Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Today, RRC Polytech and the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) Local 73 celebrate the signing of an agreement that puts change into action to decolonize and enhance equity and inclusion within RRC Polytech’s Collective Agreement.

This collaboration — the first of its kind — represents a new and transformative approach to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action within labour relations and the collective bargaining process. What sets it apart is the intentional approach rooted in Indigenous knowledge and ways of being, guided by a Knowledge Keeper, and supported by both RRC Polytech and MGEU.

“The signing reflects the collaborative work of RRC Polytech and MGEU to live our shared values, advancing Truth and Reconciliation organizationally and within Manitoba,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “This process stands out across Canada, setting a precedent for other post-secondary institutions by aligning with Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement (TRCE) and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA), honouring Indigenous Knowledge Protocols, and fostering leadership, mentorship, and systemic change at the Polytech.”

To review RRC Polytech’s Collective Agreement, a joint Truth and Reconciliation Working Group (TRC Working Group) was established through an expression of interest, comprised of eight staff and faculty, representing both parties.

Guided by Kookum Barbara Bruce’s teachings, ceremony, and wisdom, the TRC Working Group ensured the process moved forward in a good way, grounded in Indigenous Knowledge Protocols. Using priority-setting and Design Thinking — a non-linear, iterative process that reflects true Indigenous engagement — the Working Group developed recommendations under key themes for the Collective Agreement.

“It was my honour to be asked to bring ceremonial ways to the discussion and deliberation of components of the collective agreement. I think it had a profound effect on the outcome of these discussions. The success of the collective agreement is credited to the people involved who accepted and invested in the process, allowing spirit to guide the discussions,” says Kookum Barbara Bruce.

The key themes of inclusive language, family, leaves, and sickness and health align with Principles of Truth and Reconciliation, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Twenty-one recommended actions from these themes were put forward to RRC Polytech’s Labour Management Committee.

“This new agreement represents a meaningful step toward reconciliation and is an example of how we can use the opportunities presented through collective bargaining to make the lives of workers and their communities better,” says Kyle Ross, President of the MGEU. “We are proud of what has been achieved through our collaboration with Red River College Polytechnic, guided by the leadership and knowledge of Kookum Barbara Bruce and are excited to see how these changes help members feel more respected, supported and included.”  

Nearly all actions were implemented in RRC Polytech’s 2025-2028 Collective Agreement — a level of adoption rarely seen in collective bargaining and a testament to the leadership of the TRC Working Group and supporters from both RRC Polytech and MGEU. These additions to the Collective Agreement encourage and support the recruitment and retention of Indigenous employees.

Not only does this collective achievement advance Truth and Reconciliation within labour relations and the collective bargaining process at the Polytech, but it also reaffirms both parties’ commitment to continue this work collaboratively, ensuring future reviews and recommendations reflect shared values rooted in Truth and Reconciliation and EDIA.

RRC Polytech and MGEU have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to recommit to reviewing the Collective Agreement through the next collective bargaining process.

Truth and Reconciliation is a journey. Together, RRC Polytech and MGEU have created a model that demonstrates what is possible when values guide action — resulting in tangible outcomes that will shape future Collective Agreements and hopefully inspire similar efforts across other organizations.

For more information about the actions implemented within RRC Polytech’s 2025-2028 Collective Agreement to advance Truth and Reconciliation and to learn about other initiatives, visit rrc.ca/trc.

RRC Polytech flags are lowered on Tuesday, January 27 in observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Holocaust Remembrance Day — also known as Holocaust Memorial Day — is observed each year on January 27, marking the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1945.

In 2005, the United Nations designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day to honour the victims of the Holocaust, including six million Jews and millions of others. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed and offers an opportunity to reflect, remember, and pay tribute to those whose lives were taken.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is hosting several events to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day – please click here for more information.

Due to extreme cold and icy road and highway conditions across the province, RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows: 

• Selkirk Campus is open, however classes will be moved online.

All other Campuses – including Regional and in Winnipeg – will be open with regular operations.

For those driving both inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions. 

If you are unable to make it to campus safely due to weather or road conditions, please contact your supervisor or instructor. 

RRC Polytech will continue monitoring today’s changing weather. Any updates to campus operations will be shared on rrc.ca/marcom/news 

Like the advent and widespread adoption of the computer, artificial intelligence (AI) has already started changing how creative work is done. To help students and professionals navigate that shift, RRC Polytech’s Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts, together with presenting partner CreativeMornings Winnipeg, is hosting a free Fireside Chat on AI and Creativity. This lunchtime event will take place January 29 from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Roundhouse Auditorium in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.

The event will bring two industry experts, Sophie Theodorou and Ben Myers, to the Schroeder Institute for an interactive discussion exploring the role of AI in the creative industries, and how it can be used as a ‘power-tool’ to help creatives iterate faster and expand how visual stories are developed.

“This is a top-of-mind topic at the Schroeder Institute right now,” says Thomas Lepp, Director of the Schroeder Institute. “AI is evolving and changing at a fast pace…it almost feels like there’s this huge tidal wave building behind us. That’s why we’re trying to bring some conversation and knowledge to the local creative community.”

Ben Myers is the CEO and co-founder of Robin, an AI communication platform that serves organizations across Canada, including educational institutions, entertainment venues, and government agencies.

He also founded Blatant Space, a creative studio specializing in generative AI art that has partnered with major brands and artists, including Gucci, BEAK>, and Mononeon.

Before working in tech, Myers was a VFX compositor and manager on major productions including Avatar and The Hunger Games, providing him with a deep understanding of the practical challenges facing media professionals.

“I look forward to sharing practical examples of how AI can be integrated into the artistic practices of students and faculty,” says Myers.

Sophie Theodorou is a content creator, AI consultant and recognized thought leader in the space.

She built a successful business by combining expertise in content creation, video editing and social media strategy, growing an audience of over 100,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram (@teach2ai).

Her work spans brand partnerships with companies including Adobe, Samsung, GoDaddy and Google, as well as advising early-stage companies on growth strategy. She has also served as a preferred product tester for Microsoft Copilot, Google AI Search, and Anthropic Claude, and has led AI training sessions globally through Apple Education.

“Ben and Sophie are artists at heart,” says Lepp. “They are two very positive and intelligent voices who have been at the forefront of adopting these tools and figuring out how they can give you superpowers and allow you to move forward in the design process in a very effective way.”

The Schroeder Institute supports Manitoba’s growing creative industries by developing local talent and strengthening connections between education and industry. As AI continues to reshape creative work and the skills behind it, the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts and RRC Polytech are focused on helping people build the skills to do their jobs well alongside AI.

That work extends beyond the classroom. This panel is part of a series of future-focused Fireside Chats hosted by the Schroeder Institute, designed to create welcoming, accessible spaces where students, creatives and industry professionals can come together to build a more connected creative community.

“We’re hoping attendees will leave with the understanding that there is a path forward to adoption,” says Lepp. “This will be a nuanced, thoughtful conversation that leads to some outcomes that will be helpful to people in their design and artistic practices.”

Reserve your spot for the AI x Creativity Fireside Chat on Jan. 29.

We are excited to welcome back returning students, staff, and faculty, and extend a warm welcome to those who are new and joining us on campus. This update shares important information about safety, health, and security for our entire campus community, including current building access hours, designated entrances, and ID requirements. Please review the following update to ensure you’re prepared for the new term.

Exchange District Campus Hours

• Monday to Friday – 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and student and staff swipe card or buzz-in access only from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday – swipe card or buzz-in access only

Accessing the Exchange District Campus

Students, staff, faculty, and visitors must use a designated entrance when arriving at the Exchange District Campus (EDC), which include:

• North and South Atrium doors at the Roblin Centre
• Elgin Plaza doors at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae
• Main Street and King Streets doors at Paterson GlobalFoods Institute

Security personnel are stationed at campus entrances to welcome you and provide assistance as needed.

Valid Student and Staff ID Required for Entry

Upon arrival, students, staff and faculty are required to scan their valid RRC Polytech-issued ID card at the Security kiosk. This process is in place as an extra layer of security to verify individuals are permitted to be on campus.

For more information on how to get or reprint your RRC Polytech ID card, visit rrc.ca/ID.

Visitor Access at EDC

Guests and contractors must report to security upon arrival and provide the reason for their visit. Security personnel will escort guests and contracts to their designated campus location.

Please note that public spaces are only on the main floors of the Roblin Centre and Paterson GlobalFoods Institute (PGI). These spaces include the Campus Store, Student Services and Tim Hortons at the Roblin Centre; and the Culinary Exchange and Jane’s at PGI.

Additional swipe card access is required beyond the main floors at EDC to ensure students, staff and faculty are able to use the spaces intended for them. For example, elevators, breakout rooms, and more may require a valid RRC Polytech ID for entry.

Notre Dame Campus Hours and Access

• Monday to Friday – 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  Student and staff access only through the east doors of Building C (Security entrance) from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday – use the Security entrance of Building C.

Students, staff and faculty at the Notre Dame Campus (NDC) are encouraged to get their RRC Polytech ID, as swipe card access is required for certain facilities and spaces on campus, including the library, fitness centre, and meeting rooms.

Personal Belongings

Please do not leave personal belongings unattended at any time. This includes locked spaces such as classrooms and breakout rooms. RRC Polytech is not liable for any loss of, or damage to unattended property.

Safe Ride and Safe Walk Services

RRC Polytech provides Safe Ride and Safe Walk services at EDC and NDC to help you get safely to your car, bus stop, or to a point in close proximity to campus.

To use Safe Ride or Safe Walk, go to a Security desk, use a Security Help Phone, or call:

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

Security staff will meet you and make sure you get to where you need to go safely.

Security Help Phones

Security help phones are located across both campuses. These phones will connect you directly to a member of the security team, who can assist you with reporting an incident on campus, providing safety information, or requesting Safe Walk/Ride services.

Health Services

RRC Polytech has Health Centres located at EDC and NDC for students, staff and faculty. The Health Services team provides a variety of health and wellness information for general interest, ongoing health condition maintenance, plus treatment for injuries and illness.

Services include mental health support, sexual health and teaching, assistance connecting to RRC Polytech and community resources and more.

Walk-in, no appointment is needed! In most cases, your Manitoba Health or other provincial health card, or an equivalent health insurance card is not required. If you are referred to QDoc, a valid Manitoba, other provincial, or an equivalent health insurance card will be required.

• EDC Health Centre
  • Location: W103 (First floor, William Building)
  • Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.*
• NDC Health Centre
  • Location: HM08 (Mall Level, H Building)
  • Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

*Please note that the EDC Health Centre hours will be adjusted in February. We anticipate that they will be expanded to 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP)

At the Exchange District Campus, a vital part of our safety strategy has been leveraging the dedication and great work by our RRC Polytech Security team and collaborating with the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP).

The DCSP is a non-profit organization for the purpose of enhancing the safety, health, and wellbeing of all those who live, work, learn and enjoy the downtown. This also includes providing proactive, non-emergency response, outreach, and intervention to those experiencing complex issues in Winnipeg’s downtown. RRC Polytech continues to expand our partnership with DCSP to best support students, staff and the community.

At EDC and the surrounding campus area, if you see a DCSP Ambassador (folks in the green hats and/or jackets) they are here to assist you in the case of non-emergent, non-violent instances.

DCSP is excited to welcome the Ikwewag Wiigiwaam Owiiji’in Indinawemaaganag Team – Women’s Lodge, Helping All People and has also hired Mental Health Navigators and a Wellness Coordinator. Through these new teams and resources, DCSP can enhance support provided to community members in need.

If you witness or are experiencing a safety concern on or near campus, call or visit Security. RRC Polytech security personnel will address and direct your concern as needed. For example, connecting with the DCSP front line team to provide support to vulnerable community members.  

RRC Polytech Security contact information:

• Exchange District Campus – 204-949-8305 
• Notre Dame Campus – 204-632-2323  

DCSP Community Walks and Sharing Circle

Coming up on Fridays, DCSP will be hosting community walks followed by a sharing circle in the Round Room at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae at EDC. More details will be shared with the campus community soon!

We Welcome your Feedback

RRC Polytech continues to work collaboratively to proactively introduce safety and security measures to best support our campus community. If you have any feedback or questions, please contact the Safety, Health and Security Services team at safety@rrc.ca.

For immediate release:

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory - the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis –

Bursting onto menus around the globe as a featured flavour, hot honey is the latest food sensation that’s tickling the tastebuds of consumers, from casual diners to connoisseurs – and now a uniquely Canadian version has hit the market as a result of an applied research project at RRC Polytech. 

Bee Maid Honey Limited, a co-operative owned and operated by over 300 Western Canadian beekeepers, recently partnered with RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) to develop its own signature version of hot honey that uses chipotle to bring some smoky heat to its traditionally sweet and pure product. 

“Bee Maid’s chipotle hot honey is a tasty example of how Prairie Research Kitchen leads food innovation by supporting companies and communities with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a team of professional and student researchers who specialize in blending food science with culinary skills to solve specific challenges,” said Mavis McRae, Director of RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen. 

Many hot honey products popularized in the US refer to its breakthrough use in the Nashville area and rely on a nondescript pepper blend to achieve its ‘hot’ characteristic, focusing more on heat than on flavour. Bee Maid’s experts worked closely with the PRK team to develop a 100 per cent Canadian version with heat from a defined flavour profile that chefs with refined palates can instantly identify and trust to be consistent in their recipes. 

“For over 70 years, Bee Maid has proudly packed the finest quality white, golden and amber honey produced in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba,” said Shannon Bowden, Senior Brand and Communications Manager at Bee Maid. “Our iconic brand is world-renowned for traceability, quality assurance, and sustainability – but prior to collaborating with the Prairie Research Kitchen we didn’t have the staff or product development resources to fully explore flavour enhancements like this.” 

After connecting at Food and Beverage Manitoba’s annual Cultivate Sustainability Conference and Trade Show, PRK and Bee Maid’s shared mission to ensure this innovative food trend sticks around to become a new standard was clear and time was of the essence. So, the first-time partners skipped the complex waggle dance and got right to work swarming the problem with their collective expertise. 

“Creating a great tasting new product that will stand out in a competitive marketplace was only part of the challenge in this project,” explained McRae. “Honey crystallizes quickly when other ingredients are introduced so we had to perform many trials to determine the right combinations for a hot flavour profile that would complement and elevate Bee Maid’s delicious amber honey, while maintaining its smooth texture and prolonging its shelf life.” 

After months of sensory and stability testing to perfect the process, the final product was launched and received rave reviews at Toronto’s annual Restaurants Canada Show, the nation’s largest hospitality and food service trade event. Gordon Food Service is currently distributing it to customers across Canada under its Brickman’s Brand, and it’s already featured prominently on the menus of local restaurants. 

A Little Pizza Heaven now offers the ‘Heavenly Hot Honey’ a buzzworthy combination with chicken, bacon, spinach, and roasted red peppers as part of its gourmet lineup and suggests a hot honey drizzle as a flavour upgrade on any pizza. 

“We tried it and loved it,” said co-owner, Dave Fox. “It was a no-brainer for us to add a high-quality ingredient that’s trending with our customers, but there’s also tremendous value in supporting local honey producers because it’s our philosophy that cooperation within the sector drives economic success for everyone across the province.” 

Working together for mutual benefit has been a consistent theme on the project. RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts students and chef instructors also gained some valuable experience through the project, by testing their own creativity when showing off the honey’s versatility in a recent culinary competition. 

With an innovative new food item that serves as a testament to teamwork and the importance of surrounding one’s self with a strong hive, Bee Maid is confident that the success of the project will linger like the layers of flavour in its chipotle hot honey.  

“Adding a little spice to our classic lineup of products immediately ignited sales with our commercial clients and we’re hopeful a retail option will be coming soon,” said Bowden. “We couldn’t have done it without our partners at PRK, so we’re excited to continue building relationships that allow Bee Maid to explore new product opportunities, increase market growth, and demonstrate our belief in the power of collaboration.” 

To access RRC Polytech’s vast array of technology, expertise and facilities such as Prairie Research Kitchen, please contact Research Partnerships & Innovation at rpi@rrc.ca 

The RRC Polytech Students’ Association announced today a return of the Varsity Athletics program as a student-led initiative and has been accepted to compete in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year. 

The Students’ Association will be the first student-led organization in MCAC history to organize, manage, fund, and oversee a Varsity Athletics program in partnership with a post-secondary organization.  

“RRC Polytech commends the Students’ Association on their leadership and commitment to revive the varsity athletics program and seek full membership in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference. We recognize Varsity Athletics can play an important role in enriching student life, strengthening community connections, and enhancing the overall post-secondary experience,” said Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President Academic at RRC Polytech. 

Beginning this fall, Varsity Athletics will participate in Women’s and Men’s Basketball, Women’s and Men’s Volleyball and Cross-Country Running.  

While the Varsity Athletics program will be led by the Students’ Association, RRC Polytech will support the program through access to facilities, such as gymnasiums and changing rooms, and ongoing collaboration to ensure student enrollment and eligibility. 

“It is exciting to be part of bringing Varsity Athletics back to RRC Polytech. There is a kind of energy and sense of pride that Varsity Athletics brings that has been missing on campus, and this achievement would not have been possible without the overwhelming support from students, the broader community, and our collaboration with RRC Polytech. The Students’ Association is eager to build on this momentum heading into the MCAC 2026–27 season,” said Jasmine Lucero, President, RRC Polytech Students’ Association. 

The return of Varsity Athletics complements RRC Polytech’s Campus Well-Being unit, which provides programs, services and resources to support the holistic health of students, staff and faculty, including popular intramural and fitness activities. Campus Well-Being has primary responsibility for RRC Polytech’s college-wide mental health strategy while operating two fitness facilities, two gymnasiums, intramurals and a variety of virtual and in-person activities that promote health and wellness.  

For more information about the return of Varsity Athletics, please visit the RRC Polytech Students’ Association’s website.  

RRC Polytech’s Winnipeg Campuses will be open today and back to full operations following yesterday’s blizzard impacting communities across Manitoba. 

RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows: 

• Portage campus is open. 

• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses are open. 

• Winkler campus is closed. 

• Selkirk campus is open. 

• Steinbach campus is open. 

• Steinbach and Arborg Language Training Centre will be online. 

For those driving both inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions. 

If you are unable to make it to campus safely due to road conditions, please contact your supervisor or instructor. 

RRC Polytech will continue monitoring today’s changing weather. Any updates to campus operations will be shared on rrc.ca/marcom/news 

RRC Polytech is pleased to congratulate Jamie Wilson, Vice President Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech on his recent appointment as Chair of Manitoba Hydro Board of Directors. 

We are incredibly proud to celebrate this professional milestone for Jamie. His leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to community make this appointment especially meaningful, and we’re grateful to have a leader at RRC Polytech whose impact extends so far beyond our own walls. 

Jamie is a member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation has served as Vice Chair on the Manitoba Hydro Board of Directors since 2023.  He is the first Indigenous Chair of the Board of Directors in Manitoba Hydro’s history. 

This role truly reflects the trust others place in his vision and values. It speaks to the care he has for building strong and sustainable futures for Indigenous communities, for Manitoba, and for the next seven generations. This appointment speaks to how he leads, mentors, and shows up for community in everything he does. 

RRC Polytech is an organization that is shaped by the people who study and work here. We are fortunate to have individuals across the institution who have knowledge, expertise and experience that support sectors across the province, and who contribute in many ways to other organizational, industry, and advisory boards. 

With appointments like Jamie’s at Manitoba Hydro, or with staff and faculty who serve similar volunteer or appointed roles, we appreciate the integrity and dedication they continue to commit to for RRC Polytech while also maintaining the respect of interests for these important external opportunities. 

RRC Polytech is honoured to have Jamie as one of our senior leaders. We appreciate the guidance and impact he provides here, and across our community. Again, we extend our sincerest congratulations on this well-deserved and exciting appointment. 

Due to the continued poor weather and road conditions across the province including high winds, blowing snow, poor visibility and highway closures, RRC Polytech’s Winnipeg Campuses will remain closed for the rest of the day and evening today in the interest of the safety of the Polytech community.   

This includes the Notre Dame Campus, Exchange District Campus and Stevenson Winnipeg campus.  

Winnipeg Police Service has advised against travel due to the worsening conditions. If you are already on Campus, please remain sheltered in place until conditions approve. Please contact Security Services so that they can account for all those who remain on the premises and offer assistance: 

Notre Dame Campus  
Location: Room C115  
Phone: 204-632-2323  

The Roblin Centre  
Location: Room P106  
Phone: 204-949-8305  
  
Manitou a bi Bii daziigae  
Location: E129   
Phone: 204-949-8544  

Paterson GlobalFoods Institute  
Location: Room 100  
Phone: 204-631-3381  

The safety of students and staff is our highest priority, and we will continue to monitor conditions closely. 

 Your instructor will connect with you directly if classes will be moved online. 

RRC Polytech will continue to monitor the situation and will send additional updates about potential further closures for the Winnipeg campuses.  

Updates will continue to be provided through LEARN and at rrc.ca/marcom