Pictured: back row (L-R): Thomas Miazga; Chef Phil Cameron; Kaito Webb. Front row (L-R): Gahbrielle Chow, RRC Polytech graduate; Jayden Lowe, RRC Polytech graduate; Coralie Van de Bruinhorst-Wood

Gahbrielle Chow and Jayden Lowe both fondly recall one of their first classes during term one of the Culinary Arts program at RRC Polytech – garde à manger with Chef Melissa Hryb.

“Chef Hryb inspired me early on. She shared her experience in Shanghai cooking at the World Expo in 2010, opening my eyes to the opportunities and continuing to dream about travelling to cook around the world,” said Lowe. “Right away I was shown [by Chef Hryb] that I could be creative and do anything,” adds Chow.

Chow and Lowe share a passion for global cuisine and travelling. When the call went out for recent culinary arts graduates to cook for international delegates at the Canadian Pavilion at the World Expo, Chef Hryb nominated them both for the opportunity.

As a highly competitive process, it’s extremely rare that two students are chosen from one institution. Chow and Lowe were both selected.

“Watching two young females being chosen – especially in a male-dominated industry – for this opportunity is one of the most fulfilling things in my career,” said Hryb. Reflecting on her own experience cooking at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, she notes, “It’s a full circle moment and I’m grateful to give back by having recommended these two talented grads.”

The World Expo is a global event, held every five years, bringing together nations to showcase ideas and technologies aimed at solving some of the largest global challenges. It serves as a collaborative platform for creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.

This year’s World Expo ran from mid-April to mid-October in Osaka, Japan, where Chow and Lowe had the opportunity to showcase and hone their craft, cooking in the kitchen of the Canadian Pavilion for global dignitaries and guests.

Under the mentorship of Head Chef, Phil Cameron – Ottawa-based chef, chef-instructor and business owner – Chow and Lowe worked on a team alongside three other recent culinary arts grads from across the country.

Equipped with the skills and knowledge, work-integrated learning experience from co-op placements, plus front-of-house industry experience, Chow and Lowe were ready to collaboratively embrace the challenge of cooking for and hosting global representatives.

When they arrived at the expo in Osaka and familiarized themselves with the kitchen, some unexpected challenges arose, including availability of ingredients and adapting to a new culinary environment.

“You really have to adjust and adapt for the environment – it’s much more humid in Japan and humidity plays a big role in baking especially. In the beginning, we all had to learn and make adjustments,” said Chow on the team trialing recipes at the expo.

Chow and the team leaned on Chef Cameron, who has extensive experience cooking around the globe, including at the last World Expo in Dubai.

Alongside helping the team with technical side of adapting to a new culinary environment and new ingredients, Chef Cameron created space for them to be creative, encouraging everyone to try new things.

“This industry isn’t easy. [Those new to the industry] always need help and guidance from others with more experience – it’s important for me to show everything I can and be a mentor,” said Chef Cameron.

Chef Cameron, Chow and Lowe all emphasized that there’s no “average day” cooking for guests at the Canadian Pavilion. Every day is a new adventure – they could be making canapes for 100 people, or a sit-down dinner for 40.

Throughout the six months at the expo, the team tackled theme weeks such as Martimes Week and Quebec Week, and events focused on specific produce, including Manitoba Pork and Boar.

For Martimes Week, Lowe leveraged the expertise she gained in curing and smoking during her second co-op work placement in PEI at the Inn at the Bay of Fortune.

“The expo gave me a chance to use the skills I gained during my second co-op, like curing meat alongside the butcher in PEI. Drawing on that experience, I made smoked mussels and created an oil from marigolds, inspired by what I learned about edible flowers,” said Lowe.

The goal is to highlight Canadian ingredients and dishes at the pavilion, but as Chow notes, “fusions are a nod to the multiculturalism and diversity of Manitoba, for example.”

One of Chow’s favourite dishes she created was a flounder fritter with lime salt, capers, and lemon aioli – a fusion dish that blends a fish native to Japan with Canadian elements.

As the expo came to a close, Chow and Lowe reflected on how their experiences not only helped sharpened their culinary skills but also strengthened their ability to collaborate and foster personal growth.

“The World Expo [was] a big an exciting opportunity and it certainly [was] overwhelming at times, but the team with the guidance of Chef Phil (Cameron) helped make the experience,” said Lowe.

Now that the expo is over, what’s next? Both Chow and Lowe still have the travel bug, setting their sights on “dreaming big,” and continuing to globetrot.

“The industry is about who you know, and I’ve been able to create some great connections. I’m inspired to keep applying to places and trying new things,” said Chow. While excited to keep travelling, Chow mentions that she’s ready to spend some time back in Winnipeg and try out new restaurants that opened during her time abroad.

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.

Led by a high volume of industry and community partnerships and innovative solutions resulting from completed applied research projects, RRC Polytech has once again been designated a top research institution in the country. Released earlier this week, Re$earch Infosource’s annual ranking of the country’s top 50 research colleges, reinforces RRC Polytech’s leadership role in the innovation ecosystem and its commitment to helping create economic prosperity for all Manitobans through collaboration. 

“These current rankings reflect RRC Polytech’s collaborative approach and industry and community relationships are resulting in practical solutions for our partners,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

RRC Polytech is the only post-secondary in Canada that integrates research into its Indigenous Strategy portfolio, underscoring its unique commitment to social innovation and Indigenous growth alongside its strong industry focus. The data outlined in Canada’s Innovation Leaders 2025  suggests that local businesses are responding and eager to work together on projects that tackle complex global challenges.

RRC Polytech ranked first among Canada’s medium-tier colleges in completed research projects with 158 and second in total research partnerships with 150. Total industry research income jumped 21.7 percent in fiscal 2024, indicating an increasing trust among businesses in the Polytech’s reputation for consistency and productivity.

“Regardless of the size or scope of the project – from entrepreneurs in search of support to launch and grow their business idea to established enterprises looking to integrate AI, adopt automation or explore transitioning to low carbon – Manitobans can count on our technology, facilities, and expertise to provide affordable and effective problem-solving,” said Wilson.  

The applied research activities that connect staff, faculty, and students across all of RRC Polytech’s campuses are orchestrated by its Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) enterprise. RPI oversees an ever-expanding suite of leading-edge facilities and resources and coordinates projects that seek groundbreaking new processes and products.

For example, the award-winning Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) has partnered with Protein Industries Canada (PIC) and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) to explore agri-food opportunities and address barriers to food security in rural and remote communities in Manitoba.

The Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer (CAMTT), located at the Polytech’s Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics focuses on transitioning to Industry 4.0 technologies like robotics, automation, and AI.

From testing heat pumps to developing a diesel-to-electric conversion kit for school buses, research teams at the Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC) and Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC) work with various partners to demonstrate how electrification can save energy and support a greener, more sustainable future.

While RRC Polytech’s Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) has developed unique non-destructive inspection capabilities to support additive manufacturing quality assurance, aerospace composite evaluation, and even fire investigations in Manitoba. TACAM is also home to the province’s first full-scale Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) system, advancing high-quality prototyping, process optimization, and sustainable tooling innovations for companies such as Precision ADM and Dimatec Inc.

“Through an incredible breadth of applied research collaborations, we’re solving real-world problems for our partners at all stages, from growth and productivity to adopting new tech and creating more sustainable processes – all while training tomorrow’s workforce to be more adaptable and embrace emerging technology,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director of Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech.

“Our ongoing and determined efforts to build networks that share knowledge and resources will continue to increase our capacity to lead innovation in Manitoba and beyond, driving economic growth and prosperity for everyone.”

Learn more at rrc.ca/research.

About the Rankings
Re$earch Infosource annually ranks Canada’s top research colleges based on performance metrics such as research income, partnerships, and completed projects. Institutions are categorized by size to ensure accurate comparisons. RRC Polytech consistently ranks among the top performers in the medium-tier category, earning recognition for its research excellence, innovation, and industry impact.

Read more on this year’s theme Research for Canada’s future and the future of Canadian research  at Canada’s Innovation Leaders 2025

The following message contains content related to gender-based violence that may trigger powerful emotions to arise, especially for those with lived experience of violence and victimization. It is recommended you read the message when you feel safe and supported. Resources are available for those affected by gender-based violence, including REES (Respect Educate Empower Survivors), a community for survivors, a 24-7 Crisis Line, Gender-Based Violence Support in Manitoba and additional support services.   

Every year on  December 6, RRC Polytech recognizes the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day serves as a solemn reminder to honour the 14 women who were murdered and those injured at École Polytechnique in Montréal in 1989. 

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-Widajewicz. 

These bright, talented women were daughters, sisters, friends, and colleagues. Young women whose lives and futures were stolen from them, just because they were women. Many of them were close to graduating or getting ready to step into their careers. Thirty-six years later, this loss is still felt, and it reminds us why action remains extremely urgent. 

Gender-based violence continues to hurt women, girls, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community across Canada and around the world. One in three women (an estimated 840 million) will experience violence in their lifetime. These numbers are heartbreaking and unacceptable. 

December 6 is a day to remember and grieve, as well as a call to each of us to help create safer spaces where everyone can live free from violence and fear. 

Everyone — especially men and boys — plays a crucial role in ending gender-based violence; allyship starts with calling out sexism, supporting survivors, and challenging societal norms. Together, we can build a future that puts women’s safety and well-being at the forefront. 

RRC Polytech Vigil 
As part of our recognition, RRC Polytech will be hosting a vigil today to honour the lives of the 14 women and all those we’ve lost to gender-based violence. We invite all staff and students to join us at 10:00 a.m. in the Roundhouse Auditorium at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae. The vigil will also be available by livestream.  

The flags at the Notre Dame and Exchange District campuses will be lowered to half-mast today in recognition. 

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 
We encourage everyone to take part in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (Nov 25 – Dec 10). This campaign encourages us to become an ally by practicing the following actions: listen, believe, educate (yourself and others), speak out, intervene, and act. 

Additional ways you can support

• Wear a white ribbon as a commitment to never engage in, condone, or stay silent about violence against women and girls. Learn where to pick-up ribbon on campus.

• Participate in conversations and awareness activities throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. 

• Learn more about gender-based violence and what supports are available.    

Today, as we mourn the 14 women lost to gender-based violence, let us stand with all those in our community who have been impacted. Together, we share the responsibility to create a future where everyone—women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals—can live safely and freely. Let’s renew our commitment to end gender-based violence. 

December 6 may be a difficult day. Students can access support through Campus Well-Being. and staff through the Employee and Family Assistance Program. Please take care of yourselves and each other.

Electrical Alum Alfred Thompson returns to teach program he took in Fisher River Cree Nation

Alfred Thompson walked into the classroom this past spring for the first time in 11 years – and this time, rather than a student, he was the instructor.

In 2014, Thompson took the Electrical program at the RRC Polytech campus in Fisher River Cree Nation. His interest in the industry grew from the problem solving and independence he gained while working hands-on and the satisfaction of seeing results firsthand. Today, he’s in Peguis First Nation, teaching 14 students in the same five-month Electrical program being offered in community from April – November 2025 with extra time to incorporate student success strategies, including Elder support and Teachings.

Thompson recalls that while taking trades courses in high school, building circuitry and making calculations came naturally to him and he enjoyed seeing how his work could be immediately applied – like setting up a simple motor and watching it spin or building a small circuit board where every connection worked as planned.

As a student at RRC Polytech, he says that the skills he cultivated and the knowledge he obtained contributed to how quickly he was hired after graduation. He gained a strong foundation in electrical safety, mathematics, and residential wiring while developing practical skills in troubleshooting, blueprint reading, and applying the Canadian Electrical Code – skills that prepared him for both industry work and, eventually, teaching.

Thompson worked in Fairford for a local electrical company for a few years before moving on to AAA, where he continued as an electrician. His career progressed to construction, where he traveled hours by car and by plane to work in northern communities installing electrical systems in new buildings and maintaining or repairing existing wiring.

Thompson credits a friend of his for referring him to the job posting with RRC Polytech to teach the very same program that he had taken 11 years earlier.

“[Teaching is] pretty good – I’m myself around the students now. That first day, though, I was practicing before, and I was like, ‘oh man, I’m really gonna just go talk like this in front of other people.’ I was so nervous,” said Thompson.

Thompson recounts that while he was considering how to approach teaching, he realized that it was more than just explaining how to solder wires to a circuit or how to navigate issues within an electrical system – teaching involved an entirely new skillset.

“I had to think back on how my own teachers did it to really get down to it, then it all made sense. I started just laying down that knowledge,” said Thompson.

Thompson shaped his teaching approach to focus on clear, step-by-step instruction, hands-on practice, and connecting theory to real-world applications based on reflection of his own experiences as a student.

He started his first classes with safety basics and moved into the code book, introducing one concept at a time before applying mathematical principles to assignments and projects. Thompson recalls how, in demonstration, he had taken a piece of paper and drawn a step-by-step visual for wiring a plug, which he had the students duplicate in their own drawings. From that simple demonstration to now, when the class is in the full swing of their projects, Thompson says the students have built the skills to tackle their work with great proficiency. Seeing those students succeed in their studies, like he had 11 years ago, fills Thompson with confidence.

Electrical student Christian Guillard said that joining the program in Peguis was a spur-of-the-moment decision when he was considering new opportunities for professional training.

“I have a background in physics so I was more familiar with theory than practice. I’ve found that Alfred’s good at explaining and demonstrating the practical application of electrical systems – the classes started slow at first but now we’re doing weekly tests to assess where we are,” said Guillard.

Earlier this fall, he developed blueprints for a bedroom and closet to map out the wiring and receptacles – a project he worked on while appreciating the convenience of studying close to his home in Peguis.

Thompson is optimistic about the future and noted that he would be glad to continue teaching if the opportunity remains at RRC Polytech. Alternatively, he says that he can envision heading back to construction or potentially opening his own business.

Being close to home is a huge factor in Thompson’s career – he has two young boys, two- and three-years-old, waiting for him at home in Fairford. Thompson says that when he was working construction, he could spend up to ten weeks away from home in remote communities to bring home a pay cheque. These days, he stays in a teacherage in Fisher River Cree Nation after work Tuesday through Friday, and from Friday to Monday, he has the full days with his sons in Fairford.

For Thompson, the journey from student to instructor has come full-circle. It blends his technical expertise, hands-on experience, and personal insight into a teaching approach that equips students with the skills they need and gives him the opportunity to stay close to family. Whether in the classroom or the field, Thompson plans to continue to build on the lessons of his past while helping guide the next generation of electricians.

The BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BC BTAC) at Okanagan College, in partnership with the Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) at RRC Polytech, has been recognized with a national innovation award for excellence in applied research and industry collaboration.

The two Technology Access Centres (TACs) received the Most Impactful Interactive Visit Award at the 2025 TAC Innovate Awards hosted by Tech-Access Canada in Quebec City last month. The award recognizes BC BTAC and PRK’s collaborative work with a Métis-owned microbrewery in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which sought to create a high-quality, non-alcoholic craft beer.

“This award highlights how well our Technology Access Centres have worked together with industry,” said Karin Grosstessner-Hain, Manager of the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre. “Both teams demonstrated incredible adaptability, knowledge and impact in applied research. I’m proud of the value our TACs are bringing to the economy — across provinces and sectors.”

The collaboration delivered technical and strategic impact for the microbrewery, helping them move toward commercialization while expanding their internal research capacity. For BC BTAC and PRK, the project also created a replicable model for cross-TAC collaboration, integrating sensory, analytical and process expertise across regions.

“This national recognition underscores the strength of applied research at Okanagan College and the value of collaboration across Canada’s Technology Access Centres,” said Mary Butterfield, Director of Applied Research at Okanagan College. “By combining expertise across institutions, our teams are helping industry partners innovate and grow while creating meaningful applied learning opportunities for students.”

The initiative also provided hands-on research experience for a RRC Polytech Life Sciences co-op student and strengthened BC BTAC’s growing portfolio in non-alcoholic beverage research and development.

“Cross-provincial partnerships are essential for driving innovation and creating solutions for Canadian businesses on a local, national and international scale,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director, Research, Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech. “By combining the complementary expertise of two TACs, we not only collaborated with a Métis-owned microbrewery to explore advanced dealcoholizing technologies but also created a replicable model for national collaboration. This project is an important example of how students bring new energy and ideas to the table while gaining hands-on research experience, expanding their learning through real-world projects.”

Creating partnerships to support local businesses aligns with Okanagan College’s mission to transform lives and communities. The College has several research projects underway designed to help communities and local businesses solve real-world problems.

“I want to congratulate everyone involved in this award, which acknowledges the strong work that went into supporting a local business through research and development,” said Samantha Lenci, Vice President Academic at OC. “Okanagan College is here to work in partnership to find innovative solutions to real world problems.”

Yesterday, RRC Polytech was pleased to host a health press conference with the Premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew, the Minister of Advanced Education and Training, Renée Cable, and the Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, Uzoma Asagwara, in the Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre.

The event highlighted RRC Polytech’s Primary Care Paramedicine students, and celebrated the program being at capacity this fall thanks to a new stream of students entering the program directly from high school.

RRC Polytech President and CEO, Fred Meier spoke about our role to ensure more students have access to training opportunities and support here, so when they enter the workforce they can do so with confidence, knowing they have a solid foundation of skills behind them and they are ready to make an immediate difference.

“At RRC Polytech, we’re committed to removing barriers and creating new pathways so more Manitobans can access the training they need to build meaningful careers in health care,” said Fred Meier, president and CEO, RRC Polytech. “By working with our partners in government and community, we’re expanding programs and delivering education in communities across the province, as well as strengthening the quality of training through the use of our Simulation Centre at our Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg. Paramedics are crucial front-line health workers and we are proud to be able to offer training that prepares them to be leaders across the province; from the classroom to controlled simulations, and then on work placements as they prepare to start their careers.”

Thank you to the School of Health Sciences and Community Services, the Paramedicine program, and the students who helped support the event and visit.

While close to 700 graduates will cross the stage at RRC Polytech’s Fall Convocation ceremonies later today, several of them will be wearing brand-new, meaningful stoles that reflect the voices, teachings and stories of Indigenous Peoples. 

The Polytech is officially unveiling its new Indigenous visual identity today – a project grounded in the institution’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous student success, and shared values of respect, inclusion and belonging. 

“Celebrating our latest cohort of graduates is always an exciting, profound occasion,” says Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech. “Today’s ceremonies will carry extra significance, as Indigenous graduates cross the stage wearing new stoles that honour tradition while embracing progress and change.” 

The stoles and new visual identity are the result of extensive conversations with Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, staff, Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and community partners, led by a steering committee made up of RRC Polytech staff and valued partners. 

“The design on these stoles is rooted in sacredness, seasonality, and interconnectedness, honouring the distinct identities of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples while weaving together themes of land, language, and story into a living expression of who we are,” says Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement, RRC Polytech, and steering committee member. 

“The visual identity reflects teachings learned through engagement sessions and a survey that was shared among our community, ensuring that the design is a true reflection of an identity that belongs to all of us.” 

​RRC Polytech convocation ceremonies 

Kate Rudnyk, a spring 2025 graduate from the Digital Media Design program, will be awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal – the highest award that may be obtained upon graduation from RRC Polytech – at the Fall Convocation ceremony this afternoon. 

The recipients of these medals are selected by a standing committee comprised of representatives from Polytech management, students and instructors. This outstanding graduate has been selected in recognition of her academic and technical achievement, involvement in Polytech and/or community activities, and overall good character. 

Read more about the 2025 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal Recipient here. 

Convocation ceremonies will take place in-person at the RBC Convention Centre, Ozhaawashko-Giizhig (formerly known as the City View Room), 375 York Avenue, and live-streamed at rrc.ca/convocation: 

Tuesday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m. 

• School of Business, Information Technology and Creative Arts 

• School of Health Sciences and Community Services 

• School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts 

Tuesday, November 18 at 7 p.m. 

• School of Continuing Education 

• School of Education, Arts and Sciences 

• School of Indigenous Education 

• School of Skilled Trades and Technology 

Close to 1,700 students are graduating this fall, with nearly 670 of them registered to attend their ceremony. 

Kate Rudnyk, a graduate from the Digital Media Design program, will be awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal – the highest award that may be obtained upon graduation from RRC Polytech – at the Fall Convocation ceremonies next week.

The recipients of these medals are selected by a standing committee comprised of representatives from Polytech management, students and instructors. This outstanding graduate has been selected in recognition of their academic and technical achievement, involvement in Polytech and/or community activities, and overall good character.

Kate Rudnyk, who specialized in Interactive Design and Development, is a passionate community builder whose journey has been shaped by resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others.

After years of searching for direction, she found purpose at RRC Polytech, where collaboration replaced competition and belonging came naturally. Kate now leads student tours and draws from her own experience to mentor others through uncertainty.

Her Ukrainian heritage inspires her desire to make a difference – from volunteering at Holy Family Home to working with MBHelpsUkraine, a grassroots initiative that has raised more than $5,000 for humanitarian aid.

Whether through quiet acts of kindness or bold community action, Kate leads with heart, proving that success is found not in having all the answers, but in showing up, listening, and lifting others along the way.

For the first time ever, RRC Polytech has earned a Gold rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System known as STARS. Developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS is the most widely recognized framework for measuring sustainability performance in post-secondary institutions, with over 1,200 participants across 52 countries. 

Improving by more than 20 points in the comprehensive scoring system from the previous submission, Gold STARS status acknowledges RRC Polytech’s deep commitment to sustainability across academics, operations, engagement, planning, and innovation. It’s a testament to the Polytech’s collaborative, campus-wide efforts to embed sustainability into every facet of its mission. 

“This achievement represents much more than just a framed certificate to be proud of – it’s a reflection of the collective effort across our campuses to build a better tomorrow and the real, positive impact we’re making in our community,” said Giselle Martel, Vice President, Finance and Administration at RRC Polytech. “From tangible results, like our ongoing efforts to reduce water and energy use in our buildings and applied research partnerships in clean energy technologies to the long-term investment to embed equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility into our daily actions, the sustainability principles we champion today will shape the innovators and decision-makers of tomorrow.” 

Submitted every three years, the STARS ratings motivate organizations to assess how they approach the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability and develop methods and programs to address the global challenges that we’re all facing.

RRC Polytech was the first post-secondary in Manitoba to sign the SDG Accord and commit to pursuing and delivering the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals – measuring and reporting progress is critical to success.   

“We have a shared responsibility to take better care of our planet, people, and community and every effort makes a difference,” said Stephanie Fulford, Sustainability Specialist, Environmental Stewardship and Campus Renewal at RRC Polytech. “Opportunities to do more in both our personal and professional lives are everywhere, we just need to look for them and decide we’re going to lead by example and do something about it.”    

The list of sustainability efforts at RRC Polytech is long and varied and connects all areas – Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, Operations, Culture and Community, and Leadership, across all campuses.  

Every academic department at RRC Polytech offers sustainability-focused or inclusive courses. Programs like Environmental Engineering Technology, Nursing, and Social Innovation & Community Development integrate sustainability into their core. Applied learning opportunities – such as the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Co-op and Indigenous Diplomacy Forum ensure students gain real-world experience in creating positive change. 

Programs like SDG Month Canada, the SDG Student Competition, and events such as Bike to Work Day and the Commuter Challenge foster a culture of environmental and social responsibility among students. Staff engagement is equally robust, with additional offerings like the Homeowners & Renters Workshop Series, Diversity Champions network, and promotion of online learning courses. 

RRC Polytech’s sustainability leadership is also helping to drive Manitoba’s growing green economy. The province’s transition to net zero requires a skilled workforce prepared to meet the demands of emerging industries, and RRC Polytech is playing a key role in that effort. From supporting innovation through applied research partnerships to providing training and upskilling opportunities, RRC Polytech ensures students gain the knowledge, hands-on experience, and values needed to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. 

This is reflected by a perfect score in the STARS category of Innovation and Leadership, citing examples such as:  

• Climate-Resilient Nursing Education Initiative: curriculum development on climate-related health impacts. 

• Electric School Bus Conversion Project: applied research with industry partners on low-emission transportation. 

• Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah and Pow Wow Pitch Partnership: entrepreneurship support for Indigenous learners and community members. 

“Students are learning sustainability in the classroom and seeing it in action on campus, and when they graduate, they take those values into their careers, amplifying the impact we make,” said Fulford. 

State-of-the-art buildings like Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, part of the Exchange District Campus, featuring integrated solar panels and a rooftop rainwater capture and re-use system demonstrate that energy efficiency approaching net-zero is possible. The strategic enhancement of operational sustainability also includes the development of a socially responsible procurement policy, prioritizing environmentally certified products, and Indigenous, diverse, and social enterprise suppliers – aligning purchasing power with RRC Polytech’s values.  

Finally, STARS is designed to support continued improvement by helping RRC Polytech’s internal sustainability leadership network, led by Environmental Stewardship and Campus Renewal, to identify strengths and next steps in teaching, research, engagement, and operational practices. 

The Gold rating is a tremendous milestone but also serves as a starting point for new strategies and practices that can be adopted to ensure a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for everyone. 

“As an organization committed to innovation and excellence, we’re not only going to work hard to maintain our top-performing areas but to improve our scores in every area,” said Fulford. “We’re excited to continue leading with purpose and driving even greater impact in the years ahead by learning from others, exploring new ideas, and finding creative ways to embed and advance sustainability in everything we do.” 

As shared on the WPC Team Canada website:

Let yourself be inspired by the extraordinary exhibition of photographs that represented Team Canada on the world stage in this year’s World Photographic Cup – an Olympic-style team competition. This stunning collection will be exclusively on display at the Roundhouse Auditorium at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae from November 21 to December 4, 2025.

Featuring 30 stunning images from the current Canadian entry, along with 15 award-winning images from past Canadian medalists, this collection is a testament to the country’s talent, creativity and artistic excellence.

The collection also features local photographer, Jocelyne Hebert, whose image endured three rounds of curation for the opportunity to represent Canada. Her haunting natural portait titled “Should I Stay or Should I Go” was created to capture the deep struggles faced by youth and the challenges of living with mental illness.

WPC Team Canada would like to invite you to the opening reception on Thursday, November 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. where Jocelyne Hebert will present “Behind the Story – A Journey from Concept to Creation” about the process and inspiration of image competition.

Public Viewing

The exhibition will be open to the public from Friday, November 21, to Thursday, December 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae at RRC Polytech Exchange District Campus. Make sure to present your Eventbrite ticket to enter the building.

Tickets for the opening reception and the exhibition are free and can be reserved using the button below.

This is exhibit supported by RRC Polytech’s Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts. The Schroeder Institute supports creative industries and Manitoba in reaching the next level in this period of growth by ensuring that a pipeline of newly skilled local talent continues to flow and fill crucial industry roles, while engaging more deeply with industry partners and undertaking exciting opportunities to foster innovation through applied research.

Manitoba is increasingly becoming more competitive in creative areas across the prairies, the country and beyond. More productions are being filmed in Winnipeg and throughout the province, and more creative businesses are opening their doors while local companies are making their mark beyond our borders. Local training and talent are crucial to the success of the businesses that choose to operate here, and that is where RRC Polytech — and the Schroeder Institute — come in.