As a part of RRC Polytech’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing and promoting mental health and well-being, we recognize Bell Let’s Talk Day, a mental health campaign that focuses on destigmatizing, building awareness, acceptance, and action in mental health.  

Building on the strengths and successes of the Healthy Minds, Health College strategy, in 2022, RRC Polytech launched the Campus Well-Being area, which takes a holistic approach to wellness, aiming to provide opportunities for the whole campus community to connect through sport, recreation and wellness-based activities along with mental health education. 

RRC Polytech provides a vast range of well-being programming from sport and fitness, mental wellness, counselling services to recreation activities, and continues to expand resources to support students and staff members maintain good mental health. 

Leading up to Bell Let’s Talk Day 2024, RRC Polytech announced another key initiative to foster well-being on campus – the Peer Support program. The program is a student-helping-student initiative co-designed by students that expands our ability to provide critical well-being and mental health support across the College’s eight Manitoba campuses. 

Thanks to funding support from Bell Let’s Talk, Campus Well-Being in partnership with the RRC Polytech Students’ Association will steward the program, including providing training and resources for peer supporters.  

The Peer Support program is now available for students – learn more online at rrc.ca/well-being/mental-wellness/peer-support/ 

Today and every day, fostering good mental health is critical, as it’s shown to improve stress management skills, build positive relationships, achieve academic and/or professional success, and can even boost physical health.  

Students and staff can explore Campus Well-Being’s newly launched member portal to browse numerous activities to support wellness. Note that creating an account is required. 

Resources and Supports 

For emergency situations, call 9-8-8, Canada’s national helpline for suicide prevention and emotional distress, accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources available through the College and in the community.  

For Students 

• Student Counselling Services 

• Early Assist 

• Indigenous Student Supports 

• Student Accessibility Services 

For Staff 

• Staff Forum 

For All 

• Campus Well-Being 

• Community Resources 

• Crisis Resources 

Update at 11:55am:

Due to the changing weather and road conditions across the province including high winds, blowing snow, poor visibility and highway closures, RRC Polytech will close all Winnipeg Campuses at 4:00pm today in the interest of the safety of our College community.

All evening classes and rentals will be cancelled.

We encourage you to use this time to arrange for safe transportation home from campus.

If you live outside of the city or have safety concerns about travel, please work directly with your instructor or supervisor.

For those who need assistance or support, please visit the Security Services team who will remain onsite and available to assist staff and students:

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

Original Post:

There is a blizzard warning including snow and high winds that may impact on road conditions. Please click here for more information on highway closures and road conditions.

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

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

• Portage Campus is open however classes will move to online delivery.
• Stevenson Southport is open however classes will be re-scheduled.
• Stevenson Winnipeg is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Selkirk campus is closed and classes will move to online delivery.
• Peguis campus will be cancelled due to a power outage.
• Steinbach Campus is open however classes will move to online delivery
• Winkler Campus is closed and classes will move to online delivery.

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

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to weather conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Any updates to campus operations will be shared here.

Manitoba’s Polytechnic receives largest tri-council grant ever awarded to a College – over $24 million in federal Lab to Market funding

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) has been chosen to lead a national network of post-secondary institutions and collaborative partners to bring more academic research ideas to reality, support Indigenous business and drive economic growth.

As part of a national innovation strategy to increase entrepreneurship and research commercialization across Canada, RRC Polytech has been awarded $24.1 million in federal funding over five years through a Lab to Market grant – becoming one of four network leaders to share in a total investment of $95.3 million. 

Administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), this is the largest tri-council grant ever awarded to or led by a College in Canada. 

“For over 20 years, RRC Polytech has been solving industry problems and training tomorrow’s future leaders through applied research, and today we are honoured to continue to build on our strengths as a polytechnic and lead this collaborative nationwide network through the largest ever tri-council investment in a college,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Our shared goal is to find solutions for the challenges that all Canadians are facing. This network combines the unique abilities of researchers at colleges and universities and connects them directly with industry and community to accelerate innovation.”        

“Canada is home to world-class researchers, who generate ground-breaking technologies and innovations, and they need support to successfully commercialize their work,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry in the government news release. “Through these networks, researchers will receive the support they need to bring their innovations to market, benefiting communities from coast to coast to coast.” 

The College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization spans eight regional hubs from B.C. to Nova Scotia and brings together 38 post-secondary institutions, along with other collaborators – including RRC Polytech’s Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah, one of three Indigenous hubs.  

The support of Indigenous business growth is a foundational objective. Tailoring mentorship and resources to support Indigenous entrepreneurs while ensuring all research respects the principles of OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession) is a shared goal that differentiates this network from other proposals that were considered. 

Another unique element is including both colleges and universities as they traditionally take a different approach to research. The network is designed to maximize the strengths of all contributors. 

Canadian researchers continually make discoveries with extraordinary potential across all sectors of the economy and society, but additional guidance and support is required for their ideas to become the next great products and processes. The infrastructure and expertise in industry-facing applied research found at Canada’s colleges and polytechnic institutions is critical for translating university-led academic research into innovation for the market and community users.  

“This investment is a significant step in supporting Canadian researchers by giving them the tools, resources, and support they need to turn their ideas into real-world solutions,” said the Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sports and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, who was at the Notre Dame Campus to make the announcement. “By connecting academic research with industry, we are helping to create new opportunities for innovation and economic growth across Canada.” 

The network will provide researchers with what they need to transfer scientific, social, and service innovation to market or to community users.   This support includes the sharing of best practices; digital resources to enhance awareness and knowledge of commercialization processes; mentorship and business coaching; financial assistance; and access to an established Canada wide network of Technology Access Centres. 

RRC Polytech’s strong reputation for collaboration, commitments to deepening partnerships and Truth and Reconciliation and central location made it a natural fit to lead the network – another first, considering its size and scope.    

“The college, university, community, and industry partners in this initiative are the links in a chain of innovation and entrepreneurialism,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director, Research Partnerships and Innovation, RRC Polytech.  “By working together to ramp up productivity through the commercialization of Canadian research and IP, we’ll enhance our global competitiveness and positively affect all aspects of life for Canadians – economic, social or environmental.” 

The Lab to Market initiative provides stable, long-term funding for all disciplines within the natural sciences, engineering, the social sciences, the humanities, and health. RRC Polytech will immediately begin building capacity to lead its network of participants dedicated to fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that accelerates the economic and societal impact of Canadian research. 

“Lab to Market grants bridge the gap between research ideas and their translation into economic and social innovation,” said Professor Alejandro Adem, FRSC, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. “I can’t wait to see the results that will emerge from this new initiative!”

Co-applicant institutions:

British Columbia Institute of Technology, Cégep de Sherbrooke, Cégep de Thetford, College of the North Atlantic, Humber Polytechnic, Lethbridge College, Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology, MacEwan University, Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology, Mount Saint Vincent University, New Brunswick Community College, NorQuest College, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Northwestern Polytechnic, Nova Scotia Community College, Olds College, Red Deer Polytechnic, Saint Mary’s University, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Selkirk College, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, University College of the North, University of Alberta, University of Lethbridge, University of Manitoba, University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, United College – University of Waterloo, Western University, Yukon University 

Collaborating partners:  

MTA, NorthForge, Mitacs, Polytechnics Canada, Tech Access Canada, C2R2, Applied Pharmaceuticals Innovation, Edmonton Regional Innovation Network, CARIN, Calgary Innovation Coalition, Innovation Saskatchewan, Cultivator powered by Conexus, Synchronex, Axelys, Springboard Atlantic, Atlantic Colleges Atlantique

Forty-three students in two of Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Pathway programs – Pathway to Information Technology and Pathway to Engineering – are starting their second term strong thanks to free technology from Lenovo.

“The financial cost of accessing technology like laptops can pose a barrier and make it difficult for some students entering a post-secondary program,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Lenovo is eliminating that barrier by ensuring students have their own technology they can use in and out of the classroom. This gift is already boosting each student’s confidence in their abilities, enabling them to pursue their chosen paths with the assurance that they are prepared to excel in both their future education and the workplace after graduation.”

As the winter term begins, Warren Beleyowski, Account Executive from Lenovo is joining 11 students from the Pathway to Engineering Technology programs for a visual demonstration of how they are integrating Indigenous perspectives into the field of engineering, providing them with a more sustainable approach to the industry. Photo opportunities and interviews with RRC Polytech students and faculty, and Warren Beleyowski, are available.

When: 12:30-1:00 p.m., January 14, 2025

Where: Indigenous Student Support Centre, Second floor of F Building, RRC Polytech, Notre Dame Campus (1055 Notre Dame Avenue)

The Lenovo Thinkpad X13 Gen 4 laptops were given to the students at the beginning of the Fall 2024 term, and students will be able to keep them even after their programs come to an end this spring. The College’s Pathway programs are designed to equip Indigenous Manitobans with the support and skills needed to confidently transition into specific RRC Polytech programs.

Students like Kayleen Balfour rely on technology to succeed in the programs – though in-person labs are a critical component of their studies, so are online assignments and reading materials.

“Having this laptop has been a blessing. It really helps me separate school from my personal things, letting me better concentrate on my studies without distractions,” said Kayleen, a student in the Pathway to Engineering program. “I know the laptops are also making a big difference for other students who didn’t have access to a computer at the beginning of the course too.”

This is the second time that Lenovo has provided laptops to students. In 2023 another cohort of Pathway to Information Technology students received laptops for their studies.

“Lenovo is proud to help support the future leaders of tomorrow,” said Beleyowski. “By providing students with the technology they need to complete their programs, we strive to bridge access gaps and help them on their path to success.”

Throughout the month of January, RRC Polytech is waiving the registration fee for First Nations (Status and non-Status), Métis and Inuit learners to any RRC Polytech program. Waiving application fees during this period is part of RRC Polytech’s ongoing strategy to increase Indigenous enrolment and reduce barriers to education. With over 150 programs to choose from, including seven Pathways and introductory programs through the School of Indigenous Education, qualified learners can find the perfect program to fit their needs and provide the credential needed to start a career. 

Free application initiative to directly address financial barriers, aimed at increasing Indigenous enrolment and success.

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – For the month of January, RRC Polytech is waiving application and seat deposit fees for First Nations (Status and non-Status), Métis and Inuit learners to any RRC Polytech program as part of its active commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and identifying and eliminating barriers that may affect Indigenous learners’ access to post-secondary education. 

This is the second year RRC Polytech has offered the initiative, building on the success of last year where the removal of this financial barrier led to over 500 applicants applying for programs at no cost during the month-long promotion period. As part of the College’s continued work to understand the needs of Indigenous learners and contribute to their success, removing this initial upfront cost of $119 fee along the seat deposit fee of $400 for applicants that receive offers, helps ensure students can be admitted to programs and leverage the supports and services available to them sooner. 

“We continue to build a foundation for change in identifying what barriers prospective students may face through research and conversations with communities and leaders, such as institutional barriers like access to funding, childcare, transportation, and relocation; and social barriers like culture shock, loneliness and isolation from leaving community, and the effects of intergenerational trauma on mental and emotional wellbeing,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business development.  

“Removing the application fee and the seat deposit is just one answer we’re exploring. Understanding barriers is one thing, knowing which ones have a bigger impact than the others and acting to address them is another.” 

Over the past year, RRC Polytech has taken on a first-of-its-kind initiative called Overcoming Barriers for Indigenous Students in Post-Secondary Education in partnership with Birchbark Collaborative and SecondMuse to understand the needs of Indigenous learners and how to contribute to their success.

Financial concerns were a common theme among the identified root factors that affect Indigenous students’ abilities to engage meaningfully with their educations. RRC Polytech reviewed the information gathered and where changes could be made, and reducing the financial requirements to participate in the process of applying was identified as a potential solution to a number of factors. 

Marshall Richard, Indigenous Student Recruiter at RRC Polytech, travels Manitoba as part of Choices for Indigenous Post-Secondary Education (CIPEM) with other post-secondary institutions to inform Indigenous students of programs and supports tailored for their success.  

“Waiving the initial $119 application fee can be a game-changer for high school students, single parents, or career changers who might hesitate to apply for a program. Once enrolled at RRC Polytech, students gain access to crucial support services that focus on their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing, all aimed at helping them succeed. It’s all about taking that first step, and removing the fee can make that step more accessible, opening the door to a brighter future,” said Richard. 

With over 150 programs to choose from, including seven Pathways and introductory programs through the School of Indigenous Education, qualified learners can find the perfect program to fit their needs and provide the credential needed to start a career.  

Indigenous learners also have access to the Indigenous Admissions Advisor, who provides support and guidance, and can help learners explore programs of interest, review requirements to qualify for admission, navigate application processes with respect to registration and required documents, and connect with other Indigenous student support team members. 

Learners are invited to create an RRC Polytech account and apply through our self-serve portal on our website or visit one of our Student Service Centres, located at D101 – 2055 Notre Dame Ave. and P104 – 160 Princess St. 

More information is available at rrc.ca/free. 

Today, the Province of Manitoba announced a $17 million investment in the province’s aerospace sector through Magellan Aerospace, including support for Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech).

The funds – an $8-million grant and a $9-million loan – will establish a state-of-the-art machining centre, support ongoing collaboration with RRC Polytech, and establish a new test environment that will support new space product development. Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses noted that the investment will create 64 new highly skilled jobs for Manitobans and will also benefit 150 students per year through integrated learning opportunities.

“RRC Polytech is here to help industry partners, like Magellan Aerospace, grow Manitoba’s aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Today’s announcement reinforces Magellan’s commitment to working with us toward these goals and supporting our learners’ success. Together, we’ll immerse our students in experiences – in the classroom, in applied research, in the workplace – that ensure they’re career ready. Through this investment we’ll introduce them to emerging technologies and provide Magellan and others with highly skilled graduates.” 

Learn more through about the impact this investment will have through the media release posted to the Government of Manitoba’s website.

On behalf of the College community, we send our condolences and deepest sympathies to Bonnie Buhler and all the family, friends and loved ones of John Buhler, who passed away on Saturday, December 21.

An entrepreneur and leader in the agriculture sector, John turned his business success into a chance to be an active and generous philanthropist. He supported post-secondary education and institutions – including RRC Polytech – and countless other community staples such as the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Siloam Mission, St. Boniface Hospital and Health Sciences Centre.

John received many honours in recognition of his endeavors, including the Order of Canada, Manitoba Entrepreneur of the Year, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, the Humanitarian of the Year award by Variety, and was recognized by the Manitoba Business Hall of Fame. In 2009, John received an honorary diploma from RRC Polytech in recognition of his support for academic success and his involvement in the community.

His support for the construction of RRC Polytech’s Exchange District Campus opened more academic possibilities and learning opportunities for students and set the foundation for what the campus has grown to be today. John’s gift is recognized at RRC Polytech through the Buhler Learning Commons and the John and Bonnie Buhler Library located within the campus he helped create.

John Buhler’s legacy continues in all the places and people he impacted.

RRC Polytech will be lowering its flags today, December 23, in honour of John’s passing.

The following story contains content about mental health illness, including suicide and discusses the death of a close family member, which may evoke strong emotions. It is recommended you read the story when you feel safe and supported. Resources are available for Mental Health Services in Manitoba (9-8-8 Suicide Hotline).

Our minds can be both our greatest challenge and our greatest source of light; they can pull us into darkness, leaving us searching for a way out.

And in those moments, we often wonder: is the fight for the search of light worth it?

The portrait Jocelyne Hebert shot, now representing Team Canada in the World Photographic Cup (WPC) this year, conveys the same message.

As a portrait photography instructor at RRC Polytech, Jocelyne has been inspiring her own students on their artistic journeys for years now. But this time her students were the ones who inspired the portrait and the message behind it.

“Over the years I have observed how some students struggled with mental health which opened my eyes to how deeply rooted this issue can be among the youth,” said Hebert. “But the brighter part of my journey toward achieving this goal was my students’ unwavering support and their ability to challenge me that truly motivated me toward success.”

The girl in the portrait is none other than Hebert’s 18-year-old daughter, symbolizing the youth of this generation.

Jocelyne has entered this competition a few times before but would usually make it past the first or second round of the three required to join Team Canada.

This time, when Hebert received emails confirming she passed the first two rounds, she couldn’t help but wonder if it would just be a repetition of her past attempts. But, on October 30, her doubts turned into tears of joy as she opened a third email stating her portrait has been chosen to represent Team Canada in the portrait/natural category—the only Manitoban on the team.

“It’s no surprise that she’s representing Canada––she’s worked incredibly hard and truly deserves this recognition,” said Joanne Struch, Acting Chair, Digital and Creative Industries at RRC Polytech. “Recognition like this not only showcases the exceptional talent of our instructors but also inspires our students and supports their own journeys.”

Struch noted this recognition is not only a significant achievement for Jocelyne but also for the College, as it highlights the value of having an instructor who, as an accomplished practitioner, can show her students the possibility for their future.

Surprisingly, the portrait wasn’t shot at a lake or a pond but at Hebert’s backyard in an inflatable swimming pool with leaves surrounding her daughter.

Hebert showed the BTS shot of the portrait to her students who said the video puts a lot more meaning to the portrait and the story behind it.

“Mental health is a great topic to shine light on and through her portrait it feels more powerful,” said Keiji Hunter, one of Hebert’s students. “It is like the Olympics of photography, and we feel lucky to have her as our mentor… she shoots more than all of us combined inspiring us with her burning passion for photography– a passion that makes her truly deserving of this recognition.”

Graham Burns and Faye Dia, another two of Hebert’s students, said every student’s relationship with her is more of a friendship than that of a teacher-student dynamic.

Beside her students, Hebert also drew inspiration from her brother-in-law, who tragically lost his life to suicide. She, along with her family members, remember him as a warm, cheerful person, making his sudden death even more impactful. The loss brought the importance of mental health into sharp focus for her.

Hebert was disappointed the same portrait – carrying a powerful message about mental health – was not received well when she entered Professional Photographer of Canada (PPOC) competition in February 2024. Though she remains grateful as it did score an excellence award at such a prestigious competition.

“A lot of times, we as a society miss the message,” Hebert reflected.

After consulting with friends, family, colleagues, students, and fellow photographers, she decided to take a bolder step by entering the WPC again.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are — always keep the fire alive,” said Hebert. “I’m proud and overwhelmed, but I did this for me, not for anyone else.”

Grateful for the support and recognition she’s received, Hebert believes it’s always worth fighting for the light, as the journey becomes the most meaningful part of reaching the destination.

Though it’s still uncertain whether her portrait will reach the finals, this achievement is already a significant milestone in Jocelyne’s career and for RRC Polytech.

Congratulations Jocelyne!

Learn more about her journey.

A reminder If you need someone to talk to about your challenges or anything in general, support and help for students is available through Campus Well-Being. Staff have access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program through Homewood Health. Your well-being is important to us, so please take a good care of yourselves and those around you.

Due to the most recent weather, road conditions, and K-12 school closures, the Winkler Campus will be closed today, December 19, 2024 and will move to online delivery.

Yesterday’s snowstorm is having and impact on road conditions. Please click here for more information on highway closures and road conditions.

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

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

• Portage Campus is open.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses will be open with classes continuing in-person as scheduled.
• Selkirk campus is closed with online delivery online today.
• Peguis campus is open with classes continuing in-person as scheduled.
• Steinbach Campus is closed with online delivery.
• Winkler Campus is open.

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

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to weather conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Any updates to campus operations will be shared here.