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RRC Polytech gains XP: Epic partnership helps Game Development students level up

April 22, 2026

A student looks at a computer screen with an animation on it.

Things are getting unreal at RRC Polytech. 

Students in the Game Development – Programming and Game Development – Art programs can now add an epic badge of honour to their credentials, as the program has officially been recognized as an Epic Games Unreal Academic Partner. 

Epic Games is one of the largest game and technology developers on the planet – even non-gamers are likely familiar with their output, which includes the global phenomenon Fortnite and the high-octane Rocket League. Beyond their own games, Epic’s technology powers massive hits across the video games industry. 

While RRC Polytech students have a long history of mastering their craft within Unreal Engine, the program’s quality is further validated by Epic Games. Through a formal review process, Epic recognizes institutions that meet their high curricular standards by awarding them the Unreal Academic Partner badge. 

The badge confirms that the program is genuinely recognized as a valid and proven Education & Training Partner for Unreal Engine. Meaning? Achievement unlocked for students at RRC Polytech.   

Unreal Engine is not exclusive to game development – it’s used across a range of creative industries, like film and television, animation, architecture, automotive, and fashion design – so students receive training that sets the stage for a well-rounded career. 

For more information about Game Development, please click here. 

Nursing students complete Simulation Centre scenario focused on distrust and racism in the healthcare system

April 21, 2026

New scenario trial highlights the realities the impact of racism has on patients and provides nursing students the opportunity to cultivate professional, compassionate responses to racialized patients.

Experience has a huge impact on learning. That’s why students in the Bachelor of Nursing program walk through different scenarios at RRC Polytech’s Simulation Centre to cultivate both their practical medical skills and their interpersonal communication skills.

In Community Health, a course taken in the final term of Nursing education before going on to practicum and clinical rotations, students put their medical knowledge and patient communication skills to work in a high-stress scenario that challenges them to bridge a gap created by distrust in the healthcare system and institutional racism.

“We all have assumptions and biases – how our families raised us, what we see in the world, what people say to us, what we see in the media – and it’s up to us to question that. Am I thinking logically? Where’s the evidence? What does proof look like? Are these assumptions valid or something that was ingrained in me by someone else?” says Brikena Dibra, one of the RRC Polytech instructors who designs scenarios to help students train in a safe environment.

Dibra was an Indigenous nursing officer for northern Manitoba communities before she became an instructor at RRC Polytech. She brings the lived experience, knowledge and education needed to inform the content Nursing students are learning in the classroom and applying in the simulated scenarios. She says that while it’s important to understand the past and how our histories have created the kinds of structural environments that cultivate racism, it’s just as important for students to know what to do in the moment when presented with these situations.

Scenarios like this one confront students with difficult questions that will be answered during their careers.  With the theory and preparation, documented definitions, and knowledge of history and institutional designs – the question of, “Do students recognize racism?” becomes: Are they going to be advocates? Are they going to use this knowledge to build trust with the people to whom they’re providing services? Are they going to say something when they witness other healthcare professionals engaging in racist behaviour?”

Scenario actors Diane Ammeter and Wade Parke.

“You have to be brave,” says Diane Ammeter, another RRC Polytech instructor and scenario designer. “That’s the only way we create change. We want more nurses being those advocates against racism – but first, they have to recognize it and know what they’re going to do about it.”

Terri-Lynn Anderson, Chair, Continuing Education and Micro-credentials, was consulted during her time as Truth and Reconciliation Coordinator with the questions for the simulation. She helped shape the simulation to nurture the learning outcomes and ensure the students’ psychological safety while providing input to make the actors’ scripts realistic.

“The students must feel a little discomfort, but we found that the discomfort was a bit too much – discomfort can help create behavioral changes in the way that nurses conduct their work, but that discomfort cannot impede the students’ ability to learn and take away actual learning,” says Ammeter.

“The discomfort here is what they’ll experience in their careers in real life situations, but it can be helpful to be able to experience it first in a controlled environment where they can ask questions, apply different strategies, and learn what might be the best approach for a high-stress situation – these simulated environments also mean that the way the students respond don’t have high stakes like they might in life-or-death situations.”

Dibra and Ammeter acknowledge that cultural competence and safety don’t happen overnight and not everyone will always know what to do or say in all situations. With this simulation, students experience the biases seen every day in healthcare environments firsthand. A debrief following the simulation provides students with a safe space to share their thoughts and reactions with guiding questions to help students understand their responses during a high-stress situation.

Dibra and Ammeter said that when they trialed the scenario, they got fantastic feedback from participants. Students were amazed – they’d never experienced that kind of discomfort in a professional environment and said that all students should do the simulations.

In class, students work through case studies that are both real-life examples and fictional situations (to protect client information).

Dibra says understanding real case studies are exactly why dismantling racism is critical – and it starts during the education and training stage.

The pair of instructors are planning to design future simulations that take racism into account and encourage students to question what they think they know – to deconstruct their assumptions, adapt to stressful situations, and deliver the best possible outcome for their future patients.

To learn more about the Simulation Centre, visit the page on our website.

Please note: the specific details of the scenario are kept confidential so students can enter the trial without prior influence on decisions they make in the simulated environment.

RRC Polytech celebrates Sikh Culture with annual Turban Celebration Day

April 13, 2026

A person sits in a chair, while another person wraps a pink turban on their head,

This week, the halls at RRC Polytech’s Winnipeg campuses will be filled with music, laughter and colourful swaths of fabric, as a much-loved annual tradition returns to brighten the campus community. Turban Celebration Day, hosted by the Polytech and the RRC Polytech Students’ Association (RRCSA), invites staff and students to celebrate and learn about Sikh culture by donning a turban, wrapped by volunteers from RRC Polytech’s Sikh community. 

“RRC Polytech is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone in our community, and Turban Celebration Day is a fun and meaningful way to reflect the learning, connection, and appreciation that grows when people share their cultures and traditions,” said Dusty Ritchie, Executive Director, Student Services and Global Partnerships, RRC Polytech. 

The Polytech first observed Turban Celebration Day, previously known as Turban Pride Day, in 2014, when business administration student Sukhjot Singh – who is now a member of RRC Polytech staff – launched the event to create a safe and open space for those who might have questions about the turban but felt hesitant to ask. 

The turban holds deep meaning for many Sikh Canadians, symbolizing individual sovereignty, self-respect, courage, and equality. These core values align with RRC Polytech’s commitment to embedding equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of operation. 

During the event, all attendees can experience being wrapped in a turban and engage in meaningful conversations with Sikh staff and students. 

“Turban Celebration Day is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate identity, educate others, and promote inclusivity within our community. For Sikhs, the turban is not just an article of faith but a symbol of equality, dignity, and commitment to serving others. It is closely connected to the values of the Khalsa- a collective established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji that represents courage, unity, and standing up for justice,” said Japsharan Kaur, Vice President Academic for the RRC Polytech Students’ Association.

“Through this event, we create space for dialogue, learning, and mutual respect and encourage everyone to participate, ask questions, and embrace the chance to better understand Sikh traditions. Events like Turban Celebration remind us that diversity strengthens our campus and brings us closer together.” 

Turban Celebration Day coincides with Sikh Heritage Month, observed every April. In 2023, Manitoba became the first province in Canada to officially recognize Turban Day, which takes place annually on April 13.


Event Details: 

Notre Dame Campus – 2055 Notre Dame Avenue
Monday, April 13 
12:30–2:30 PM  
Library Hallway 
  
Exchange District Campus – 160 Princess Street
Thursday, April 16  
12:30–2:30 PM  
Atrium 

RRC Polytech brings the Energy… Code Courses!  

April 8, 2026

New online courses support Manitoba’s transition to higher energy performance tiers

Two people in personal protective equipment stand outdoors and consult a clipboard.

RRC Polytech is set to support professionals across the building design, construction, and code compliance sectors take their practice to the next level – while fostering a greener future for all. 

The Polytech’s Corporate Solutions department has partnered with the Province of Manitoba to provide online Energy Code courses, fully funded through the Government of Canada’s Codes Acceleration Fund (CAF). There are currently seven courses available, with more to come in the future. 

The free courses provide practical, industry-focused training to help professionals interpret, apply and comply with evolving energy code requirements. 

“Energy performance requirements continue to evolve, and industry needs training that supports consistent interpretation and application of energy codes,” said Emmanuel Abba, Manager of Business Development at RRC Polytech. “These courses are designed to support the adoption of higher‑performance building and energy codes, strengthen compliance, and help build market readiness across Manitoba as requirements continue to advance.” 

This training is designed for individuals and organizations involved in building design, construction, and code compliance, including: 

  • Architects, engineers, and geoscientists 
  • Technologists and technicians 
  • Building officials and municipal governments 
  • Trades and apprentices 
  • First Nations governments 
  • Educators, trainers, and industry associations 

The courses are delivered fully online, and take three to 32 hours to complete, depending on the course. They and are geared towards both new professionals and experienced practitioners. 

The initiative aims to train more than 4,000 participants across Manitoba over two years. 

For more information or to register, please click here. 

Regional Campus Closures – April 8, 2026

April 8, 2026

Due to snow conditions across the province, RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows: 

  • Interlake Campus (Selkirk) will be closed, and classes will be moved online
  • Peguis classes will be cancelled.
  • Steinbach 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 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 partners with QDoc on Manitoba’s first Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) clinic 

April 1, 2026

RRC Polytech will host Manitoba’s first Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Clinic at its Notre Dame Campus starting in spring 2026. Delivered in partnership with QDoc, the clinic will focus on early detection of AAAs, which often have no symptoms until they become life-threatening. 

“Everything we do with QDoc leads to something bigger and better for either RRC Polytech or the community,” says Jodi Pluchinski, Director of Safety, Health and Security Services at RRC Polytech.   “For us, saying yes was an easy decision. It’s about being a really good community partner and providing that service for people.” 

Dr. Taft Micks, Chief Medical Officer at QDoc, worked with Dr. Alexei Berdnikov, one of QDoc’s providers and a fellow family and emergency physician, to develop the clinic’s concept. He says point-of-care ultrasound has been used in emergency departments for over a decade to check for AAAs when patients come in with severe abdominal or back pain, which can be symptoms of a ruptured AAA. 

“You often don’t feel an AAA until it’s too late,” says Dr. Micks. “These things expand and expand, and eventually at some point it ruptures and that can be quite fatal. So, Dr. Berdnikov and I thought, well, why don’t we do even better than that and catch them before they even develop those symptoms?”

AAAs primarily affect men over 65, especially those with a smoking history. The risk is also higher for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of aneurysms. The Canadian Task Force for Preventive Health Care estimates that 20,000 Canadians are diagnosed with an AAA each year and that 1,244 die from an AAA. 

As the clinic has come together, Dr. Micks says he’s been hearing from more people who have lost a family member to this condition, underscoring the need for screening. 

“RRC Polytech is a partner for innovation here because what we are implementing is very novel,” says Dr. Micks. 

RRC Polytech’s role in the partnership is supplying the space for the clinic to operate. The clinic will run by appointment only. Patients can self-refer by calling 1-888-SCN-0AAA (726-0222) or be referred to the AAA Clinic by their family doctor or nurse practitioner. They can also complete a virtual intake through QDoc to review their medical history and determine eligibility. 

Eligible patients will be able to book an in-person appointment at RRC Polytech, where a physician will discuss risk-factor modifications and perform a physical exam including point-of-care ultrasound to directly visualize their abdominal aorta. Results will be available immediately, with follow-up recommendations provided as needed. 

Since 2022, RRC Polytech’s partnership with QDoc has grown through the launch of the Penicillin Allergy Clinic and student involvement in the development of its virtual care platform through the ACE Project Space

As QDoc expanded, it hired graduates from RRC Polytech’s Information Technology and Business Administration programs, creating career paths that students might not have known existed. RRC Polytech also offers programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography, where students can train to perform this type of imaging. 

“Each new project has strengthened the partnership and created more opportunities for our graduates.” says Pluchinski. “We didn’t expect the Penicillin Allergy Clinic to become something we do regularly, but it has, and this will be the same.”  

TECHNATION Launches New ADaPT Program to Support Indigenous and Young Adults in Manitoba

March 30, 2026

For immediate release:

Toronto, Ontario and 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 – Today, TECHNATION announced the launch of ADaPT for Indigenous and Young Adults in Manitoba, a new workforce development initiative designed to equip early‑career talent with the digital and professional skills that Manitoba employers need most. The initiative blends proven training with community-led approaches to ensure it reflects regional labour market needs and the lived experiences of Indigenous and young adult learners.

Delivered by RRC Polytech in partnership with the Diversity Institute and TECHNATION, this Manitoba-tailored program builds on the nationally recognized ADaPT (Advanced Digital and Professional Training) model developed by the Diversity Institute in 2014. ADaPT is supported by the Future Skills Centre and funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program.

“RRC Polytech is committed to building relationships that help to remove barriers for all Indigenous learners,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech. “By equipping youth in rural and remote locations with the tools, confidence, and practical experience to pursue meaningful work, this transformative program opens a pathway to continuous growth and opportunity.”

ADaPT for Indigenous and Young Adults in Manitoba is a no-cost, accessible program, intentionally designed to remove barriers to participation. Modeled on ADaPT’s proven curriculum, this specialized program incorporates culturally relevant and trauma‑informed approaches and integrates Indigenous knowledge while providing wraparound supports such as coaching, resume reviews, and interview preparation.

Delivered entirely virtually, the program ensures learners from rural, remote, and northern communities can participate fully and equitably. Participants receive targeted training in high‑demand skills including AI and data analysis, cybersecurity, digital marketing, business strategy, project management, financial literacy, and professional readiness — skills that directly align with Manitoba’s evolving tech and innovation economy.

Starting this spring, ADaPT gives Manitoba employers a low-risk, high-value way to access emerging talent. Participating employers benefit from pre-screened, job-ready candidates; wage subsidies covering 50% of wages (up to $5,000); 8-12 week paid placements with support for candidate matching and onboarding; and access to TECHNATION’s Career Ready employer training tools.

The foundational ADaPT program has supported thousands of post-secondary graduates across Canada, with 8 out of 10 participants identifying as belonging to Indigenous or equity‑deserving groups. Hundreds of employers have also recruited ADaPT participants nationally, benefiting from reliable, low‑risk access to early‑career talent.

“This expansion of ADaPT reflects TECHNATION’s commitment to strengthening Canada’s talent pool in partnership with regional leaders,” said Kevin d’Entremont, President and CEO, TECHNATION. “Manitoba’s employers need skilled talent to compete in an increasingly digital economy, and this program delivers a proven, industry‑aligned training model that expands access to opportunity while ensuring organizations can tap into a diverse, prepared and future‑focused workforce.”

Wendy Cukier, TMU professor of entrepreneurship and innovation, founder of the Diversity Institute who developed ADaPT in 2014 agrees with d’Entremont.

“ADaPT was designed to address a persistent challenge in Canada’s economy: employers need digital talent, but too much potential is overlooked. Our research shows that programs like ADaPT achieve employment outcomes above 90% while engaging a high proportion of participants from equity-deserving groups. At the same time, labour shortages and rapid digital transformation are affecting every sector. Expanding access to inclusive talent is not only essential to filling these gaps—it is a key driver of innovation. This new Indigenous-focused program builds on tailored ADaPT initiatives for Black youth, newcomers in British Columbia, and veterans, demonstrating how customized, community-informed approaches can unlock talent and strengthen Canada’s workforce.”

“The Future Skills Centre is investing in the systems that equip workers with the skills for today while building a workforce ready for whatever comes next,” said Noel Baldwin, Executive Director, Future Skills Centre. “By scaling what works and turning research into action without delay, models like ADaPT are opening doors to high-demand technical and digital roles for young learners and expanding access to Indigenous-led training, ensuring pathways to success are accessible to everyone.”

Applications for the first cohort of ADaPT for Indigenous and Young Adults in Manitoba are now open. Learn more and apply today.

About TECHNATION
TECHNATION is Canada’s authoritative technology industry association, representing the full spectrum of Canada’s tech ecosystem, from agile innovators to domestic and global tech companies. Trusted by both industry and government, TECHNATION is the neutral connector, convener and catalyst powering a digital future and positioning Canada as a global tech leader. Together with our members, we shape tech policy and insights, deliver forums to drive public-private collaboration, foster inclusive workforce development, and support global expansion.

About RRC Polytech
Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is Manitoba’s only Polytechnic and largest institute of applied learning and research, with over 150 full- and part-time degree, diploma and certificate options. Through hands-on learning opportunities and state-of-the-art instruction, we prepare more than 22,000 students annually to become leaders in their fields – while also ensuring they can meet changing industry demands and contribute to the province’s economic growth.

About Future Skills Centre
The Future Skills Centre (FSC) is a forward-thinking centre for research and collaboration dedicated to driving innovation in skills development so that everyone in Canada can be prepared for the future of work. We partner with policymakers, researchers, practitioners, employers and labour, and post-secondary institutions to solve pressing labour market challenges and ensure that everyone can benefit from relevant lifelong learning opportunities. We are founded by a consortium whose members are Toronto Metropolitan University, Blueprint, and Signal49 Research, and are funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program.

About Diversity Institute
The Diversity Institute (DI) leads action-oriented research and coordinates innovative programs to strengthen Canada’s competitiveness, sustainability and self-sufficiency. By tracking technological, economic, demographic and geopolitical trends, DI anticipates changes in employment and the implications for the policies, programs and processes.

DI’s evidence-based approach advances knowledge of the complex barriers faced by Indigenous Peoples and other equity-deserving groups, leading to practical solutions that effect change and advance a strong, inclusive Canadian economy.

DI is part of a consortium with Toronto Metropolitan UniversityConference Board of Canada and Blueprint, which created the Government of Canada-funded Future Skills Centre (FSC). It also leads large national projects including the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), the Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network (IIE-NET)DiversityLeads and the Advanced Digital and Professional Training (ADaPT) program.

For more information:
Justine Kintanar
Executive Director, Communications and Marketing, TECHNATION
jkintanar@technationcanada.ca

Making a Case for Marketing Success: the inaugural RRC Polytech/University of Winnipeg Marketing Case Competition

March 30, 2026

The inaugural RRC Polytech–University of Winnipeg (UWinnipeg) Marketing Case Competition, held earlier this month at RRC Polytech’s Exchange District Campus, was an outstanding showcase – providing the opportunity for aspiring marketers to develop innovative, real‑world solutions for local businesses.

Eight teams – six representing RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame, Exchange District and Steinbach campuses and two from UWinnipeg – competed to prepare a case for local Winnipeg enterprise Peg City Car Co-Op.

Teams had three hours to review the case, identify the primary case problem, develop at least three viable alternative solutions, along with recommendations and conclusions, and prepare a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation to present to the judges.

The First-Place team, from RRC Polytech, took home $1,000, with each member also receiving a Bluetooth speaker, courtesy of Praxar online simulations, a Quebec-based company that produces online business education simulations used in the RRC Polytech Marketing Foundations course (video game simulation) and the RRC Polytech Business Strategy course (kayak production simulation).

Team Winnie from UWinning came in second, with another RRC Polytech team, TriLogix Marketing Alliance, taking third.

Four people hold certificates and smile at the camera.
The members of the winning team, called the Campaign Commanders: Julia Armstrong; Ana Shuraja; Kaylee Hrechkosy; and Jonathan Olsen.

Three people hold certificates and smile at the camera.
Shivansh Arora; Ayesha Ali Rana; and Het Gundrania from Team Winnie.

Two people hold certificates and smile at the camera.
Team members were Raymond Watson; Maricris Monzon; and Diana Castillo (Diana Castillo not pictured).

A series of three online case development workshops were held prior to the event, where participating teams could learn from RRC Polytech instructors and earn practical advice to help with this competition and in their future careers.

Thank you to judges Joelle Foster, CEO of North Forge; Dr. Wendy Yan, Marketing PhD and Business Development Manager of FuturPreneur; and Taras Wasyliw, Chair, Business Administration & Hospitality Business Management at RRC Polytech.

Safety, Health and Security Update – Spring 2026

March 18, 2026

As the winter term winds up and the weather gets warmer, it’s important to remain vigilant and proactive regarding safety, health, and security across all campuses. By staying informed and following outlined protocols, everyone can contribute to creating a safer environment for our community.

Exchange District Campus Hours and Access

  • 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

At the Exchange District Campus (EDC), the requirement for students, staff and faculty to scan their valid RRC Polytech-issued ID card upon arrival will remain in place. This process is an extra layer of security to verify individuals are permitted to be on campus. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue to proactively enhance security measures to best support everyone on campus.

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

Notre Dame Campus Hours and Access

  • Monday to Friday – 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and 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.

Work Placements

Ensuring student safety during work placements is a shared responsibility and should be treated the same as when staff and students are on campus. Students should share any safety concerns they encounter while on placement, and instructors or coordinators should regularly check in with students to discuss their experiences and address any issues that arise.

New Health Centre at EDC

A reminder that the Health Centre at EDC is now open! Students, staff and faculty can drop in; no appointment is needed. We encourage folks to stop by the Health Centre at the Roblin Centre to say hello and meet our staff members.

  • Location: W103 (First floor, William Building)
  • Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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.

Access to Menstrual Products

Recently the Government of Manitoba announced the requirement for all workplaces to provide menstrual products free of charge for employees. RRC Polytech has provided access to menstrual products across its campuses since May 2024. A reminder that pads and tampons are available for students, staff, and faculty in all washrooms on campus, plus at our Health Centres and the RRC Polytech Students’ Association Offices.

Access to menstrual products free of charge supports removing known barriers, fostering inclusion and dignity, and helping reinforce that menstruation is a normal bodily function that should not impeded education or employment.

Infrastructure Updates

Both EDC and NDC have had safety infrastructure updates over the last several months. At NDC, with the recent CCTV update there are now over 500 cameras installed and operational on campus.

The Security Help Phones are currently being updated to a new camera intercom with video system. A reminder that these phones at EDC and NDC put you in direct contact with Security personnel for any questions or concerns you may have. You can also use the phones to request a Safe Walk or Ride!

Safety Inspections

In collaboration with staff, faculty and program areas, Safety and Health Officers are completing inspections across RRC Polytech – with a focus on high-risk areas – to confirm compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring a safe learning and working environment for all. Thank you for your cooperation as we proactively undertake these inspections.

Active Aggressor Training

Updated Active Aggressor information and training sessions for staff and faculty are being planned for this spring and summer. The new training will still be one-hour long but include more scenario-based components. Stay tuned to Staff News for more details.

Share Your Feedback

Your feedback matters and helps us proactively enhance safety, health and security measures and initiatives on campus. If you have questions or feedback, please reach out to Safety, Health and Security Services at safety@rrc.ca.

CreComm students win big at Canadian Online Publishing Awards

March 10, 2026

An RRC Polytech student-led online magazine is the top overall winner at the 2025 Canadian Online Publishing Awards (COPA).

Produced by Creative Communications (CreComm) students, Working Draft is a web magazine that highlights the emerging voices of students in the program. The magazine won a total of six awards – five gold and one silver – for its 2025 issue, “Movement.”

“Having our work recognized in national awards is a profound validation of students’ hard work on these stories,” said Emily Cain, Working Draft faculty advisor. “These achievements show Working Draft contributors are producing top-notch work that holds up among the country’s top publications.”

The recognition placed Working Draft at the number one spot in the national medal standings, surpassing outlets like Legion Magazine (four gold, two silver) and CBC/Radio-Canada (three gold, one silver).

A person in a pink dress stands at a podium.
Sofia Peralta-Baron

The winning COPA entries from Working Draft include:

Working Draft also received its first-ever recognition at the John H. McDonald (JHM) Awards for Excellence in Student Journalism on February 14. The magazine earned an additional three gold medals and one bronze at the national ceremony hosted by the Canadian University Press.

“Winning at the national level for an investigation into the barriers facing female para-hockey players proves that Manitoban stories have a place on the national stage,” said double-award winner Brielle Campbell. “It’s an honour to see Working Draft recognized by both the COPA judges and the Canadian University Press in the same week.”

For more information and to read stories, visit workingdraftmagazine.com.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.