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RRC Polytech and Prairie Project Studio Launch 2025 Entrepreneur Challange

February 12, 2025

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) and Prairie Project Studio have officially launched the 2025 Entrepreneur Challenge in Portage la Prairie.

Now in its third year, this innovative competition is set to inspire and empower youth aged 15 to 30 to nourish their entrepreneurial spirit, and is a collaborative effort between RRC Polytech, Arrowhead Development Corporation, Portage Community Revitalization Corporation, Heartland Community Futures Whitehorse Plains, Portage and District Chamber of Commerce, and Portage Regional Economic Development. 

“This will be our third year hosting a competition to inspire youth from Portage la Prairie to dream up business ideas and products and to learn about being an innovator and entrepreneur. Each year we have grown this event, better supporting the sponsoring partners and the students,” said Guy Moffat, Regional Campus Manager, RRC Polytech. “At the Prairie Project Studio in RRC Polytech’s Portage Campus we have equipment and access to local experts that help these students take their ideas to prototype and market testing. We believe that by providing them with the right resources and mentorship, we can nurture the development of innovative solutions and contribute to the growth of our local economy.”. 

Contestants now have two weeks to collaborate with their teams, refine their concepts, and craft compelling pitches. On February 27th participants will present their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges at the Portage Collegiate Institute multi-purpose room, beginning at 12:15 pm. 

The top three pitches will be awarded prize money totaling $1,500 sponsored by Arrowhead Development Corporation, Heartland Community Futures Whitehorse Plains, and Portage Regional Economic Development. Winners will receive paid memberships to the Prairie Project Studio, providing them with a conducive environment to further develop their entrepreneurial ventures. 

“This Entrepreneur Challenge represents a significant step forward in fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship within the Portage la Prairie community,” added Moffat. “By bringing together various organizations dedicated to supporting local talent and business development, the challenge aims to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem,” added Moffat. 

About Prairie Project Studio: 

Prairie Project Studio (PPS) provides a dedicated space to foster innovation and create local business concepts in Portage la Prairie. It’s a space to turn an idea to prototype, a hobby into a startup, grow a small-scale manufacturing business, or explore innovation resources. Located at RRC Polytech’s Portage Campus and in partnership with Communities Building Youth Futures, the PPS offers office space and project studio or makerspace. The makerspace is furnished with a heavy-duty sewing machine, multiple 3D printers, Cricut machine and laser engraver. The space is perfect for prototyping, inventing and small-scale production. The office space is an affordable startup hub providing essential amenities for conducting business including computers, printers, dedicated hot desks, access to local expertise on business, accounting and legal assistance, as well as a collaborative atmosphere. 

Future Student Success Fueled at Open Doors with $5000 Bursary Giveaway 

February 3, 2025

Five thousand dollars makes a big impact on any student. 

Last year, when Chelsea Smith attended RRC Polytech’s Open Doors event she was planning on learning more about the programs and seeing the campus. She didn’t know that by filling out a slip of paper she would end up being the winner of a $5,000 bursary giveaway.  

Now a student in the Health Information Management program at RRC Polytech, Chelsea says the bursary helped ease her financial burden, covering the cost of her second term tuition and all her books.  

Chelsea wasn’t even supposed to be at Open Doors that day. She was planning on taking a gap year after high school to figure out how she would pay for any future schooling and just happened to tag along with her brothers who were attending to learn about other programs. When they got there, they all put their names into the draw for the bursary. 

When she got the phone call that she was the winner of $5000 to support her education, she had already been accepted to her program and was wondering how they were going to cover her tuition. She was skeptical: “are you sure?”, she remembers asking. After the phone call ended, she immediately told her dad. They were both ecstatic. 

“I don’t usually have luck like this, so we were really excited,” said Chelsea. “Receiving the bursary has helped take away some of the stress of finding a part time job while in the program and has given me some time to figure out how to pay for the rest of it.” 

After completing the Health Information Management program, she would like to work at CancerCare Manitoba or become a Coding Technologist. But she is keeping her options open and considering any opportunities through the program that she really enjoys. Right now, though, Chelsea is in the practicum portion of her first year and is excited for what is to come in the rest of the program.  

“Attending Open Doors was my first time being on campus and I really enjoyed learning about all of the different programs and getting to tour the different areas,” she said. “Since becoming a student, I’ve loved my experience at the College. I’ve met so many amazing and diverse people and the instructors are very welcoming. You get to meet new people and explore new things. I’m very happy to be in this program.” 

A person walks down a hallway. In the foreground is a banner than reads "Open Doors Enter to win a $5,000 bursary"

The Open Doors bursary was created by the recruitment team dedicated to future students to help eliminate financial barriers to education and will be available at the 2025 Open Doors event. 

The 2025 Open Doors event is on February 19 at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses.

Interested learners are encouraged to attend to tour the campuses and learn about the more than 150 programs RRC Polytech has to offer. Anyone considering a program at RRC Polytech is encouraged to put their name into the draw to win $5000 towards a future program enrolment just like Chelsea did.  

Safety Update – January 2025

January 30, 2025

With a new academic term comes many new students on our campuses. While some members of the College community may be familiar with the safety and security measures in place, for some, this will be new information. We appreciate everyone’s support as we work collaboratively to promote safer campuses for all. 

Accessing the Exchange District Campus (EDC) 

The College provides on-campus security 24/7, with regular patrolling across campus as well as additional security personnel at entrances to manage entry and control access at EDC. You will continue to see security personnel posted at campus entrances and be required to present your College ID card. Contractors and visitors must check in with security upon arrival. 

We are reviewing the current campus hours of operation – Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with swipe card access only after 8:00 p.m. – which may change to better support access control. Alongside reviewing campus hours, the College is also assessing other measures including expanding swipe card access at entrances. More information will be shared in future safety updates. 

Personal Belongings 

As a reminder for students and staff across all campuses – do not leave personal belongings unattended at any time. This includes locked spaces such as classrooms and breakout rooms. RRC Polytech is not liable for any loss of, or damage to unattended property. 

Pop-Up Info Booth at EDC 

In partnership with the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS), there will be a pop-up info booth in the Atrium at the Roblin Centre throughout February. Stop by the booth and ask a WPS Officer any questions you may have, for example, about safety in downtown Winnipeg. 

More information about the pop-up info booth will be shared in Student and Staff News. 

Campus Alerting System 

The Campus Alerting System sends out important and time sensitive safety updates to staff and members’ College-issued phones. Students are encouraged to sign up to receive alerts and email notifications by joining the Campus Alerting Microsoft Teams Site. 

Ensuring the Campus Community Stays Informed 

RRC Polytech takes a proactive approach to enhancing our comprehensive safety strategy across campuses to support a safe, secure, and welcoming environment. 

Part of our commitment to prioritizing and promoting safety on campus is ensuring the College community is informed about changes in accessing campus, any new measures in place, and the safety supports and services available. We will continue to share monthly safety updates – or as needed – with students and staff. 

You can read all past safety updates, including the December Update on rrc.ca.  

Provide Your Feedback 

Thank you to all staff, students, and visitors for your understanding and cooperation as we adjust and enhance access to campus. While the Exchange District Campus has been our primary focus for recent updates, we continually assess and adjust safety and security measures across all campuses to meet the needs of our College community. 

We appreciate your ongoing support and feedback. For any concerns, questions or suggestions you may have, please reach out to Safety, Health and Security Services at safety@rrc.ca.

RRC Polytech Nursing Student Develops Workshop and Guide Through Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grant

January 28, 2025

Sophie Walker, a Nursing student at RRC Polytech has taken initiative on climate action awareness through the creation of a Climate-Resilient Nursing Workshop and contribution to a comprehensive Planetary Health in Nursing library guide.

Sophie was one of five recipients of the Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grant in 2024. The grants are available for students and recent graduates of Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) partner institutions and award youth $30,000 to launch or enhance a climate adaptation or climate mitigation project.

For the past year Sophie has been working closely with her RRC Polytech instructors Jennifer Morin and Deborah Gural to design and launch a Climate-Resilient Nursing Workshop aimed at educating nursing students on the connection between planetary health and nursing practices.

“This research has the potential to impact the future careers of nurses by preparing them to become strong advocates for planetary health. Climate change poses significant challenges to public health, and it is essential that nurses are equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond to these challenges effectively,” she said.  “By teaching nursing students about the health impacts of climate change and how they can be active agents of change in the healthcare system, we hope to cultivate a new generation of nurses who are not only knowledgeable about climate-related health issues but also motivated to take action.”

The workshop featured six guest speakers who focused their discussions on planetary health’s relevance to nursing, the health impacts of climate change, sustainable healthcare practices, climate adaptation and mitigation strategies in healthcare settings, energy conservation, sustainable waste management, public health preparedness, and advocating for policy change to address climate-related health challenges.

Sophie and her instructors also contributed to the development of a comprehensive Planetary Health in Nursing Library Guide. This resource can be used as a tool for both students and instructors to support future curriculum development related to climate-resilient practices in nursing. These materials aim to help nursing students understand how to integrate sustainability into their practice and empower them to take leadership roles in climate action initiatives as they transition into professional nursing roles.

They are now working on having the Planetary Health Report Card implemented within RRC Polytech’s Nursing program. This would be a key step in creating a structured framework to track and report on the environmental and sustainability practices in nursing education, and could also be applied to other programs.

“Overall, this project has helped me realize the crucial role that healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, can play in addressing climate change, and it has empowered me to take more proactive steps in making a positive environmental impact within my own practice,” said Sophie. “One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been witnessing the growing enthusiasm among nursing students for the integration of climate change and sustainability into their education and future careers.”

$30,000 Wawanesa Insurance Grants Available For Climate Action Changemakers

Current RRC Polytech students and recent graduates have the opportunity to shape the future by taking action on climate change and climate mitigation.

Canada needs innovative solutions now more than ever. Interested students and recent graduates should not miss out on this opportunity to be a Climate Champion and create lasting change.

Apply for the Youth Innovation Grant today for your chance to be part of a more sustainable future.

Apply for the Youth Innovation Grant on C2R2’s website

A Message on Holocaust Remembrance Day

January 27, 2025

RRC Polytech flags are lowered today in observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Holocaust Remembrance Day – or sometimes also referred to as Holocaust Memorial Day – is observed annually on January 27, in recognition of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp on this day in 1945.

In 2005, the United Nations officially proclaimed January 27 International Holocaust Remembrance Day, to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust, including six million Jews and millions of others. The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and honour those whose lives were taken.

To mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in partnership with the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada is hosting a free event, “Hate Goes Viral: A conversation about ending online antisemitism” from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. today. Learn more and register online at humanrights.ca.

ASL-English Interpretation Program Returning in Fall 2025

January 23, 2025

We are thrilled to share that the Government of Manitoba has approved the renewal of the ASL-English Interpretation Program (AEIP) at RRC Polytech and the program will run once again starting in the 2025-26 academic year.

The program has undergone an academic transformation of its content, design and delivery to better meet the emerging needs of learners and the community. We are excited to offer the newly re-developed program and begin accepting students for the upcoming Fall 2025 term. The application process is being developed, and we will share admission details as they become available. Please note the program will be offered pending sufficient enrolment.

RRC Polytech is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity both on campus and in our communities. This new advanced diploma will have benefits to the community, including improved outcomes for students who will graduate from the program, and ultimately for all communities they will support.

A version of this update, shared in ASL, is below.

Learners wishing to find more information about the program can visit the FAQs below or contact Dr. Ginelle Giacomin at ggiacomin@rrc.ca.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the program?

Red River College Polytechnic’s ASL-English Interpretation program (AEIP) provides a foundation for fluency in American Sign Language (ASL), as well as Deaf history and culture, interpreting theory, with practice in interpretation both in class and in the field. We pride ourselves on graduating students with a well-rounded entry-level skill set of both the practical skills of interpreting and the academic skills that students require to be employed as an ASL-English Interpreter. Attitude, attendance, hard work, and participation are some of the key elements of program success. Our graduates’ success demonstrates that students at RRC Polytech are prepared interpreters who are true professionals that are leading fulfilling careers serving the Deaf and non-Deaf community.

What can a student do after graduation?

Our program will prepare you to work as an entry-level interpreter in settings ranging from K-12 public schools to colleges, businesses, and social services. You will work in multiple small and large groups, either in classes and/or community settings. In addition, successful completion of our program prepares you to take the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) Generalist Knowledge Exam. Currently, the demand for interpreters is high.

When does the program start?

The first intake of the program will be in Fall of 2025.

How long is the program?

The AEIP is a three-year full-time program encompassing eight terms, with the final term being a work-integrated learning opportunity.

Where is the program located?

This program will be held in-person at Notre Dame Campus.

What are the admission requirements?

Prospective students are required to have completed grade 12, must meet English language requirements and provide a declaration for check documents form.

In addition, prospective students require:

Require basic proficiency in American Sign Language or the successful completion of one of the following options within the last three years: (Proof of proficiency or course completion is required)

▪ Basic ASL proficiency level equivalent to a minimum of 120 hours of ASL instruction

Or

• Evidence of American Sign Language competency as shown by the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) with a minimum score of 2.0.  ASLPI ratings older than one year will not be accepted for admission into the program. (Note: All ASLPI testing is handled by Sign Language Institutes Canada.)

When can I apply?

Applications for AEIP will open soon – further communication will be shared shortly.

RRC Polytech recognizes Bell Let’s Talk Day

January 22, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resources and Supports 

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

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

For Students 

For Staff 

For All 

Winter Blizzard Update – Winnipeg Campuses to close at 4:00pm

January 17, 2025

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

All evening classes and rentals will be cancelled.

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

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

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

Notre Dame Campus
Location: Room C115
Phone: 204-632-2323

The Roblin Centre
Location: Room P106
Phone: 204-949-8305

Manitou a bi Bii daziigae
Location: E129
Phone: 204-949-8544

Paterson GlobalFoods Institute
Location: Room 100
Phone: 204-631-3381

Winter Storm Advisory for Jan. 17, 2025

January 17, 2025

Update at 11:55am:

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

All evening classes and rentals will be cancelled.

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

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

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

Notre Dame Campus
Location: Room C115
Phone: 204-632-2323

The Roblin Centre
Location: Room P106
Phone: 204-949-8305


Manitou a bi Bii daziigae
Location: E129
Phone: 204-949-8544

Paterson GlobalFoods Institute
Location: Room 100
Phone: 204-631-3381


Original Post:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any updates to campus operations will be shared here.

RRC Polytech leads national network to increase entrepreneurship and research commercialization across Canada

January 15, 2025

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

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

Government of Canada Lab to Market logo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Co-applicant institutions:

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

Collaborating partners:  

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

a group of people touring a robotics lab

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

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