MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Terry Gereta demonstrates knife skills at RRC Polytech on Monday. He says a sharp knife is a safe knife, as a dull knife may move while cutting.

This week the Winnipeg Free Press launched a series launching called Homemade Cooking School, featuring stories and detailed tutorials from instructors in RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts and Professional Baking and Pastry programs. Stories and recipes were captured by Free Press reporter Eva Wasney (CreComm, 2015) and are accompanied by photos and videos from photographer Mikaela MacKenzie.

Chef Terry Gereta kicked things off with knife skills – teaching about mise en place, proper grip and knife maintenance. He provided an overview of common cuts, such as brunoise, dice, julienne and chiffonade.

A total of six sessions will be shared over the next six months, covering everything from sauces to vegetables to baked goods. The goal is to explain terminology often seen in recipes and share useful tips for achieving top notch results at home.

Read the first story featuring Chef Terry Gereta on the Winnipeg Free Press website.

Thank you to the entire RRC Polytech community for your continued support and patience as we temporarily utilized various spaces as part of our efforts to shelter wildfire evacuees on campus.

We remain on standby with the Canadian Red Cross as they continue to monitor the wildfires and needs of communities and individuals who are impacted.

At this time, we will be reopening the following spaces as of Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 6:30am:

• Parking lot Central 1
• The Cave
• Lockers

Please note that the North Gym, South Gym and the Loft remain closed at this time while we await further direction from the Canadian Red Cross and we will update you once we know more about reopening these spaces.

We also want to remind staff and students that as we remain on standby, we may be asked to reactivate these spaces again and would therefore need to restrict access temporarily for the college community. Should this occur, we will communicate these changes via Staff and Student News and email where appropriate.

We thank you again for your understanding and continued support for these important college-wide efforts.

Pictured from left to right: Stephen Lamoureux (AWMAC Manager). Joel Monsalud, Tony Lam (Silver), Logan Loewen (Bronze), Mia Epler, Angus De klerk, Di Wu, Tyler Michaud-Edmonds (Gold), Todd Birtwhistle (Cabinetmaker Apprenticeship Instructor)

Tyler Michaud-Edmonds’ journey to gold at the regional Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC) cabinetmaking competition and silver at Skills Canada Manitoba began long before he enrolled at RRC Polytech – it started in his family’s woodshop.

“I come from blue collar work,” Michaud-Edmonds shares. “My dad and grandfather are both carpenters, so I grew up in the shop. I took quickly to shop class in middle school and high school – that’s where I could apply myself and have freedom.”

After graduating high school, Michaud-Edmonds took time to work and reflect before entering RRC Polytech’s Cabinetry and Woodworking program.

“I knew I wasn’t going to thrive in (traditional) academia,” he says. “But I also didn’t want to be outside framing houses in -40 like my dad. Cabinetmaking is hands-on, engaging work and I knew it was something I would enjoy.”

Now a Level 3 apprentice working with Genuwine Cellars, Michaud-Edmonds helps design and build luxury wine and cigar humidors for high-end clients. “It’s kind of a niche market,” he explains.

“We’re a full design and build firm—whatever dream you have, we make it our daily work to bring that to life.”

Like many students, Michaud-Edmonds initially shied away from participating in competitions. However, Cabinetmaker Apprenticeship instructor Todd Birtwhistle, who has overseen the AWMAC competition for 18 years, emphasizes the value in taking the opportunity to compete.

He explained that the AWMAC competition focuses on testing students’ technical skills, while Skills Canada provides students with a venue to experiment and be creative. When students compete in both they are able to push themselves in different ways.

“All competitions are about honing skills—especially time management,” he says. “You’re working under pressure, and things may go wrong. But it’s about troubleshooting the problem at hand and moving forward.”

Birtwhistle adds, “Tyler is a very talented young man. He works for a company building multi-million dollar wine cellars. It’s a very interesting job that he finds stimulating.”

For Michaud-Edmonds, the experience has been transformative.

“It’s been really affirming,” he says. “Like everybody, I struggle with self-confidence. But it’s not even about the winning—you’re in there with people all pushing each other to do their best.”

As Birtwhistle puts it, participating in competitions creates a sense of pride in students’ work that they carry into their careers.

“We’re training them to train others. The more pride we take in our careers, the more that pride gets passed down.”

Last weekend Michaud-Edmonds’ cabinet was on display, representing Manitoba during the 2025 AWMAC National Convention in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. His craftmanship on the project landed him second place amongst entries from the nine AWMAC regional chapters across Canada.

The College-University Lab to Market Network, led by RRC Polytech, is pleased to introduce Nasil Nam as its inaugural National Director. The accomplished innovation-driven leader stepped in immediately after being named the successful candidate through a competitive process, to begin mobilizing the network’s collaborative partners who have aligned to accelerate research commercialization and support entrepreneurship across Canada.

Nam will lead the national implementation of programs that support researcher-entrepreneurs across the 38-member network of colleges, polytechnics, and universities. She’ll guide the execution of the network’s vision to deepen partnerships and enhance commercialization outcomes for research-based ventures in health, STEM, social innovation, and the social sciences. 

“Nasil is exactly the kind of leader this initiative needs. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team as we work to bring industry into greater connection with Canadian research,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director of Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech and Chair of network’s Executive Committee. “Her leadership will be instrumental in leveraging the expertise, capacity, and diversity of Canada’s universities, colleges and polytechnics to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and drive research-based ventures and social innovations that benefit all Canadians.”

With more than a decade of experience in program development, commercialization, and entrepreneurial ecosystem building, Nam brings a unique blend of hands-on entrepreneurial insight and national innovation leadership. She began her journey as a founder of her own ventures before moving into institutional leadership roles, including her most recent position as Associate Director of Start-ups & Commercialization at Dalhousie University. There, she played a key role in the national expansion of the Lab2Market program while developing a regional innovation program called Collide. 

In addition to her work in postsecondary innovation, Nam has championed inclusive entrepreneurship, serving as Project Lead for the Propelling Women Tech Founders program at the Centre for Women in Business, where she helped support the growth of emerging female entrepreneurs through mentorship and strategic planning. Holding a Master of Education in Psychology and Leadership Studies from the University of Victoria, her approach is grounded in collaboration, strategic execution, and a deep commitment to building sustainable innovation ecosystems that drive both economic and social impact.

“I am passionate about innovation, leadership, and community-building,” said Nam. “The College-University Lab to Market Network’s mission is to transform research into real-world solutions for a stronger, more inclusive innovation economy. Whether it’s leading national-scale initiatives or mentoring early-stage founders, I am dedicated to creating pathways for innovation and amplifying the impact of Canadian research on the global stage.”

Network Institutions:
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BC Hub Lead), Cégep de Sherbrooke, Cégep de Thetford (QC Hub Lead), Cégep de Trois-Rivières, College of the North Atlantic, Concordia University, Dalhousie University, Humber Polytechnic (ON Hub Lead), Lethbridge College, Loyalist College, MacEwan University, Mohawk College, Mount Saint Vincent University, New Brunswick Community College, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NA Hub Lead), NorQuest College, Northwestern Polytechnic, Nova Scotia Community College (ATL Hub Lead), Olds College, Red Deer Polytechnic, RRC Polytech (MB Hub Lead), Saint Mary’s University, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, Saskatchewan Polytechnic (SK Hub Lead), Selkirk College, Sheridan College, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SA Hub Lead), United College – University of Waterloo, University College of the North, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Guelph, University of Lethbridge, University of Manitoba, University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, University of Yukon, Western University

We want to share an important update with you regarding the activation of RRC Polytech’s Shelter Site at the Notre Dame Campus. Yesterday evening, wildfire evacuees began arriving at our campus from across the province, seeking refuge and support during this difficult time.

Through the night, we welcomed over 120 people – many of whom have now been moved to other accommodations. We are now prepared to welcome more evacuees throughout day.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of staff from departments across the college, we were able to complete the final preparations and warmly welcome guests. From preparing meals and assembling hygiene kits to welcoming guests and providing essential information, our community came together quickly and compassionately to ensure evacuees felt welcome and supported upon arrival.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed their time, energy, and care over the last few days to prepare for their arrival.

Please continue to check Staff and Student News for operational updates including spaces that will not be available or bookable while guests are staying with us. These spaces will be utilized for serving food and providing recreational activities and entertainment for families.

We also want to thank the community who has reached out to and offered to volunteer in a number of ways. We are establishing a volunteering system that will be shared soon.

We will continue to keep you informed via Staff and Student News as the situation evolves and will share ways you can help in the coming days.

Over the weekend, the Canadian Red Cross reached out to RRC Polytech to request our assistance to shelter wildfire evacuees.

We are preparing to support approximately 200 Manitobans by offering a shelter space at the Notre Dame Campus.

We are anticipating that supplies and cots will be delivered today to help set up a temporary shelter in the North Gym. The South Gym will also be used as a recreation space for evacuees. 

As part of this effort, the North Gym and Loft (including changing room facilities), and South Gym will be closed to students and staff until further notice. Otherwise, there will be no impact to day-to-day operations on campus.  

Making our spaces available is an important way we can support evacuees during this difficult time and welcome them to campus as they seek safety and comfort. The Canadian Red Cross will manage the shelter, which will operate 24/7 while evacuees are on site. RRC Polytech will assist the Red Cross as needed to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. 

This work is being led by Safety, Health and Security Services who have engaged a coordinated team of representatives from areas across the College and have set up an Emergency Operations Centre located at AB37. We are all working together to ensure evacuees are supported and have what they may need while staying with us.  

Later today, we may reach out to staff who are available to help with setting up the shelter alongside the Canadian Red Cross. We will keep you informed if assistance is needed. 

We continue to take direction from the Canadian Red Cross and at this time we will not be accepting clothing or other donations at this site. As we learn more and understand how we can best support the evacuees on campus, we will continue to keep you informed.  

RRC Polytech has always been here to support our community, and we appreciate your assistance and understanding as we work together to help those affected by the wildfires. 

We will continue to provide regular updates on the shelter site at NDC through rrc.ca/marcom and Staff and Student News to keep you informed. 

Thank you for your compassion and support, and for welcoming evacuees to the RRC Polytech community. 

The following message was sent to all staff and students from Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer at RRC Polytech:

We are deeply saddened by the devastating wildfires currently affecting many communities across Manitoba.

We acknowledge that events like this are frightening and bring uncertainty, and our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted including our students, staff, and their families.

Our eight campuses form a community of people from all corners of the province who support one another in good times and in crisis. Many of you or those you love may be facing uncertainty or displacement, and we know this can take an emotional toll. We encourage everyone to continue to show compassion, patience, and flexibility during this difficult time. 

If you are affected by the wildfires and need support – whether it’s flexibility with assignments or exams, working arrangements, or someone to talk to – please reach out to your instructor or manager.

The Safety, Health and Security Services team continues to work with areas across the college who have students or staff who may be impacted by the wildfires.

We have also connected with Emergency Management Manitoba to see how we can support, and we will continue to update you as we learn more.

We also want to remind staff and students that there are resources and supports available through Campus Wellbeing for students and through Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) for employees.

Your safety, health and well-being are our most important priority.

Let’s continue to look out for one another during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Melanie

Innovative conversion kit offers a cost-effective solution to adopt more environmentally friendly transportation for students across the province

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Today, Manitoba’s first low carbon school bus successfully converted from diesel to electric power is rolling out of RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre (VTEC)  – demonstrating the viability of a cost-effective unique process to electrify current fleets and reduce the environmental impact of using fossil fuels. 

“Our work on the electric school bus conversion kit is the latest example of how applied research collaborations with industry partners support market-driven innovation and product development,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “This project is an example of the applied research expertise and facilities RRC Polytech has developed over the last 20 years that contribute to advancing technologies to support Manitoba’s energy transition.”

Funded by the Government of Manitoba’s Conservation and Climate Fund and the Canadian Shield Foundation, the diesel to EV school bus conversion kit is the result of a collaborative project that brought together the experts at RRC Polytech’s VTEC, Noble Northern and Seven Oaks School Division. The conversion kit reduces greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, cuts costs for schools and the government, and offers an affordable alternative to factory-built electric buses.

“Manitoba is committed to advancing clean transportation solutions that protect our environment while ensuring safe and sustainable mobility for students,” said the Honourable Mike Moyes, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “We’re thrilled that the result of this collaboration – proof of concept for the conversion of diesel school buses to electric power – not only offers an alternative to importing costly technology, but the potential to stimulate our local economy through job creation and growth.” 

The project began in August 2023, when the Seven Oaks School Division provided a suitable bus for conversion and students from RRC Polytech’s Heavy Equipment Mechanic Program removed its diesel engine before transferring the bus to principal industry collaborator, Noble Northern. VTEC’s research team joined their experts on the groundwork for converting the bus, including the preliminary design for the electric drive system, which eventually led to the procurement of electric motors, batteries, controllers, inverters, and other essential accessories in the conversion kit. After the installation and commissioning phase, the newly converted electric school bus was returned to RRC Polytech for rigorous environmental performance evaluations within MotiveLab™ VTEC’s climatic chamber. 

“RRC Polytech’s VTEC is proudly regarded as a Canadian leader in EV technology. By seeking cost-effective methods to reduce emissions and source renewable energies for fuel for fleet vehicles like school buses, we are helping to build and maintain a sustainable future while training the workforce of tomorrow,” said Jojo Delos Reyes, Program Manager, Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre. “This project also allowed us to deepen our relationship with industry experts, Noble Northern and build on the knowledge that we acquired while working together converting the Arctic Tundra Buggy which will undoubtedly benefit our next partners and projects.” 

Even with labour costs considered, retrofitting an existing diesel bus using the conversion kit saves over $100,000 on the price of purchasing a new factory-built Type C electric school bus, freeing up valuable budget for administrators to reinvest directly into the classroom while still significantly reducing their carbon footprint. The benefits of converting just one bus also include saving up to $11,000 in fuel costs and reducing 21.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions per school year (approximately 39 weeks). Other advantages of switching to this technology include lower maintenance costs and elimination of air and noise pollution.

The unveiling event featured remarks from Fred Meier, Jojo Delos Reyes, Tye Noble, President, Noble Northern, Logan Oxenham, MLA for Kirkfield Park, and the Right Honourable Edward Schreyer, the former Governor General of Canada, former Premier of Manitoba, and founder of the Canadian Shield Foundation. Guests from industry, community, government, and across our campuses even hopped aboard for a quick ride.  

“This successful collaboration has proven what is possible – now we’re ready to literally drive it forward,” said Delos Reyes. “Our next steps are to explore commercialization and scaling possibilities of the conversion process and to connect with partners who are interested and motivated to adopt this new technology.”

Landmark $1.25 million donation to have an impact on more than 200 students per year, including Skilled Trades students and Indigenous learners through RRC Polytech’s Introduction to Trades program  

RRC Polytech is now set to help even more students build a brighter future in the skilled trades thanks to a $1.25 million gift from Qualico, announced today at the College’s Notre Dame Campus.  

The gift expands capacity in RRC Polytech’s Introduction to Trades program, a unique program for Indigenous learners to build specialized skills and gain direct entry into the RRC Polytech trades program of their choice. The gift also supports the creation of a new Navigator position – a role that helps to increase student participation and wrap-around supports. 

“RRC Polytech and Qualico share a common vision of building strong communities with a skilled and talented workforce that is diverse and representative. This donation further exemplifies Qualico’s dedication to reconciliation and their efforts in creating equitable environments for everyone to learn and work,” said Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech. “Qualico’s support will benefit countless students and will bolster programming in our skilled trades and technologies department, which will in turn help build a stronger industry here in Manitoba.”

Qualico’s gift provides additional support to RRC Polytech’s School of Skilled Trades and Technologies and the creation of 10 annual awards for Construction Trades students – one of the largest available for skilled trades and technologies students, at $5,000 each. 

“This support for RRC Polytech is the next logical step in the strong partnership between our organizations,” said Kevin Van, President & CEO, Qualico. “Qualico feels compelled to give back to our community, and working with RRC Polytech is a clear choice because of their commitment to student success and building Manitoba’s infrastructure and economy.” 

Qualico has previously supported RRC Polytech through a $150,000 donation to establish the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre, which opened in 2018, and by providing assistance to RRC Polytech students through scholarships, awards and work-integrated learning opportunities. 

Qualico’s support will also benefit the College’s annual Skilled Trades kickoff event, which connects employers with skilled trades students – establishing important connections for future careers after graduation. This gift serves to increase work-integrated learning support for RRC Polytech’s Certificate Trades programming – carpentry, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning, and cabinetry and woodworking. 

“Qualico is proud to work with RRC Polytech and to hire many of their grads, because we know that students graduate from the College equipped with not only the technical skills and experience to take them far, but the cultural competency that will allow them to integrate in our workplace and make a difference in their communities,” said David Eggerman, Qualico Regional Vice-President, Manitoba & Saskatchewan.  “Qualico and RRC Polytech both recognize the vital role that tradespeople play in supporting Manitoba’s future, and we’re thrilled that this partnership will support a stronger and more inclusive workforce for the trades in our province.”

Protein Industries Canada (PIC) is investing $1.2 million in a collaborative applied research project to explore agri-food opportunities and address barriers to food security in rural and remote communities in Manitoba.

The $1.6 million project in total will feature the professional staff and students from RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) and the College of Rehabilitation Sciences at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba (UM) working together with local communities across the province to address food insecurity and Indigenous food sovereignty barriers related to First Nations and Red River Métis food production and distribution systems. 

“On behalf of the Manitoba Métis Federation – National Government of the Red River Métis, I am pleased today to be announcing a new partnership as part of a Consortium, together with Red River College Polytechnic, the University of Manitoba, and enabled by the commitment and funding provided through Protein Industries Canada,” said David Beaudin, Minister of Agriculture and Associate Minister of Provincial Education for the MMF in a news release. “This project will help facilitate the reimagining of Red River Métis food systems and will unlock new opportunities to better connect with our foods across the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. I look forward to seeing the project build value through capacity and skills development, all while enabling greater local access to nutritious food options.” 

Food security exists when all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.  It’s not just about having enough food –  it also means having the ability to access it and use it in a way that supports a healthy and active life.  

Fresh, nutrient-dense groceries often come with a hefty price tag in rural and remote Indigenous communities, so the consortium will work with the Red River Métis and First Nations communities across Manitoba to increase access to affordable, nutritious, supply-stable and culturally appropriate food and create community-specific recipes that will incorporate pulses and other plant-based ingredients. 

The collaborative creation of these food options aims to nourish and nurture long-term health outcomes, while increasing opportunities for student learning and jobs and contributing toward future Indigenous economic development. 

“The investments into this project are advancing the future of food for all Canadians,” Protein Industries Canada CEO Robert Hunter said. “Diversifying the value-added sector provides protein options and country-wide economic growth that supports the expansion of Canada’s plant-based food and ingredient ecosystem. It’s equally important that we invest in communities and economic reconciliation with Indigenous people, ensuring the growth of this industry supports inclusion, shared prosperity and long-term partnerships across the country.” 

Throughout this project, the consortium will collaborate with the communities in a variety of ways. Together, RRC Polytech, MMF and UM will engage community members; hire students and interns; perform market research on both existing food products and future resource applications; develop food products; teach hands-on classes; and develop workshop materials to engage communities in food production and cooking skills. The project is expected to provide a case study for engaging in respectful discussions with Indigenous communities and creating an example for other organizations to follow a similar path forward. 

“RRC Polytech is committed to elevating Indigenous Peoples and communities, so we’re excited for our team of experts at Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) to join our partners in this transformative initiative,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development, RRC Polytech. “PRK’s professional staff and student workforce has led the way in embracing Truth and Reconciliation within our College community, and across the province at large, by being the first to create Indigenous research positions; mandating Four Seasons training for all staff; engaging students from the Indigenous Culinary Skills program; and actively pursuing and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs. Their knowledge, understanding and eagerness to collaborate will be a tremendous asset to the project.” 

Read the PIC News Release

About Protein Industries Canada (PIC):

PIC is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization created to position Canada as a global source of high-quality plant protein and plant-based co-products. We are one of Canada’s five Global Innovation Clusters. Our mission is to invest collaboratively to accelerate innovation and the competitiveness of the Canadian plant protein sector. The growth of Canada’s ingredient manufacturing sector can offer economic prosperity, reduced emissions, a strengthened food supply chain and economic resilience, all in the face of a changing global landscape.