From May 13 to 15 Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) will be hosting delegates from 13 polytechnic institutions across Canada as well as representatives from industry, business and government for Polytechnics Canada’s annual showcase, focusing on the theme of Propelling Canada’s Productivity.

This year’s keynote speakers, Dr. Niigaan Sinclair and Ben Wildavsky, are sure to inspire attendees to bring new ideas into their thinking and work.

Opening Keynote: Dr. Niigaan Sinclair

Dr. Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe from Peguis First Nation. He is an award-winning writer, editor and professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba who was named by Maclean’s magazine in 2022 as one of the most influential people in Canada. Niigaan is a multiple nominee of Canadian Columnist of the Year (winning in 2018) and his commentary appears weekly on multiple platforms across Canada – from the pages of The Winnipeg Free Press to TV shows on CBC, APTN and on his co-hosted podcast Niigaan and the Lone Ranger. His first book, Wînipêk: Visions of Canada from an Indigenous Centre (McClelland & Stewart, 2024), was a national bestseller that won the 2024 Governor General Award for Non-fiction. He is a former secondary school teacher who won the 2019 Peace Educator of the Year from the Peace and Justice Studies Association based at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

Closing Keynote: Ben Wildavsky

Ben Wildavsky is a veteran higher education strategist, writer, speaker, convener and host of the Higher Ed Spotlight podcast. His decades of experience in journalism and education policy include leadership roles at Strada Education Network, the College Board and U.S. News & World Report. He is a visiting fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2024-2025.

He is the author of The Career Arts: Making the Most of College, Credentials, and Connections. He is also the award-winning author of The Great Brain Race and coeditor of Reinventing Higher Education and Measuring Success with bylines in many national magazines and newspapers, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, Foreign Policy and the Washington Post. His New York Times guest essay, Let’s Stop Pretending College Degrees Don’t Matter, was reprinted in the bestselling textbook The Norton Field Guide to Writing.

He was recently selected as a Fulbright Specialist and a Salzburg Global Fellow. A former scholar at the Brookings Institution, the Rockefeller Institute of Government and the Kauffman Foundation, he has been a speaker on globalization and higher education innovation in 16 U.S. states and 10 foreign countries, including events at Google, the World Bank, the OECD in Paris and the London School of Economics. He has long experience as a consultant on high-profile writing projects, including policy reports and thought leadership articles by education and workforce executives. He has convened leading thinkers to produce memorable events and publications.

Register for the 2025 Polytechnic Showcase

For more information, and to register please visit Polytechnics Canada’s website. Early bird registration is available until April 1.

Last December, Megan Hederson received news from her instructors she’ll never forget – she was shortlisted for the 2024 Canadian Online Publishing Awards (COPAs). And this January, her instructors asked whether she would like to attend the awards to represent RRC Polytech. 

“I was so honoured that my story was worthy of recognition. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I couldn’t not go,” said Hederson, 2024 graduate of the Creative Communications (CreComm) program. 

The COPAs are presented by Masthead, an industry magazine for Canadian publishing professionals, and are judged by media professionals from across the country. Eight student articles – plus the online magazine where they’re hosted – were submitted for the 2024 awards by Emily Cain and Karen Press, CreComm instructors. 

The articles selected by Cain and Press are part of the student-produced Working Draft online magazine. All Working Draft articles are long-form pieces that CreComm students write, peer edit, and focus on continuous improvement through diverse feedback, as a second-year final project. 

The Working Draft theme for 2024 was Time. With this theme, students could take their writing in many directions, opting for a long-form non-fiction creative piece, feature article or white paper. For Hederson, she chose to share a deeply personal moment of time from her life, recounting her experience of psychosis and navigating the mental health system in her feature article, Together We Escape.  

Together We Escape was one of five Working Draft submissions shortlisted for the 2024 COPAs. 

This February, Hederson, who now resides in Bracebridge, Ontario, invited her mom to join, and made the train commute to the COPAs in downtown Toronto. As Hederson sat on the train to Toronto, she read all the fellow Feature Article (Academic) nominations, noting that she was sure In Sickness and Health written by Chloe Hannan would win. 

At the COPAs Hederson made her way to the stage to accept awards on behalf of her peers. She recalls the event MC commenting as she stepped on stage to accept the third award on behalf of her peers and RRC Polytech, “you’re producing really great things out there!”  

When it came time to announce the winner for Feature Article (Academic) category, the Silver award winner was called first, In Sickness and Health written by Chloe Hannan. Next, Hederson heard her name. Together We Escape took home the Gold. 

“While receiving this recognition is incredible, what was even more meaningful was the support of my instructors and classmates throughout the entire process. CreComm instructors – especially Karen Press, Emily Cain, and Joanne Kelly – go above and beyond to set their students up for success. This isn’t just my win; it’s a win for all of RRC Polytech and its CreComm program,” said Hederson, acknowledging that she shed a few tears when she realized she had won. 

Throughout the awards, Hederson was texting live updates to her instructors back in Winnipeg, letting them know each time another CreComm graduate was awarded. 

“When I teach students in semester four of Writers Craft, I haven’t taught them since their first semester, so there’s a lot of growth. It’s rewarding to see how far students have come,” said Cain. 

CreComm students are building an award-winning reputation, placing RRC Polytech in the top three out of 50 post-secondaries and publications such as Toronto Life and CBC British Colombia, at the 2024 COPAs. 

Congratulations to all the 2024 Canadian Online Publishing Awards winners – Danna Carreon (Silver for Investigative Article), Megan Hederson (Gold, Feature Article – Academic), Caleb Jutzi (Gold for Feel Good Story – Academic), and Christina Klysh (Silver for Lifestyle Article).  

Read the award-winning articles that were published as part of the 2024 Working Draft issue on Time: 

A Forest in a Day by Caleb Jutzi  
10,000 trees or bust. 

Together We Escape by Megan Hederson  
When a psychotic break lands a teen in the hospital, she is forced to navigate the mental health system. Eight years later, she meets a woman with similar experiences — and finds community and connection. 

Life Beyond Borders by Danna Bianca Carreon  
International students leave their home countries to pursue their dreams — and education — in Canada, but once they arrive, many are faced with a harsh reality. Housing, employment, and issues around recruitment that don’t surface until they are already thousands of kilometres from home leave many international students in precarious situations. 

The Resale Revolution by Christina Klysh  
Thanks to TikTok, Gen Z, and the impending climate crisis, the online second-hand clothing resale market is booming — but in-person thrifting is here to stay. 

Shortlisted Working Draft article 

Aaniindi Ezhaayin? (Where are you Going?) by Hannah Palamer 
In the family tree, trauma’s roots run deep. After losing a family member to addiction, one young woman confronts the pain of her past and reconnects to her Indigenous identity. 

The Working Draft online magazine was also shortlisted for Best News/Sports site. 

While recent Safety Updates have primarily focused on the Exchange District Campus (EDC), our comprehensive safety strategy extends across all campuses, with a focus on creating a secure and welcoming environment for everyone.  

For this month’s update, we are sharing reminders about safety at the Notre Dame Campus (NDC) and enhancements underway on campus. 

Ongoing Safety Enhancements

Currently there’s a CCTV and security infrastructure upgrade underway at NDC which includes enhancements to cameras, alarm systems, and electronic door access. These upgrades will take place over the next two years, supporting improved surveillance capabilities and increased security effectiveness. 

In addition to updates at NDC, this past fall enhancements were made to CCTV and surveillance systems at the Portage La Prairie and Winkler Campuses.  

Safety Reminders

Accessing Campus

Security Services at NDC is located on the main floor (Plaza Level) of C Building. See campus map for reference. Contractors and visitors must sign in with security upon arrival. 

All campus doors are locked after 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and locked all day on weekends at both EDC and NDC. To access NDC after hours or on weekends, use the east entrance of C Building.  

Staff and students should have their College ID cards on hand at all times, for swipe card access spaces and accessing facilities such as the gym at NDC. 

Personal Belongings

As a reminder for students and staff across all campuses – 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

Safe Ride and Safe Walk services are available 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 in close proximity to the College, for example, parking lots. 

To arrange for a Safe Ride or Walk, visit RRC Polytech Security Services in person or call: 

• Notre Dame Campus – 204-632-2323 

• Exchange District Campus – 204-949-8305 

Reporting Security Incidents or Concerns

To report a safety concern or incident, visit Security Services at the campus where it occurred. A Security Officer will discuss the incident with you, ensure a report is completed, and guide you on the next steps you should take. 

If you are in an emergency situation, call 9-1-1 immediately. If using a cell phone, notify Security Services to ensure a coordinated response with emergency services.   

Thank You 

We appreciate your ongoing support and feedback. For any concerns, questions or suggestions you may have, please reach out to Safety, Health and Security Services at safety@rrc.ca.

For the first time ever, RRC Polytech is proudly delivering a customized version of its Human Resource (HR) Management Certificate program to students in Nunavut. Over the next 13 months, RRC Polytech’s Corporate Solutions team will deliver 10 courses – that include both online and in-person training in the capital city of Iqaluit – to provide critical HR training that was previously unavailable to a class of Inuit learners aged 19-75.

“It’s so rewarding to lead this groundbreaking initiative for the College that contributes to our Indigenous community on a national level,” said Georgette Rochon, Business Development Manager, Corporate Solutions at RRC Polytech. “Our team is committed to building these relationships, breaking down barriers to education and creating customized training that can benefit all communities and organizations, regardless of their location.”  

The Government of Nunavut (GN) partnered with RRC Polytech to fully fund the cost of tuition and is providing support to the cohort of just over thirty of its employees working in a variety of positions across numerous departments. The partnership ensures the talented and motivated professionals working in Canada’s northern-most territory no longer have to leave their homes, families and support systems to pursue the HR training they need to be eligible to waive the National Knowledge Exam® – the recognized industry standard required for designation by CPHR (Chartered Professionals in Human Resources) Canada.

“It’s a super intense course that these students of all ages are choosing to do while still working at their jobs, so it speaks volumes to their level of commitment to their education, careers and their region as a whole,” said Rochon.

Students like Laura Nowdluk, who says a recent lesson on recruitment really piqued her interest and has her feeling optimistic that the strategies and processes they are learning will ultimately lead to increased efficiency right across their government.

“It was great, I loved every minute of it, actually,” said Nowdluk, following the second full week of in-person classes. “It was a lot of information at first, but it was very hands on which I liked.”

Born and raised in Iqaluit, Nowdluk moved south to Kingston, Ontario a year after graduating high school to study computer science and biotechnology but eventually returned home. She is currently working as a Human Resources Coordinator in the GN Department of Justice and had no formal HR training, so she jumped at the opportunity when her manager suggested it.

“I feel I’ve learned so much already,” said Nowdluk. “I could use it to develop and further my HR career, especially up here, there’s a lot of potential to grow and I think this training could help with that.”

One of her additional highlights so far has been the connection her fellow students have made with their instructors and facilitators. Whether it’s working together to overcome minor hurdles involving technology or language, incorporating local governance into the curriculum, or simply sharing their unique customs and traditions, she says the class appreciates their engaging and respectful nature and eagerness to learn as much as they teach. 

“They just have a really friendly aura, they’re very helpful and understanding of the work-life balance as well,” said Nowdluk. “I like it when people are interested in learning not only about the culture from like an Indigenous aspect, but just about day-to-day life in a northern community, how different the norm is up here.”

Given the impactful life experience for everyone involved and the shrinking of a critical gap in educational options in the North, RRC Polytech’s Corporate Solutions team is exploring other opportunities to collaborate with the Government of Nunavut so this mutually beneficial partnership can grow and thrive.  

“By making our training flexible and customizable and living our commitments, we can help everyone feel comfortable and supported throughout their learning experience – which we know increases student success,” said Rochon. “I cannot wait to return to Iqaluit and continue working with such driven professionals.”

The energy and excitement were high in RRC Polytech’s South Gym on February 7, 2025, as close to 250 nursing students attended the College’s first-ever Senior Nursing Practicum Showcase, an event hosted in partnership with Manitoba Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office. 

More than 25 employer booths were set up, with representatives and nurses from each of Manitoba’s health service delivery organizations eager to meet with senior nursing students to help guide their decisions for practicum experiences and their future careers. 

“It was a great experience to have managers and nurses from different locations that I might never have thought of or considered,” said third year nursing student Bradley Biggs. “I was able to meet someone in the Interlake region as well as Southern Health, which piqued my interest level. Nursing allows for many options and placements, which is amazing.” 

Katrina Enns, a fellow third-year student, noted that the event helped confirm her interest in completing her practicum in a rural setting in Northern Manitoba: “I gained contact information that I can hold onto for my future career, as well as had the ability to speak with some Northern nurses about their experience,” she said. “Hearing perspectives from representatives was encouraging and reinforced my desire for this experience.” 

Employment engagement opportunities like the Senior Nursing Practicum Showcase help ensure students can build strong connections while they’re still in school, to take forward as they build their careers in Manitoba upon graduation. 

“Hosting events to prepare students for Work-Integrated Learning experiences offers benefits for both students and employers,” said Dusty Ritchie, Director of Work-Integrated Learning and Career Services at RRC Polytech. “Students gain insights into work terms, helping them make informed career choices and expand their networks. Employers can showcase their culture, discuss opportunities, and connect with motivated students, ready to contribute. This collaboration creates rewarding partnerships between educational institutions and industry partners which results in WIL opportunities for students.” 

In her opening remarks, Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Community Services at RRC Polytech, noted that “it takes an immense amount of kindness and dedication to enter a career in healthcare.” 

“Each of you will make a tremendous impact on the lives of Manitobans,” she said. “That impact starts with your education and will continue in the connections you make today. I hope this event allows you to learn more and get excited about the opportunities ahead for you.” 

The kindness of nurses played a large role in Bradley Biggs’s decision to pursue nursing. 

“I lost my dad just over 18 years ago and had the most amazing experience with the nurses that cared for him on a cardiac unit – this inspired me to look at the healthcare field,” he said, noting that the fast pace of nursing school can pose a challenge, as a mature student.  

“It took longer to get things to fall in place and making nursing school a reality, it is never too late to start something you are passionate about.” 

“I chose nursing because I have a strong desire to help others and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives,” added Katrina Enns. “I love hearing people’s stories and the experiences that have shaped them into the person they have become.” 

RRC Polytech is one of Manitoba’s largest trainers of health-care professionals and home to the only three-year Bachelor of Nursing degree program in the province. The College plays a pivotal role in shaping the health-care workforce in Manitoba, and partnerships such as these help to ensure that crucial roles across the province’s health service delivery organizations are filled by a passionate, highly skilled workforce. 

The Senior Nursing Practicum Showcase was made possible thanks to sponsorship from the Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office.

Photos courtesy of Shared Health Manitoba.

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) and Prairie Project Studio have officially launched the 2025 Entrepreneur Challenge in Portage la Prairie.

Now in its third year, this innovative competition is set to inspire and empower youth aged 15 to 30 to nourish their entrepreneurial spirit, and is a collaborative effort between RRC Polytech, Arrowhead Development Corporation, Portage Community Revitalization Corporation, Heartland Community Futures Whitehorse Plains, Portage and District Chamber of Commerce, and Portage Regional Economic Development. 

“This will be our third year hosting a competition to inspire youth from Portage la Prairie to dream up business ideas and products and to learn about being an innovator and entrepreneur. Each year we have grown this event, better supporting the sponsoring partners and the students,” said Guy Moffat, Regional Campus Manager, RRC Polytech. “At the Prairie Project Studio in RRC Polytech’s Portage Campus we have equipment and access to local experts that help these students take their ideas to prototype and market testing. We believe that by providing them with the right resources and mentorship, we can nurture the development of innovative solutions and contribute to the growth of our local economy.”. 

Contestants now have two weeks to collaborate with their teams, refine their concepts, and craft compelling pitches. On February 27^th participants will present their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges at the Portage Collegiate Institute multi-purpose room, beginning at 12:15 pm. 

The top three pitches will be awarded prize money totaling $1,500 sponsored by Arrowhead Development Corporation, Heartland Community Futures Whitehorse Plains, and Portage Regional Economic Development. Winners will receive paid memberships to the Prairie Project Studio, providing them with a conducive environment to further develop their entrepreneurial ventures. 

“This Entrepreneur Challenge represents a significant step forward in fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship within the Portage la Prairie community,” added Moffat. “By bringing together various organizations dedicated to supporting local talent and business development, the challenge aims to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem,” added Moffat. 

About Prairie Project Studio: 

Prairie Project Studio (PPS) provides a dedicated space to foster innovation and create local business concepts in Portage la Prairie. It’s a space to turn an idea to prototype, a hobby into a startup, grow a small-scale manufacturing business, or explore innovation resources. Located at RRC Polytech’s Portage Campus and in partnership with Communities Building Youth Futures, the PPS offers office space and project studio or makerspace. The makerspace is furnished with a heavy-duty sewing machine, multiple 3D printers, Cricut machine and laser engraver. The space is perfect for prototyping, inventing and small-scale production. The office space is an affordable startup hub providing essential amenities for conducting business including computers, printers, dedicated hot desks, access to local expertise on business, accounting and legal assistance, as well as a collaborative atmosphere. 

Register today!

The University of Manitoba, Red River College and Global Affairs Canada are delighted to elevate Indigenous voices in international relations for this gathering. Indigenous leaders have a deep diplomatic history and strong global networks. Through this event, students will engage with Indigenous diplomats, politicians and community leaders. This will be a unique opportunity to make lasting connections and learn from leaders committed to strengthening Indigenous relations and diplomatic approaches that are rooted in rich Indigenous history, teachings and cultures.

Join us at the Manitoba Indigenous Diplomacy Forum on Friday, March 14, 2025, and engage with Indigenous leaders today – become a leader tomorrow!

This gathering is all about starting a conversation on Indigenous diplomacy, how leaders have shaped it and how students can be part of its future. It’s a chance to explore global opportunities, connect with Indigenous diplomats, and see how they are driving reconciliation and representation. Whether it’s learning about international relations or finding a path to a career in diplomacy, this is an open door for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. With a strong focus on Manitoba, we are building connections, creating opportunities, and making sure Indigenous voices are heard on the world stage.

The opening ceremonies will kick off at 10:30 AM, with a keynote address focusing on Indigenous Diplomacy – Past, Present, and Future. Following that, at 12:00 PM, there will be a networking lunch with Indigenous diplomats, leaders and politicians, and special guests. At 1:05 PM, the discussion will turn to The Role of Indigenous Youth in International Relations, highlighting the important contributions of young Indigenous voices. The first panel at 1:25 PM will explore Manitoba Indigenous Leadership in International Affairs, and the second panel at 2:50 PM will cover Global Affairs Canada – Indigenous Representation Abroad.

Register with Jessica Bloomfield, Senior Strategic Advisor, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development by email at jbloomfield@rrc.ca with Indigenous Diplomacy Forum – Student Registration as the subject line.

For more information, check out the event program.

The Indigenous Diplomacy Forum – Global Affairs Canada

Date: Friday, March 14, 2025

Time: 10:30am – 3:40 pm

Location: Manitoba Legislative Building

Five thousand dollars makes a big impact on any student. 

Last year, when Chelsea Smith attended RRC Polytech’s Open Doors event she was planning on learning more about the programs and seeing the campus. She didn’t know that by filling out a slip of paper she would end up being the winner of a $5,000 bursary giveaway.  

Now a student in the Health Information Management program at RRC Polytech, Chelsea says the bursary helped ease her financial burden, covering the cost of her second term tuition and all her books.  

Chelsea wasn’t even supposed to be at Open Doors that day. She was planning on taking a gap year after high school to figure out how she would pay for any future schooling and just happened to tag along with her brothers who were attending to learn about other programs. When they got there, they all put their names into the draw for the bursary. 

When she got the phone call that she was the winner of $5000 to support her education, she had already been accepted to her program and was wondering how they were going to cover her tuition. She was skeptical: “are you sure?”, she remembers asking. After the phone call ended, she immediately told her dad. They were both ecstatic. 

“I don’t usually have luck like this, so we were really excited,” said Chelsea. “Receiving the bursary has helped take away some of the stress of finding a part time job while in the program and has given me some time to figure out how to pay for the rest of it.” 

After completing the Health Information Management program, she would like to work at CancerCare Manitoba or become a Coding Technologist. But she is keeping her options open and considering any opportunities through the program that she really enjoys. Right now, though, Chelsea is in the practicum portion of her first year and is excited for what is to come in the rest of the program.  

“Attending Open Doors was my first time being on campus and I really enjoyed learning about all of the different programs and getting to tour the different areas,” she said. “Since becoming a student, I’ve loved my experience at the College. I’ve met so many amazing and diverse people and the instructors are very welcoming. You get to meet new people and explore new things. I’m very happy to be in this program.” 

The Open Doors bursary was created by the recruitment team dedicated to future students to help eliminate financial barriers to education and will be available at the 2025 Open Doors event. 

The 2025 Open Doors event is on February 19 at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses.

Interested learners are encouraged to attend to tour the campuses and learn about the more than 150 programs RRC Polytech has to offer. Anyone considering a program at RRC Polytech is encouraged to put their name into the draw to win $5000 towards a future program enrolment just like Chelsea did.  

With a new academic term comes many new students on our campuses. While some members of the College community may be familiar with the safety and security measures in place, for some, this will be new information. We appreciate everyone’s support as we work collaboratively to promote safer campuses for all. 

Accessing the Exchange District Campus (EDC) 

The College provides on-campus security 24/7, with regular patrolling across campus as well as additional security personnel at entrances to manage entry and control access at EDC. You will continue to see security personnel posted at campus entrances and be required to present your College ID card. Contractors and visitors must check in with security upon arrival. 

We are reviewing the current campus hours of operation – Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with swipe card access only after 8:00 p.m. – which may change to better support access control. Alongside reviewing campus hours, the College is also assessing other measures including expanding swipe card access at entrances. More information will be shared in future safety updates. 

Personal Belongings 

As a reminder for students and staff across all campuses – 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. 

Pop-Up Info Booth at EDC 

In partnership with the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS), there will be a pop-up info booth in the Atrium at the Roblin Centre throughout February. Stop by the booth and ask a WPS Officer any questions you may have, for example, about safety in downtown Winnipeg. 

More information about the pop-up info booth will be shared in Student and Staff News. 

Campus Alerting System 

The Campus Alerting System sends out important and time sensitive safety updates to staff and members’ College-issued phones. Students are encouraged to sign up to receive alerts and email notifications by joining the Campus Alerting Microsoft Teams Site. 

Ensuring the Campus Community Stays Informed 

RRC Polytech takes a proactive approach to enhancing our comprehensive safety strategy across campuses to support a safe, secure, and welcoming environment. 

Part of our commitment to prioritizing and promoting safety on campus is ensuring the College community is informed about changes in accessing campus, any new measures in place, and the safety supports and services available. We will continue to share monthly safety updates – or as needed – with students and staff. 

You can read all past safety updates, including the December Update on rrc.ca.  

Provide Your Feedback 

Thank you to all staff, students, and visitors for your understanding and cooperation as we adjust and enhance access to campus. While the Exchange District Campus has been our primary focus for recent updates, we continually assess and adjust safety and security measures across all campuses to meet the needs of our College community. 

We appreciate your ongoing support and feedback. For any concerns, questions or suggestions you may have, please reach out to Safety, Health and Security Services at safety@rrc.ca.