RRC Polytech is pleased to share we have completed the competitive selection process for the Associate Dean positions. We received a strong response from our internal community and are excited to see what the successful candidates will bring to their roles.

Please join us in welcoming our new Associate Deans: 

School of Business, Information Technology & Creative Arts and Hospitality & Culinary Arts 

Tom Grant, Associate Dean, Business, Hospitality, and Culinary Arts 

Tom Grant has worked in the Manitoba college system for almost 40 years as an instructor and administrator. He joined RRC Polytech 28 years ago and has cultivated professional relationships throughout the College, as well as in government, industry, and community partners. 

In his current role as the Chair of Transportation & Heavy Apprenticeship Trades, Tom has developed important relationships within the transportation, logistic, and supply chain sectors, all of which play a critical role in supporting the apprenticeship and applied education programs in his portfolio.  

Tom holds a Bachelor of Science in Educational Technology, Summa Cum Laude. He represents RRC Polytech on numerous committees and was recently presented with the RRC Polytech’s Safety Champion Bravo Award for his dedication to creating a safe and healthy workplace. 

Tom is a compassionate leader who encourages collaboration among staff and is always looking for opportunities to learn and share knowledge with those around him. 

Karen Kabel, Associate Dean, Creative Arts & Applied Computer Education 

Karen Kabel came to RRC Polytech as an Information Security program instructor in 2018. Karen previously worked at Great West Life (now Canada Life) where she led teams that provided critical IT security services to all seven of Canada Life’s companies across Canada and throughout parts of Europe. Prior to GWL, Karen spent 15 years as an information technology security consultant. 

As Chair of Applied Computer Education, Karen has worked with her team to expand their IT program portfolio to include several new programs. In partnership with the School of Indigenous Education, Karen helped co-create a new Indigenous IT Pathway program. She led the development of three new diploma programs including Data Science and Machine Learning, IT Operations and Application Development & Delivery. 

Karen is a caring leader, focused on using teamwork to find improvements, funding opportunities and innovative ways to deliver academics to a new generation of learners.

School of Continuing Education 

Brad Peters, Associate Dean, Programming 

Brad Peters has worked in various educational roles at RRC Polytech since 2011, most recently as a Program Manager in the School of Continuing Education, managing the academic, human resource, and financial management duties of the Applied Arts and Skilled Trades portfolios.  

Throughout his time at the College, Brad has gained deep knowledge of College systems and processes across various functions, departments and Schools, building lasting relationships with amazing faculty, staff and leaders, as well as a diverse group of industry partners. 

Brad completed the Certificate of Adult Education with honours and is a strong supporter of lifelong learning. His continued learning includes additional ENABLE workshops and Project Management courses.  

In his spare time, Brad enjoys staying active by playing golf and hockey, coaching minor sports, volunteering on various boards, and most of all, spending time with his wife, three children and their three dogs at their Lester Beach cabin. 

Steve Lawrence, Associate Dean, Regional Campuses & Adult Learning Centres 

Steve Lawrence holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba, a certificate in Adult Education from RRC Polytech and a Master of Arts in Education from Central Michigan University and has recently attained his Blue Belt in Innovation Engineering. 

Steve has worked at RRC Polytech for the past 29 years. His current position is Acting Dean School of Continuing Education, and past positions include Program Manager IT and Professional Studies in the School of Continuing Education, ACE Project Space Coordinator, and Program Manager for Business and Applied Arts. 

Steve is a certified accreditor for Business Technology Management programs across Canada. He recently completed accreditation visits to Concordia and Acadia Universities. He has 14 years’ industry experience as a programmer, business analyst and requirements gathering analyst. 

On a personal level, Steve has coached and assisted in hockey, volleyball and soccer for over 15 years. He is a Level 2 NCCP nationally certified coach. 

School of Education Arts and Sciences 

Anna Janik-Kelly, Associate Dean, English Language Learning and Newcomer Initiatives 

Anna Janik-Kelly is RRC Polytech’s incoming Associate Dean of English Language Learning and Newcomer Initiatives.  

Throughout her career, Anna has been passionate about language learning. Since coming to Canada in 2007, she has been working to help newcomers to Manitoba in their settlement journey as a teacher, language assessor, researcher and manager of research. 

Outside of work, Anna enjoys time with her family, cooking, discussing world events or hiking. She also enjoys music, rollerblading, paddle boarding, reading and camping. 

Lauren Phillips, Associate Dean, Education, Global Access and Academic Advancement 

Lauren Phillips is RRC Polytech’s incoming Associate Dean of Education, Global Access and Academic Advancement. 

Lauren is passionate about adult education, active research and learning science, bringing over 10 years’ experience at the College as Chair of Math, Science, and Communication and as former manager of the Academic Success Centre and Assessment Services. Prior to joining RRC Polytech, Lauren was a program coordinator with the provincial government, an associate producer with CBC TV and Radio and a corporate communication instructor in Japan. 

Outside of work, Lauren loves reading, biking and podcasts. When pushed, she’s been known to ski and jog (very slowly) with her family and mischievous dog. 

School of Health Sciences and Community Services 

Lesley McGuirk, Associate Dean, Nursing 

Lesley McGuirk has worked at RRC Polytech since 2005, first as an instructor in the Medical Radiologic Technology (MRT) program and then as the Academic Coordinator for the MRT and MRI programs. She has been the Chair of Allied Health Sciences for the past six years.  

Lesley holds a Certificate in Adult Education, a diploma in Medical Radiologic Technology, a Bachelor of Science Degree, a Master’s in Education (Adult and Post-Secondary) and has completed the Envision Leadership Development program at RRC Polytech.  

Lesley focuses on building equity, diversity and inclusion into programming and threading Indigenous knowledge into Allied Health programming. She is the Board Secretary of the Canadian Association of Allied Health Programs, a member of the Accreditation Decision Committee and is a program surveyor for Equal Accreditation Services Canada.   

Lesley is an avid reader who enjoys cross-country skiing, time at the lake and is actively involved with her kids’ sports activities. 

Dr. Ruth Lindsey-Armstrong, Associate Dean, Health and Community Services 

Dr. Ruth Lindsey-Armstrong joined the College in 2008 as an Early Childhood Education instructor. Ruth has since taken on the roles of Academic Coordinator and Chair of Community Services. Ruth is an Early Childhood Educator III (RRC 1986), has a BA in Developmental Studies (U of W 2007), a Master of Arts & Integrated Studies, with a specialization in Adult Education (AU 2012) and has completed a Doctor of Distance Education, focusing on academic leadership (AU 2022).  

Ruth has developed a series of micro-credentials for mentorship and coaching. Ruth is also a member of the Public Policy Committee for the Manitoba Child Care Association and is a former staff representative on the RRC Polytech Board of Governors.  

In her spare time, Ruth has been studying Spanish at Université de Saint-Boniface, enjoys time at the family cottage and cooking foods from Central America and south Asian countries. 

School of Indigenous Education 

Tracy Brant, Associate Dean, School of Indigenous Education 

Tracy has worked at the College for 22 years in a variety of roles including Aboriginal Admissions Officer, Aboriginal Centre Coordinator, acting Director Aboriginal Student Support & Community Services, Access Pathway Manager and Chair Aboriginal Education and Access Programs.  

Tracy has a thorough understanding of the supports and services available for Indigenous students at the College, and she is committed to student success. Her hard work, dedication and tenacity to pursue her education goals have led her to many rewarding work opportunities over the years.  

Tracy shares great compassion and wisdom in her work to support student success.   

As a Métis woman, Tracy is very proud of her heritage and believes strongly in the value of education and mentorship.  

School of Skilled Trades and Technologies 

Guy Poirier, Associate Dean, Construction 

Guy Poirier began his career at RRC Polytech in 2009 as an Instructor in Carpentry, leading to a Coordinator role, to the Chair, Construction Trades. Guy is very proud to have helped shape RRC Polytech’s Skilled Trades and Technology Centre. 

Before RRC Polytech, Guy worked in construction for 10 years with companies such as PCL, Westland and Stuart Olson. He also had a six-year career in the aviation sector. 

Guy is a two-time RRC Polytech alumni and has a Red Seal in carpentry, Certificate in Adult Education and over 30 years of seminars, mentorship, coaching, gold seal certification and many safety courses in his toolbox. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor in Adult Education.   

Guy focuses on building positive and inclusive community cultures, championing employee engagement and leading with a strong code of values and ethics. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with his family camping in Riding Mountain National Park. 

Mark Blackner, Associate Dean, Transportation and Manufacturing 

Mark Blackner has worked at RRC Polytech for more than 23 years, beginning as an instructor and holding corporate trainer and coordinator positions before moving into his most current role as Chair of the Electrical, Mechanical and Manufacturing department. 

Mark leads his team with integrity and fosters an inclusive and collaborative approach to the projects and partnerships within his unit. He strives for a respectful culture where individuals are encouraged and supported to bring forward new ideas or different ways of doing things.  

Recently, his team led learners through the Conestoga welding program, which provided skills training for underrepresented Manitobans.  

Outside of work, Mark enjoys golf, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his grandchildren and family.

​RRC Polytech is pleased to share we have completed the competitive selection process for the position of Assistant to the Dean, School of Education, Arts and Sciences and the position of Assistant to the Dean, Business, Information Technology & Creative Arts and Hospitality & Culinary Arts.

Please join us in welcoming Alexandra Kroeger as the new Assistant to the Dean, School of Education, Arts and Sciences, and Tyler Parsons as the new Assistant to the Dean, Business, Information Technology & Creative Arts and Hospitality & Culinary Arts.

Alexandra Kroeger will start as the Assistant to the Dean of the School of Education, Arts, and Science (SEAS) in January. Before she joined the College in 2021 as Administrative Assistant to the Dean of SEAS, Alex worked as a curator in museums in and around Winnipeg. Since joining the College, she has also worked as the Project Coordinator for the Material Handling 4.0 micro-credential.

Throughout her career, Alex has focused on the importance of organization, documentation, and building positive relationships in an inclusive work culture.

When she’s not at work, Alex can usually be found with her nose in a book, starting yet another hobby, or eyeing seat sales for flights to Europe. She stays involved with the Heritage sector through her work as Lead Researcher at the Kroeger Clocks Heritage Foundation.

Tyler Parsons is an RRC Polytech graduate from the Hotel & Restaurant Management program. He completed the program at the top of his class in 2014 and credits the connections he made through his co-op work placement for his success in finding employment after graduation. Tyler has spent six years as an event coordinator with Assiniboine Park, helping to coordinate and execute thousands of weddings and concerts, and major events such as the Teddy Bears picnic.

Tyler joined Red River College Polytechnic as an Administrative Assistant in October for the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts in 2020. While at the College, he has taken on an expanded role in supporting many departments within the portfolio. Tyler’s positive energy and enthusiasm are fantastic complements to his detail-oriented focus.

Tyler is excited to continue supporting faculty and staff in the Dean’s office and throughout the College. ​

The 2022 graduates of the Red River College Polytechnic Baccalaureate Nursing Program will be celebrated at a Pinning Ceremony today, December 15th, 2022 at 6:30pm at Soul Sanctuary (2050 Chervrier Blvd).

Our Pinning Ceremony has great meaning; the pins mark transition from education and preparation into the profession of Nursing, which is a challenging yet rewarding profession to be in.

We look forward to seeing you there, however for friends and those who are unable to attend in-person, we invite you to live stream the ceremony here.

Three RRC Polytech engineering students were recently selected to attend a national symposium in Ottawa to showcase a project that highlights what Manitoba’s polytechnic has to offer its students and industry partners.

Electrical Engineering student, Alexander Talgoy was joined by his capstone project partners and Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology students Trey Blank and Matt Moura at ‘CICan on the Hill’ where they rubbed elbows with Parliamentarians, academic and industry leaders, and other showcasing students from across Canada.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for us to share our work and represent what Canadian college students are capable of,” said Talgoy. “We had a lot of interest in our project and our exhibit, which included a robot, and it was neat to see the breadth of work being done by students across the country in a range of disciplines.”

For their project, the students solved an increasingly common challenge faced by manufacturers of all sizes – integration of disparate tools and technologies when automating repetitive tasks; it was inspired by a client project from RRC Polytech’s Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM).

TACAM is funded through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to support companies in Manitoba’s aerospace and manufacturing sectors with applied research, business and technical services, and training.

“We are seeing a lot of demand for this type of work from industry, so it really made sense for us to support the students and showcase this project,” said Dr. Dele Ola, TACAM director. 

The students were backed by their instructor, Liting Han and Devin McArthur, a recent RRC Polytech grad who joined TACAM as a research technologist after completing his own project term with the Centre.

“In this case, we had previously solved our client’s automation issue, but not in the way we were hoping, so we posed this challenge to the students as part of their capstone project.”

Essentially, the students were required to completely automate identification and appropriate placement of varied objects moving along a conveyor belt using a specialized camera and software, a conveyer belt with programmable drive, a robotic arm, and a programmable logic controller.

“One of the key challenges the students faced was getting the various technologies to communicate with each other, which is difficult as it is not something they have been purposefully built to do,” said Han. “There isn’t a manual for this type of thing, so the students had to use trial and error, applying the concepts they’ve learned in class.”

The connection and value of RRC Polytech’s applied research capacity to student experience and development couldn’t be clearer to Han.

“We customize course materials based on the technologies TACAM has made available to us,” said Han. “They learn about them in the classroom and then move to the lab – or factory – to apply what they’ve learned using the actual tools and technologies. It’s transformative.”

Along with access to the tools and tech, the students received trouble shooting support from TACAM staff, and were able conduct their work in the Smart Factory which was both a major motivator and success factor for the students.

“Our team was excited not just to apply our knowledge to a real-world problem, but to experience the realistic working environment and use the advanced tools and systems offered by the Smart Factory,” said Talgoy. 

The Smart Factory, located at the RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame campus, hosts an array of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies along with traditional manufacturing technologies – allowing students, researchers, and companies to try out the latest manufacturing tech. 

The project is still operational in the Smart Factory and available for demonstration. Proud of their work, the team hopes it can remain in place for a while before the tools and systems are needed by another industry project.

The following message may trigger powerful emotions, especially for people with lived experiences of victimization and violence. It is recommended that you approach this message when you feel safe to do so, and prioritize your mental health, practicing self-care as needed. RRC Polytech has created a list of supports and resources for your well-being. You can find it online, here.

On December 6^th, RRC Polytech recognizes the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Today, our flags will be lowered at all of our campuses, and we ask our College community to observe a moment of silence at 11:00am.

Thirty-three years ago today, a man with a gun entered Montreal’s École Polytechnique and killed 14 women, injuring another 14. His actions were not a random act of violence but a premeditated, misogynistic act.

Every December 6^th we are reminded that such heinous violence is not a thing of the distant past. The people killed that day could have been our contemporaries, our colleagues. They could have been our mothers, aunts, sisters, friends.

Today, we remember: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewic.

Their lives were taken abruptly by a man who specifically targeted women in STEM. After entering a mechanical engineering class, he separated the nine women from the 50 men and ordered the men to leave. The women were shot, along with others encountered throughout the building.

Not only were these individuals robbed of their lives; their deaths represent a great loss to our society. Any life lost is a tragedy, and it’s particularly heartbreaking to think of what these students may have accomplished had they been able to complete their studies and contribute their talents to the world.

After December 6^th, 1989, women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals everywhere were made painfully aware that their mere existence was a radical act. As one of the victims proclaimed that day, they were not feminists fighting against men or marching to prove that they were better. They were women, studying engineering.

And while many may believe these violent acts are a thing of the past, we are learning more difficult details being shared regarding the recent murders of four Indigenous women in the Winnipeg community. Over the last 30 years, there have been over 1,400 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S), and the loss of these four women is a stark reminder of this ongoing endemic issue. We mourn the loss of: Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and a fourth victim advocates have asked we refer to as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe or Buffalo Woman, until her family is found. We extend our condolences to their families, and we stand with them, and advocate groups, who continue to fight relentlessly for justice and to end violence against Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S) folx.

December 6^th reminds us of the critical importance of embedding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do at RRC Polytech. Ensuring our campuses are safe places to learn and work is critical. It’s up to all of us to make sure that people of all gender expressions can come to school or work everyday, knowing their biggest stressor is an upcoming exam or project – not their personal safety. Ending gender-based violence means we must continue to uphold this commitment at home and in our communities.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is about remembering and honouring those who have experienced gender-based violence, and those we have lost to it. This day is meant for us to examine the power dynamics between people of all genders. It should be a time for those of us who hold more power to reflect on it – reflect on our privilege and how to use it for good. And then, to act.

The circumstances of this day can make us feel helpless. There are small but significant ways to honour the victims:​​​

• Wear a white ribbon. You can make one at home or order one online.
• Observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m.
• Attend a vigil in your community.
• Today and throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence (from November 25 to December 10), add your voice to the conversation and share the ways you are being part of the solution to end gender-based violence. Use the hashtag #16Days.​​​​​​​

Today is an important, but difficult day. If you need someone to talk to, all RRC Polytech staff have access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program through Homewood Health.

Let’s take care of each other.

Fred Meier, President & CEO

On November 29, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) marked the accreditation of eight of its programs by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC).

“Achieving accreditation for these programs is a real win-win,” says Derek Kochenash, Dean, School of Skilled Trades and Technologies at RRC Polytech. “Not only does accreditation open doors to even more career opportunities for our students, it provides our partners in industry with the essential talent to help their organizations achieve their goals. 

The accreditation is the result of a comprehensive audit that includes a tour of each program’s labs and student support services, and interviews with its students, faculty, alumni and graduates’ employers.

The eight programs that received accreditation are: 

• Electronic Engineering Technology, 
• Electrical Engineering Technology 
• Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Structural Engineering Technology
• Architectural/Engineering Technology
• Municipal Engineering Technology
• Environmental Engineering Technology

National program accreditation provides students, industry and RRC Polytech with confirmation their program has met defined standards. 

“RRC Polytech is grateful to Technology Accreditation Canada for this acknowledgment. The accreditation reflects the high quality of these eight programs, while enhancing graduates’ credentials as they enter the workforce,” continues Kochenash.

Accreditation also affords graduates an expedited path to certification through the Certified Technicians & Technologists Association of Manitoba (CTTAM) and provincial certifying bodies across Canada.

“We congratulate each program for its commitment to delivering to students a high quality program that meets the current standards of the engineering technology and applied science profession,” says Stephen Morley, Chair of TAC’s board of directors.

This announcement was made during an appreciation event for work-integrated learning employers – celebrating businesses and organizations who support and mentor students through hands-on work placements.

For more than 80 years, RRC Polytech has been working alongside industry and community partners to provide relevant experiential training to students through co-operative placements and apprenticeships.

Every year, Red River College Polytechnic awards up to four Lieutenant Governor’s Medal awards to graduating students who excel in academic and technical achievement, involvement in College and/or community activities, and good character.

This year, RRC Polytech is proud to have selected a recipient who embodies every aspect of the award:

Michael Stewart, Applied Accounting

He cannot hear you.

He can barely see you.

But he’s ready, willing and more than able to help you with anything.

In fact, nothing makes Michael Stewart happier than smashing a negative stereotype associated with the deaf-blind community – it is his mission and one of the many reasons he has been awarded the only Lieutenant Governor’s Medal at RRC Polytech’s 2022 Fall Convocation.

“I just have a heart for supporting people and being involved in the community and so I want to help other people become successful and fulfill their dreams,” says Stewart.

Michael’s unwavering positivity inspires everyone around him. A lack of hearing since birth and diminished sight since age nine have never deterred him from chasing his dream of creating an inclusive society by empowering others who face similar challenges and educating those who don’t.

“My message for fellow graduates is to continue to push themselves into uncomfortable situations,” he says. “Overcome your fear and insecurities because that is where you ultimately grow the most. Make short-term and long-term goals with a detailed breakdown. When you accomplish a small goal, reward yourself so you can be proud of yourself. Also, be curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions!”

He credits his late father for his belief in himself, his work ethic, and for instilling his passion for volunteerism and his faith for the values that guide him.     

Michael lives those values each day, effortlessly balancing his community involvement and studies while working multiple part-time jobs to support himself, including as a Professional Direct Support Worker for deaf and autistic clients at New Directions.

His decision to further his education was sparked by his experience serving as a Chairperson for the Accessible Canada Act (Bill C-81) designed to make Canada barrier-free by January 1, 2040 and his ongoing committee work at the first national summer camp for deaf-blind adults at Camp Manitou, which he helped found in 2017.

His strength in math combined with a desire to help organizations or individuals that he believes in, led him to choosing a career in accounting.  

A classroom leader achieving excellent grades and attendance, Michael has graduated with Honours from the Applied Accounting Certificate program.

He appreciates his instructors for challenging him by encouraging group activities with some of his classmates who spoke English as a second language and had little to no experience with his interpreters and supports, teaching them all patience, respect, and how to adjust their communications.  

The pandemic forced a shift to virtual and hybrid delivery systems for the majority of students in his graduating class of over 1200. But already an expert in adaptability, Michael used remote learning to his advantage in May, attending classes while volunteering at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, and shared the enriching experience with his classmates.

Jill Patterson, Manager of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services describes Stewart as a positive, dynamic and hardworking individual who is ready to take on the world of work and says his willingness to help teach others around him about his community sets him apart. 

“It’s been a privilege working with Michael for the past year,” says Patterson. “I only wish he would stay a Red River College Polytechnic student forever because he will be missed. Congratulations on this award, you deserve it.”

Michael says his award wouldn’t have been possible without all the amazing people who have helped him along the way and encourages everyone to volunteer and foster relationships to create healthy communities.

“From instructors and interpreters to classmates, I am blown away by the generosity, kindness, and top-notch service provided by RRC Polytech,” says Stewart. “My education will open so many doors for me as I work toward becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant and achieving my ultimate goal of changing the stigma associated with the ability of deaf-blind Canadians to work and contribute.”

Michael Stewart is a tireless advocate for accessibility, an outstanding role model and a worthy recipient of the College’s most distinguished award.

The only reason he would ever not lend you a hand, is because both his arms are already busy supporting someone else.

Next week, RRC Polytech staff and students will cuddle with dogs, walk through the forest, and learn the art of Japanese taiko drumming, all in the name of supporting their mental health and well-being.

The College’s Thrive Week encourages students and staff to focus on balance and self-care, while developing positive mental health that supports success in learning and work.

“RRC Polytech is committed to providing an environment where equity, diversity and inclusion can thrive – and part of that is addressing the diverse realities we each face when it comes to mental health,” says Melanie Gudmundson, RRC Polytech’s Chief Human Resource Officer. “Campus well-being is a priority at RRC Polytech. We understand that personal and community health contributes both to student success and employee engagement, so it’s important to offer opportunities for our community to find some much-needed balance in their busy days, whether they’re on campus or learning or working remotely.”

The week starts off on Monday, November 7 with a visit from the St. John Ambulance therapy dog program. On Tuesday, the College hosts Jaime Manness for a keynote address. Manness is a nurse and RRC Polytech grad who’s the creator, owner, and author of Hike Manitoba, which includes five guidebooks on hiking in Manitoba. Manness will talk about how spending time in nature helps her manage a high-pressure career, while sharing expert tips on hiking in the province.

Thrive Week also features a series of virtual and in-person events – such as a group walk through Birds Hill Park and a workshop with Fubuki Daiko – where staff and students are invited to take a moment to do something for themselves that promotes relaxation, creativity, or connection.

“Addressing our mental health can often feel like a daunting task. Thrive Week focuses on accessible ways we can all be more mindful and present in our day-to-day lives,” says Breanna Sawatzky, RRC Polytech’s Campus Mental Health Specialist. “Health is not only about our bodies, but also our minds, emotions, spirit, and relationships. Our hope is that the events provided throughout the week will allow our community to focus on small but significant ways to improve our mental health.”

RRC Polytech’s Campus Well-Being unit provides year-round support and activities for physical and mental health, including recreation and fitness classes and mental wellness initiatives such as the MindWell platform, which includes online mindfulness training and live guided mindfulness practices. For more information, visit rrc.ca/well-being.

RRC Polytech is solidifying its commitment to embodying equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) with the launch of Inclusion Week.

From October 31 until Friday November 4, the College is hosting a series of virtual and in-person events designed to inspire its community to live out the values of EDI at work, in class, and in their personal lives.

“The principles of EDI are embedded into everything we do at RRC Polytech, and they make up an important pillar of our Strategic Plan. Rather than just talking about how important these values are, Inclusion Week gives our community the chance to experience these teachings first-hand through a variety of events they can attend throughout their typical work or school week,” says Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech. “One of our strengths as an institution is that we care deeply about the people who work and study here – Inclusion Week helps to foster a respectful, equitable atmosphere for our entire community.”

RRC Polytech is committed to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action within its operations and in its work to advance Indigenous education in Manitoba. This commitment is a critical foundation for the College’s work in pursuing EDI within the institution and its partnerships — because those goals cannot be advanced without doing the work of reconciliation. Inclusion Week builds off the momentum of RRC Polytech’s Truth and Reconciliation week, held at the end of September, to further provide staff and students with opportunities to engage in the principles of EDI.

Inclusion Week kicked off on October 31 with a keynote luncheon at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, focused on representation. During the event, keynote speaker Uzoma Asagwara shared their experiences as one of the first Black and openly queer MLAs to ever win a seat as an elected representative in Manitoba, as well as being Manitoba’s first gender non-conforming MLA. Events throughout the week include an Indigenous language and Bannock-making workshop, a drag queen story-time and q+a session, and a Diversity speaker event featuring Laurelle Harris, the Founder, CEO and Principal Consultant at Equitable Solutions. The week concludes with an inclusive dance party hosted by the Red River College Students’ Association.

“The events of Inclusion Week give our staff and students the opportunity to delve deeper into inclusive practices and to become better allies and co-conspirators,” says Cynthia Kulczycki, Instructor at RRC Polytech and a member of Inclusion Week’s planning committee. “EDI is important and fundamental to how we operate as an institution, but it can be accessible, too – it can be as simple, and beautiful, as learning another language, cooking a meal together, or listening to a story.”

RRC Polytech plans to make Inclusion Week an annual event to further deepen its commitment to EDI. For more information, visit rrc.ca/diversity.

Due to a Manitoba Hydro power outage, RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus is closed until 12:00p.m. today, October 24 2022.

All on-campus classes and services at the Notre Dame Campus will be cancelled.

Regular operations are expected to resume at 12:00p.m. today. All other campuses remain open. 

Updates, if required, will be shared on the College’s website, through email, and on social media.