen said. “We all understand what each other do, and we’re all trying to be the best at what we do. It made for easy connections.” 

That solidarity provided confidence for the competitors, with Klassen, Hagyard and Gertley bringing home gold medals and Verheist and Owen earning silver. 

For Klassen, winning gold in masonry was more than a personal achievement—it was a family legacy fulfilled.  

“What drew me to masonry was my dad,” he shared. “He has his own business where I work now. I kind of always grew up with it. I tell people, when they ask how long I’ve been doing this, I say as long as I’ve been able to carry a pail of water.” 

While masonry has always been a part of his life, Klassen’s time at RRC Polytech helped him refine his skills and creativity. He began taking on small creative projects, including building a new company sign that sits outside his dad’s shop 

Competing at Skills, with some encouragement from instructor Brian Gebhardt, showed him how far he has come in his career already. 

“I just wanted to do my best throughout school, and my best was very good,” Klassen said.  

Hagyard echoed that sentiment and credits his journeyman, Dylan Lamb, and the RRC Polytech apprenticeship program for his rapid growth.  

“Since I was younger, I’ve always loved working with my hands,” he said. “When I was looking for a career change in my early 20s, I jumped at the opportunity to get into sprinkler fitting,” he said. “Having a good journeyman showing me the ropes definitely helped.” 

Competing in Skills is something Hagyard said was a great opportunity and he encourages anybody who has the chance to participate to take the invitation. 

“One thing that I knew but was more reaffirmed in this would be how much I enjoy my trade,” he said. “I believe when you really enjoy something and put all your effort in you will thrive and this is a great example of what the outcome can be if you give it your all.” 

The competition was a revelation for Gertley.  

“I thought I didn’t have a shot at placing, let alone receiving gold,” she admitted. “But I went in thinking, ‘I probably won’t make it, but I’m going to try my best anyway.’” 

Not only did she win gold, but she was also the first woman to ever win gold in the steamfitter/pipefitter category at the national level. 

Gertley, who followed in her father’s footsteps into the trades, said the competition showed her how far she’s come as a tradesperson. 

“Competing and winning gold was very eye opening to me in terms of how far along my craftsmanship has come since I’ve started, and my ability to be able to problem solve on the fly,” she said. “A huge shoutout to my instructor Karl Schifke — he believed in me when I didn’t. And to all the members of Local 254 — I wouldn’t be here without the incredibly skilled journeymen and apprentices I’ve worked with.” 

The group was part of more than 60 individuals from post-secondary and secondary institutions representing Team Manitoba at the Skills Canada National Competition – 24 of which were RRC Polytech students and apprentices.  

“Each year it’s incredible to see the students take what they’ve learned from their training  at RRC Polytech and grow through competition. Even if they don’t land on the podium they’re bringing home a new experience that will help them achieve success in their careers,” says Scott Savoy, Chair, Construction Trades at RRC Polytech.  

In total, RRC Polytech students and apprentices earned Team Manitoba 8 medals: 

Gold 

• Bricklaying – Josh Klassen 

• Sprinkler Fitter – Chris Hagyard 

• Steamitter/Pipefitter – Malaya Gertley 

Silver 

• Electronics – Lucas Plett 

• Landscape Gardening – Izaak Verheist and Jordan Owen 

• Sheet Metal Work PS – Silver – Matthew Dercho 

Bronze 

• Outodoor Power and Recreation Equipement – Yang Yu 

• Autobody Repair – Renz Medida 

Two students from Team Manitoba also qualified to to represent Canada at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China: 

• Brooke Heaman, 3D Digital Game Art from Assiniboine Community College  

• Taylor Brewster, Aesthetics from Arts and Technology Center 

MITAH-koo-ya OYA-shin OAK-ah-pee

Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape is the name for the large open space you walk into in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae. In Dakota, the name means All My Relations Helping Each Other.

Kunshi (Dakota Grandmother) Ivy Chaske joined RRC Polytech in 2023 as a Grandmother in the Elders-in-Residence program and as a member of the Knowledge Keepers Council. She proposed changing the name from the Agora to Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape, and in the spirit of reciprocity, was offered tobacco. The initial Ceremony to begin the process of transferring the name began on June 21, 2024.

Each person who took part in the Ceremony on Friday, June 20, 2025, honoured its spirit through their presence, accepted the responsibility of bearing witness, and helped ensure that Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape will continue to live within the RRC Polytech community. This year’s Ceremony was an act to close the circle on last year’s Ceremony, and we have walked with Kunshi Ivy while she observed the space and ensured the Polytech could hold the name and the space with the proper respect.

Responsibility for Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape was given to four selected leaders at the Polytech, and each was presented with a gift that represents the weight of the responsibility they now accept. With that, Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape is a proud recognition of the inclusion, reflection, and innovation that happens within these walls and the commitment we have in celebrating the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

This commitment is reflected not just in words, but in meaningful action. As an educational institution, RRC Polytech consistently creates space for inclusion, acceptance, and deep respect for traditional ways of knowing. Through work in the community, we have demonstrated that this is more than a statement – it is a lived practice that shows we are truly committed to reconciliation and respectful relationships.

All My Relations Helping Each Other is a prayer of connection. Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape reminds us that we are not separate – we are part of a vast web that includes every person, every creature, the land, the water, and even the air we breathe. The word “all” means everyone and everything, without exception – not just those who are familiar or similar to us. It’s a call to recognize that our lives are deeply interwoven. It’s a recognition of the fact that we exist because everything else exists.

This teaching reminds us to live with awareness and to recognize the ways we are the same – how we all long for love, peace, truth, and belonging. It challenges us to move beyond division because unity can’t thrive where exclusion lives. When we understand our place in the circle, we realize that each breath we take connects us to all life in the past, present, and future. Ceremonies and prayers remind us of this truth and help us live it and honour it.

Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape is not just a statement – it’s a commitment to walk in respect, compassion, and kindness, and it’s a commitment in honouring all our relations as we heal ourselves and the world.

As we head into the summer, we hope everyone is able to take some well-deserved time to rest and recharge – and we also want to share some important safety updates ahead of the Fall Term. All students and staff are encouraged to take a few moments to review the changes to campus safety and security measures to ensure you’re prepared for both the summer and the upcoming term.

Summer Campus Hours

As of Monday, June 2, summer campus hours are in effect at the Exchange District Campus (EDC) and Notre Dame Campus (NDC) as follows:

• Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, swipe card access only at EDC and enter through Building C at NDC.
• All RRC Polytech campuses are closed for statuary holidays, July 1 (Canada Day) and August 4 (Terry Fox Day).

Accessing the Campus this Summer

Entering the Exchange District Campus:

For accessing EDC during regular weekday hours, students and staff are required to present their RRC Polytech-issued ID card upon arrival. Swipe card access only for campus entry between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. On weekends, campus is accessible by swipe card access only from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

If you forget, or do not yet have, your RRC Polytech-issued ID, please use the buzzer for the intercom system to connect with a member of the security team.

Entering the Notre Dame Campus:

For accessing NDC during regular weekday hours, students and staff can enter through available building entrances. Contractors and visitors must check in with Security Services in Building C upon their arrival.

For campus entry between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on weekdays, staff, students and visitors must enter through Building C, using the doors on the east side. On weekends, campus is only accessible through the Building C doors.

Looking Ahead – Changes to Entering Campus this Fall – EDC Only

RRC Polytech is evolving the process on how people enter the Exchange District Campus. We are sharing this information now in advance of the updates that will be implemented for the Fall Term, so you can have time to familiarize yourself and ensure you’re prepared.

What will remain – security personnel will still be stationed at each entrance to welcome you and provide any assistance as needed.

What is changing – beginning in the Fall Term, all students and staff will be required to scan their RRC Polytech-issued ID cards to enter campus. The process of scanning your ID card is the same as how you access RRC Polytech’s gym facilities, or a similar process to how you would scan your membership card in-store at Costco.

For students and staff who do not have an RRC Polytech-issued ID card or need to replace theirs, visit rrc.ca/ID for more information. Everyone is encouraged to get their ID card in advance of the Fall Term, to avoid any delays.

Safe Walk and Safe Ride Phones

Safe Walk and Safe Ride phones across EDC and NDC will be converted to Security Help Phones. This means that students, staff and visitors can use these phones to connect directly to RRC Polytech’s Security Services team for general security questions, concerns, or to access services such as Safe Walk and Safe Ride.

To find out where Security Help Phones are located on campus, visit the EDC Security Webpage and the NDC Security Webpage.

Safe Walk and Safe Ride Services

Safe Walk and Safe Ride services will remain in operation throughout the summer at EDC and NDC, providing students, staff and visitors with a secure ride or escorted walk between two points on campus, or to a point near RRC Polytech.

To arrange for a Safe Walk or Ride, use a Security Help phone, or call:

• EDC – 204-949-8305 
• NDC – 204-632-2323 

Thank You

We appreciate your ongoing support and feedback as we proactively work to implement safety and security measures to best support our campus community. As part of our commitment to keeping you informed about safety and security measures on campus, we will provide the next Safety Update in early August, ensuring that returning and new students and staff members are prepared for the Fall Term.

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Today, RRC Polytech and its post-secondary partners across the country are proud to launch the website www.labs4.ca to officially introduce and establish Labs4 – a national applied research commercialization engine designed to support entrepreneurs and accelerate Canada’s innovation economy.

Labs4 brings together 38 polytechnics, colleges and universities across Canada in an aligned effort to collaborate with businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities to transform more research into real-world solutions.

Initially known as the College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization, Labs4 will develop and deliver hands-on entrepreneurship training, product development support, and mentorship through eight Regional Hubs and three Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs that stretch from coast to coast.

“Labs4 is built for impact. This is innovation with purpose, delivered across every region and rooted in community,” says Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director of Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech and Chair of the Labs4 Executive Committee.

“We operate at the intersection of academia and industry to translate applied research into practical solutions. By teaching researchers and businesses how to work with each other, building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities, and scaling innovation with intentional speed and purpose, we’ll equip entrepreneurs to quickly move from insight to action to benefit all Canadians.”

Funded by NSERC, Mitacs, and its institutional partners, Labs4 is a $55 million initiative created to close Canada’s persistent gap between research and commercialization across all sectors, while reducing barriers faced by equity-seeking groups and strengthening Indigenous and regional innovation. Leveraging the state-of-the-art facilities and subject-matter expertise available at network institutions will expedite entrepreneurs and creators’ ability to take new products and processes to the market and therefore make both economic and social impacts sooner.

Three signature pillars differentiate Labs4:

• Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs: Incubators in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario provide culturally grounded programming, mentorship, and wraparound supports tailored to First Nations, Métis and Inuit researcher-entrepreneurs. Programming is led by Indigenous institutions and rooted in self-determined goals, ceremony, and community priorities.
• Technology Readiness Level-Up (TRL) program: A four-month placement in polytechnic/college -based applied research facilities where researcher-entrepreneurs receive $10,000 stipends to develop, test, and validate prototypes with expert mentorship.
• Market to Lab (MtL) program: A two-month simulation in which researcher-entrepreneurs lead student teams to solve real-world commercialization barriers. With mentorship from business and innovation experts, participants gain leadership experience and build go-to-market strategies.

The TRL program is already underway: applications are now open for the upcoming Fall 2025 cohort.

“We are dedicated to creating pathways for innovation and amplifying the impact of Canadian research on the global stage,” says Nasil Nam, National Director, Labs4. “Whether it’s a prototype in a lab or a venture ready to launch, we meet researcher-entrepreneurs where they are and help them move forward with confidence. Our work is practical, fast-paced, and focused on impact.”

Labs4 is poised to drive measurable national impact and support hundreds of researcher-entrepreneurs to explore the launch of new research-based ventures. The initiative supports not only new ventures and commercial products but also economic development, job creation, and inclusive growth across all sectors and regions.

To learn more about Labs4, its programs, or upcoming events, visit www.labs4.ca.

About Labs4
Labs4 is Canada’s applied research commercialization engine. Delivered through eight Regional and three Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs, it provides researcher-entrepreneurs with the tools, training, mentorship, and applied facilities to move innovations from lab to market. Funded by NSERC, Mitacs and over three dozen post-secondary partners, Labs4 is designed to deliver rapid, equitable, and outcome-driven commercialization across Canada’s innovation ecosystem.

Lancement de Labs4 : l’initiative canadienne de commercialisation de la recherche appliquée pour appuyer l’écosystème de l’innovation

Winnipeg, MB sur le territoire du Traité no 1 et la patrie nationale des Métis de la Rivière-Rouge : Aujourd’hui, RRC Polytech et ses partenaires postsecondaires à travers le pays sont fiers de lancer le site web www.labs4.ca qui marque le lancement et l’établissement officiel de Labs4, une initiative nationale de commercialisation de la recherche appliquée conçue pour appuyer les entrepreneurs et accélérer l’économie d’innovation du Canada.

Labs4 rassemble 38 polytechniques, collèges et universités à travers le Canada dans le but de collaborer avec les entreprises, les entrepreneurs et les collectivités pour transformer davantage de recherche en solutions concrètes. Originalement le College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization, Labs4 élaborera et mettra en œuvre des formations pratiques d’entrepreneuriat, un appui au développement de produits et du mentorat dans ses huit carrefours régionaux et trois carrefours d’entreprenariat autochtones, situés partout à travers le Canada.

« Labs4 a été conçue pour avoir un impact et concrétiser l’innovation à travers toutes les régions, tout en étant solidement enracinée dans les communautés », a expliqué Jolen Galaugher, Ph.D., directrice administrative des partenariats de recherche et de l’innovation de RRC Polytech et présidente du comité de direction de Labs4. « Nous évoluons à l’intersection du milieu universitaire et de l’industrie dans le but de traduire la recherche appliquée en solutions pratiques. En enseignant aux chercheurs et aux entreprises à travailler ensemble, en bâtissant des liens plus solides avec les communautés autochtones et en augmentant la rapidité et les objectifs de l’innovation, nous outillons les entrepreneurs à passer rapidement de l’abstrait  à l’action, au profit de tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes. »    

Financée par le CRSNG, Mitacs et ses partenaires institutionnels, Labs4 est une initiative de 55 millions $ créée pour réduire l’écart persistant entre la recherche et la commercialisation à travers tous les secteurs du Canada, tout en réduisant les obstacles auxquels font face les groupes en quête d’équité et en consolidant l’innovation autochtone et régionale. La mise à profit des installations à la fine pointe et de l’expertise en la matière qui existe au sein des établissements du réseau accélérera la capacité des entrepreneurs et des créateurs à commercialiser de nouveaux produits et processus et ainsi, d’avoir un impact économique et social plus rapide.

Les trois piliers qui distinguent Labs4 :

• Carrefours d’entreprenariat autochtones : Des incubateurs d’entreprises au Saskatchewan, au Manitoba et en Ontario fournissent une programmation fondée sur la culture, du mentorat et des services de soutien adaptés aux chercheurs-entrepreneurs des Premières Nations, Métis et Inuit. La programmation est dirigée par des établissements autochtones et est ancrée dans l’auto-détermination, la cérémonie et les priorités communautaires. 
• Programme de niveau de préparation technologique (Technology Readiness Level-Up ou TRL) : Un stage de quatre mois dans une installation polytechnique ou collégiale de recherche appliquée où des chercheurs-entrepreneurs reçoivent une allocation de 10 000 $ pour développer, tester et valider des prototypes, tout en étant accompagnés par  des experts.  
• Programme du marché au labo (Market to Lab ou MtL) : Une simulation de deux mois au cours de laquelle des chercheurs-entrepreneurs dirigent des équipes d’étudiants dans le but de surmonter des obstacles à la commercialisation. Grâce au mentorat d’experts du monde des affaires et de l’innovation, les participants acquièrent une expérience de leadership et élaborent des stratégies de mise en marché.

Le programme TRL est déjà en cours ; les candidatures sont maintenant acceptées pour la prochaine cohorte de l’automne 2025.

« Nous nous engageons à créer des voies d’accès à l’innovation et à amplifier l’impact de la recherche canadienne à l’échelle mondiale », a déclaré Nasil Nam, directrice nationale, Labs4. « Qu’il s’agisse d’un prototype en laboratoire ou d’un projet prêt au lancement, nous allons à la rencontre des chercheurs-entrepreneurs et nous sommes là pour les aider à aller de l’avant en toute confiance. Notre travail est pratique, dynamique et axé sur les résultats. »

Labs4 est positionnée pour produire des retombées quantifiables à l’échelle nationale et appuyer des centaines de chercheurs-entrepreneurs dans l’exploration du lancement de nouvelles entreprises de recherche. L’initiative appuie non seulement les nouvelles entreprises et nouveaux produits commerciaux, mais aussi le développement économique, la création d’emplois et la croissance inclusive à travers tous les secteurs et régions.

Pour en apprendre davantage au sujet de Labs4, ses programmes, ou ses événements à venir, visitez www.labs4.ca.

À propos de 4Labs
Labs4 est l’initiative de commercialisation de la recherche appliquée du Canada. Par l’entremise de huit carrefours régionaux et de trois carrefours d’entreprenariat autochtones, Labs4 procure aux chercheurs-entrepreneurs les outils, la formation, le mentorat et les installations appliquées permettant le passage des innovations du laboratoire au marché. Financée par le CRSNG, Mitacs et plus de trois douzaine de partenaires postsecondaires, Labs4 est conçue pour permettre une commercialisation rapide, équitable et axée sur les résultats à travers l’écosystème canadien de l’innovation.

Food confidence is a vital life skill, especially for youth navigating the transition to adulthood. When RRC Polytech was deciding on a new community-focused pilot program at R.B. Russell High School, it only made sense for it to revolve around cooking skills.   

RRC Polytech launched the Culinary Connections program in November 2024 in partnership with the Winnipeg School Division, funded under the provincial Universally Accessible Nutrition Initiative. This multi-faceted initiative equips youth aged 14–21 with weekly hands-on culinary training, supports household food security through take-home recipe kits, and fosters meaningful pathways to post-secondary education. 

“This program ensures that youth have the opportunity to explore their passion for cooking without limitations. We provided the tools; however, the youth and their families created the magic, learning and growing together,” says Candace Rea, Chair of Community, Education, and Youth at RRC Polytech. 

Culinary Connections was intentionally embedded in neighborhoods identified as food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food. By hosting sessions in local high school culinary labs, the program eliminated transportation barriers and brought learning directly into the community. 

Each week, students participated in interactive cooking classes led by RRC Polytech culinary instructors. They explored new ingredients, developed essential kitchen skills, and prepared nourishing meals. After each session, students received a take-home meal kit with all the ingredients needed to recreate the recipes at home—extending the learning experience to their families. 

The impact was immediate and meaningful.  

“Before coming to the program, I could only cook noodles and hotdogs. Now I’m so proud to see the finished recipes I’ve made,” said one participant.  

Another participant reflected that making muffins during the program was the first time they had ever baked. Over the course of the program, students gained confidence not only in the kitchen but also in themselves – learning to share ideas, solve problems creatively, and embrace mistakes as part of the process. 

Families embraced the program too.   

“My mom used the ingredients to make my dad and brothers’ lunches. She also used the extra cinnamon and brown sugar to bake Bannock buns—she loves baking and hasn’t been able to in a long time,” said a participant. 

The program’s roots trace back to a pilot project in July 2024, where 16 students from RRC Polytech’s After School Leaders program and their families participated in a trial run. The pilot aimed to ignite culinary passion, promote family engagement, and explore the impact of shared meals on youth mental health. Families received delivery boxes with fresh ingredients and recipes for two dinners and two desserts, including dishes like Chicken Piccata, chili, and sour cream coffee cake. 

The pilot revealed valuable insights – such as the importance of recipe accessibility. Some students had limited kitchen tools, prompting the program to adapt recipes that could be made without mixers, blenders, or multiple pots. This feedback helped shape the inclusive, accessible approach that defines Culinary Connections today. 

“As a parent with a youth with a chronic illness, it was so beautiful to watch her excitement making food for us,” one parent shared. “It is very often us taking care of her, so for her to take care of us was very moving to watch and experience.” 

The program has now expanded and is currently running for six weeks at St. John’s High School.