Winnipeg, MB – It’s all systems go today at Red River College’s (RRC) Stevenson Campus, where the Government of Canada will make an exciting announcement for Manitoba’s aviation sector – one of the largest in Canada.

Dr. Doug Eyolfson, Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St.James-Assiniboia-Headingley and Paul Vogt, RRC President and CEO will share flight plans to ensure students training for careers aircraft maintenance training will be ready for takeoff generations to come.

For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Emily Doer, 204-990-1885 or edoer@rrc.ca

WHAT: 
On behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, MP Doug Eyolfson will announce support that will help students reach new heights in aviation and aeronautics.

WHO:  

• Dr. Doug Eyolfson, Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St.James-Assiniboia-Headingley
• Paul Vogt, RRC President and CEO
• RRC Aviation and Aerospace students, instructors, and staff
• Industry partners and supporters

DATE: Thursday, March 7, 2019

TIME: 11:00am

WHERE:
Red River College’s Stevenson Aviation Campus – Hubert Kleysen Hangar:
2280 Saskatchewan Avenue

Photo opportunities:

• MP Doug Eyolfson and RRC President, Paul Vogt, will make the announcement in Red River College’s Stevenson Campus in the Hubert Kleysen Hangar.
• Students working in the classrooms and in hangar area.

Winnipeg, MB – Today, Red River College (RRC) and Indspire announced a commitment to double the funding for the Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships, and Awards. This renewed investment will support Red River College’s continued efforts to create more pathways to education for aspiring Indigenous students. Today’s announcement builds on RRC’s commitment to advance Indigenous achievement in Manitoba.

“This financial support we’ve created demonstrates our commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. There is a compelling need for financial assistance for Indigenous students who want to pursue post-secondary education. The Building Brighter Futures bursary we’ve created at Red River College will help remove financial barriers for students to support their educational aspirations,” says Executive Director, Indigenous Strategy, Rebecca Chartrand.

“From an educational perspective, Red River College is already seeing the difference these funds are making for our students. We have a number of students in our School of Indigenous Education who wouldn’t be here had it not been for this meaningful and impactful partnership, and we’re excited to see the impact we will have as we continue to grow this bursary to support more students.”

In the pilot year, the Building Brighter Futures bursary provided support to 85 aspiring Indigenous students by matching dollar for dollar to cover the full cost of tuition, books and supplies for students enrolled in RRC’s Indigenous Education programs. Now in its second-year, the innovative partnership will provide $1 million in financial support and enable twice as many students to enroll in the following Indigenous Education programs:

• ACCESS Pathway to Health Programs (10-month transitional program)
• ACCESS Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs (10-month transitional program)
• Culinary Skills Indigenous Certificate (10 months)
• Social Enterprise Diploma (2 years)
• Indigenous Language Certificate Program (10 months)
• Introduction To Trades (5-month preparatory program)
• College Transition (10 months)
• Community Development/Community Economic Development (2 years)

A key pillar of RRC’s five-year strategic plan is to continue to support Indigenous student success and through this initiative, led by RRC’s School of Indigenous Education, the College believes these bursaries will help continue to remove the barriers to access post-secondary education for Indigenous learners in Manitoba.

“The College is focused on Indigenous Achievement, which means we are focused on creating opportunities for Indigenous students. We are working hard to build partnership with Industry, Indigenous organizations and other bodies that want to support our students,” said Chartrand.

“This partnership is another step in the direction of supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis to achieve their potential, so they can in turn transform their families, communities, and Canada,” said Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO of Indspire. “We are grateful for the support of Red River College and for the work they are doing to advance Indigenous achievement and education.”

Indigenous students who are interested in learning more about Indigenous programs and bursaries available are invited to attend the Aspiring Indigenous Student Enrolment Fair on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 from 1:00pm – 7:00pm at the Notre Dame Campus in the Indigenous Support Centre.

The event will provide future students with an opportunity to meet Support Staff and Instructors who can answer questions and help with filling out application forms for any of the featured programs. Students are asked to bring their Social Insurance Number, official high school transcripts and proof of Indigenous Ancestry to help complete the applications.

Learn more at indspire.ca

ABOUT INDSPIRE
Indspire is a national Indigenous charity that invests in the education of Indigenous people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. Indspire’s vision is to enrich Canada through Indigenous education and by inspiring achievement. In partnership with Indigenous, private and public sector stakeholders, Indspire educates, connects and invests in Indigenous people so they will achieve their highest potential.

Winnipeg, MB – Red River College is proud to announce that Carla Kematch has been hired as the new Manager, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement. Kematch will lead the College in their commitment to Manitoba’s Indigenous Education Blueprint, an unprecedented commitment to advance Indigenous education in the province and to make Manitoba a global centre of excellence for Indigenous education, research, languages and culture.

As one of nine post-secondary signatories to the Manitoba Indigenous Education Blueprint, which takes action on recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the College recognizes it has an important, proactive role to play in supporting reconciliation efforts in the province.

“A key priority for the College is to strengthen our partnerships and continue to advance Indigenous achievement in our communities, and education is the key to improving the lives of Indigenous peoples and to improving Indigenous and non-Indigenous relations across Canada,” said Rebecca Chartrand, Executive Director, Indigenous Strategy. “Our role as a college is to ensure we create the programs, supports and opportunities that allow Indigenous peoples to demonstrate their leadership and innovation in all facets of our society. We are excited about the skills, experience and perspective that Carla brings to the College as we look at addressing the important role we play in supporting the calls to action towards Truth and Reconciliation.”

Kematch comes to the college with 30 years’ experience working within the Indigenous community in a variety of capacities, including the development of training programs for staffs, community clients, board members and other partners which has also included: policy development, needs assessment, implementation plans, evaluation and delivery of group training. As part of her work in program development, she developed, launched and stabilized Art City. Her policy work at the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs for five years focused on promoting Indigenous hiring, recruitment and retention plans. From there, she worked at the Mental Health Commission of Canada as a Project Winnipeg Site Consultant and United Way as their Capacity Building Director.

In addition to these projects, Carla has extensive knowledge developing recruitment and retention plans for government department and projects, private sector and nonprofit organizations: such as the Red River Expansion Project and Valard Construction. In both these projects, Indigenous communities were engaged and processes were developed for the hiring and training of Indigenous community members.

“This position came up and it just seemed like a natural fit for me to move in and indigenize the different areas within Red River College. I know it’s a big project but I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said Kematch. “The 94 Calls to Action covers all aspects of everyone’s lives; health and wellness, government policy, and education institutes, so it’s all encompassing. It also recognizes the history of Indigenous people, their challenges as well as celebrating the culture. Ideally, we will embed, instill and recognize the Calls to Action within every area. I think everybody is doing it already, they just haven’t been able to identify what it is they are doing and how it correlates to the specific calls, so if staff and students recognize that they are already doing it then it will be easier to embed it and instill it in how they work every day.”

What we’re doing is working; for students, industry and 2,300 dedicated employees

Winnipeg, MB – Today, RRC celebrates its commitment to creating personal and professional learning opportunities for employees – almost half of which are alumni and graduates themselves – an accomplishment that once again lands the College a spot on Manitoba’s Top Employer list for nine years running.

“When it comes to educating students, providing training and research opportunities, and meeting the needs of industry – what we’re doing is working,” said Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer. “And it’s the dedicated efforts of our staff and faculty members who make this statement a reality everyday with their commitment to the College and our students.

“This is why we are continually striving to build a work environment that has programs and supports, including training and professional development opportunities that ensure staff and faculty success.”

Learning is a core value of Red River College, which is committed to providing an exceptional learning environment for employees as well as students. The College focuses on staff learning and development activities and events, led by industry experts – most of whom are all members of the Red River College community.

“Every week you will hear of a different department hosting an event. From research lunch and learns, to traditional Sweat Lodge ceremonies, to mental health speaker series, to daily fitness classes – there are many opportunities for staff to engage in new professional and personal development activities. This is something we encourage all employees to take advantage of,” said Gudmundson.

The College has also continued to introduce more formalized internal training opportunities to encourage continuous lifelong learning and professional growth. These include major initiatives like RED Forum, a day-long professional development event for all RRC employees from all campuses, and a new online training program, Lynda.com, which provides unlimited access to 6,000+ videos and courses at the click of a button.

Those interested in learning outside of office hours also have access to RRC’s School of Continuing Education, which delivers over 100 personal and professional development programs, including full and part-time certificate programs.  All College employees are eligible to enroll and tuition fees are waived if there is space available in the course.

“As a College we are committed to educating the community and we are proud that this includes our very own dedicated staff and faculty members,” said Gudmundson.

“As educators, leaders, researchers, and innovators committed to education, meeting the changing needs of industry, and contributing to the province’s economic growth, we are proud of the work we are doing, and to once again be named one of Manitoba’s Top Employers.

For more information please visit: http://www.canadastop100.com/manitoba/

Award-Winning Skilled Trades and Technology Centre Officially Opened by Red River College and Province of Manitoba

With a little help from its Robot-in-Residence – Baxter – Red River College (RRC) and the Province of Manitoba officially opened the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (STTC) at the College’s Notre Dame Campus.

Education and Training Minister Kelvin Goertzen led the official ceremonies and assisted Baxter with his task of opening RRC’s newest addition to its Notre Dame Campus.

“Careers in the skilled trades are in high demand across the province and this building creates the opportunity for more Manitobans to receive top-level training that will keep our industries ahead of the curve and continue to grow our economy,” said Goertzen.

“We are pleased to have invested $61.6 million to help Red River College develop an inspired learning environment with state-of the-art equipment that takes post-secondary training to new heights.”

The new Skilled Trades and Technology Centre spanning 104,000 square-feet will boost RRC’s training capacity by 30 per cent, and provide training and education for up to 1,000 students a year in many high-demand trades, including:

• Electrical
• Carpentry
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Manufacturing Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
• Manufacturing Technician
• Precision Metal Machining
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, and,
• Technology Management

“For 80 years we’ve created programs and innovative learning spaces that equip our grads with the right skills and experience to meet the needs of our province’s economy and its workforce. The STTC is part of the ongoing growth we’ve been experiencing at Red River College – and today, we’re not just celebrating the trades, we’re putting them at the forefront of what we do,” said Paul Vogt, President and CEO of RRC.

“We’ve had a reputation for being ‘just’ a trades college – yes, we are a trades college, and we’re proud of that. We’re also so much more than a trades college, and you can see that in the way the STTC was built. Every component was designed for the student experience, for applied-learning. The building itself displays the leading-edge construction techniques students will be putting into practice after they graduate from Red River.”

Students walked through its doors for the first time this August, experiencing what is designed to be a celebration of the trades and technologies. Each program’s unique laboratories and workshops are on display through floor-to-ceiling windows and are linked together by the sky lit Galleria, allowing for industry professionals, staff, and prospective students to see skills at work. Sensors in the walls, windows and ceilings will allow students to monitor how the building is interacting with the external environment. And the crawlspaces below the building are tall enough to allow students to study all aspects of the heating, electrical and water systems.

Faculty, staff and students had a large hand in the STTC’s design and building process. Number TEN Architectural Group designed the building after holding hundreds of consultations with the College community to determine needs for today and for the next 80 years.

Some examples of student and staff involvement include: student-built workbenches, tool cabinets, PLC and Motor Control instructional stations. The interior and exterior brickwork was designed in the College’s Masonry program and full-size curtainwall mock-ups were built and tested in the College’s BETAC (Building Envelope Technology Access Centre) program.

Akman Construction broke ground on the project in 2016 and are currently working to complete an addition to the building, the Smart Factory, which is scheduled to be complete in 2019. The building has already earned the Green Building Excellence in New Construction award from the Manitoba chapter of the Canada Green Building Council for its efforts in sustainability and LEED Gold target. Some key highlights of the building’s green efforts include a geothermal heating system, tubular skylights, a rainwater retention system and a green roof garden.

This project was made possible through the generous support of the Province of Manitoba, Bockstael Construction Ltd. and the Gene Haas Foundation.

It has been a very difficult few days for members of the Red River College community as we heard the frightening news that one of our instructors was assaulted off campus in the Exchange District while walking to catch a bus on Tuesday evening.

Many of you have been asking for an update on our instructor’s condition and I’m thankful to report that he has been discharged from the hospital and is now recovering at home. We are continuing to stay in touch with him and will provide any support he and his family need. He gave us permission to provide this update about his condition. Thanks for all of your expressions of concern and well wishes, which I was able to pass along to our instructor during our visit yesterday afternoon.

A counsellor from LifeWorks, the College’s Employee and Family Assistance provider (EFAP) will be on site at Roblin Centre tomorrow, Friday, October 19, 2018 to meet with any staff who require support. The counsellor will be in W306 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Please don’t hesitate to drop in and talk with our counsellor.

I also had the opportunity to talk with many of you yesterday about your security concerns – thank you for taking the time to share your views and also your ideas on how we can improve safety for our staff and students. The safety of our RRC community is our top priority and it is why we took several immediate measures to increase security including adding a dedicated mobile street patrol unit from 4 p.m. to midnight daily for our facilities in the Exchange District. We have also extended the hours of security coverage until 11 p.m. at ACE Space on McDermot (in addition to the 24/7 coverage provided at the Roblin Centre and PGI).

During our conversations yesterday at EDC, a number of people expressed concern about the specific area where the assault occurred – under the covered walkway next to the former Public Safety Building. We know this vacant block is of concern and will continue to push for measures, such as improved lighting, that could help enhance pedestrian safety. We will also ensure that our mobile street patrol unit prioritizes this particular area during their daily security duties.

RRC Security and the College’s Safety and Health Services (SHS) units have also begun an in-depth review of the incident and our security procedures to determine if additional measures are needed. We welcome your suggestions so please don’t hesitate to reach out to members of our Security and SHS teams with your ideas.

I also understand that we have seen an increase in the use of our Safe Walk Program since the incident and I’m pleased that staff and students are using this service. I know that people are sometimes reluctant to ask for help when they are leaving campus and walking to their car or the bus, but our security folks are anxious to be of service. As you know, there are Safe Walk phones available for use on campus, or you can call the following security numbers:

• EDC – 204-949-8305
• PGI – 204-631-3381
• NDC – 204-632-2323

The Winnipeg Police Service is continuing to investigate the incident and we will provide updates as they are available. The police are also asking for the public’s help and if you or anyone you know have information that may assist them, please contact them at 204.986.6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204.786.TIPS (8477).

Paul

Paul Vogt  | President & CEO

Red River College of Applied Arts, Science and Technology

The College is immediately undertaking measures to increase security at our Exchange District Campus (EDC) after an incident last night where one of our faculty members was hurt during an assault off campus in the area.

We are grateful our instructor is recovering in hospital and we have been in regular contact with his family during this time. We will continue to focus on his well-being and offer all the support we can to our instructor and his family. We are also working with Winnipeg Police Services, who are investigating the incident.

The safety of our staff, faculty and students is our top priority. As a result, the College is taking several immediate measures to increase security.

Effective today, we are extending the hours of security to ensure coverage until 11 p.m. at ACE Space on McDermot (in addition to the 24/7 coverage provided at the Roblin Centre and PGI), and adding a dedicated mobile street patrol unit from 4 p.m. to midnight daily for our facilities in the Exchange District.

These increased security measures will take effect this afternoon. RRC Security and the College’s Safety and Health Services units will also undertake an in-depth review of the incident and our security procedures to determine if additional measures are needed.

I appreciate many of you are anxious for more details about the well-being of one of our friends and colleagues and we will provide an update when more information is available. I can share with you that the incident happened last night when our instructor was walking off-campus on his way to catch the bus after his evening classes.

This is why it is extremely important for us to increase our mobile security presence around EDC and make sure our staff and students are using our Safe Walk Program when they are leaving campus and walking to their transportation. There are Safe Walk phones on campus available for use, or please call the following security numbers for mobile security services:

• EDC – 204-949-8305
• PGI – 204-631-3381
• NDC – 204-632-2323

I would also encourage all staff and students to download our mobile safety app, which includes a direct link to our Safe Walk services. Please visit http://apparmor.com/clients/rrc.mb.ca/ for more information.

This is an extremely upsetting incident and if you require counselling services, please don’t hesitate to access our employee support program (EFAP) at 1-877-207-8833 or RRC Counselling Services https://www.rrc.ca/counselling/ who can provide further resources and support.

Paul Vogt

Paul Vogt
President & CEO, Red River College

For immediate release: October 1, 2018

WINNIPEG, MB – Due to a Manitoba Hydro power outage, Red River College’s Notre Dame Campus is closed and all daytime classes at the Notre Dame Campus will be cancelled. This outage is affecting more than 6,000 customers across Winnipeg and Hydro will need an extended period of time to resolve the issue.

Manitoba Hydro expects to have the issue resolved later this afternoon, therefore Continuing Education courses and evening classes at NDC will continue as scheduled.

Regular operations are expected to resume on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. All other campuses remain open today.

RRC Culinary Research and Innovation program steps up to the plate for the Pretzel Place.

Winnipeg, MB – Forget the peanuts and Cracker Jacks – today, Red River College and local business, The Pretzel Place, will launch a new beer flavoured pretzel seasoning before the Winnipeg Goldeyes’ game at Shaw Park.

The seasoning was created by RRC’s dynamic Culinary Research and Innovation (CR&I) program, which over the last few years has seen substantial growth in the areas of new food products and ingredient applications.

“The demand for culinary research and innovation in our province is increasing, and our CR&I program continues to ‘step up to the plate,’ to develop new and advanced uses for locally grown food while supporting Manitoba’s agricultural and food industry through applied research,” said Paul Vogt, President and CEO of Red River College.

“This partnership with The Pretzel Place is just one of many delicious examples of new product creation and culinary creativity at work in our community.”

The CR&I program is located within RRC’s School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, allowing researchers to tap in to the knowledge of accomplished chef instructors, and recruit students to work on applied research projects with industry.

The program was first launched in 2014, and has been increasing its activities with help of Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). To date, the program has been involved in over 40 industry projects with organizations such as the Manitoba Pulse and Soy Growers, Granny’s Poultry, Piccola Cucina, MSPrebiotic Inc., and The Pretzel Place.  The program actively works with others in the food innovation community including the University of Manitoba and Food Development Centre.

Sue Leclair is a graduate of the RRC Business Administration program and owner of The Pretzel Place’s two locations at Shaw Park and Investors Group Field. Leclair’s idea for the seasoning came from Winnipeg Goldeyes and Blue Bomber fans, who inspired her to come up with a way to marry the flavours of a refreshing game day beer, and her popular twisted snack.

“I first came up with this idea nearly three years ago, so to have it go from idea, to concept, to reality is a really exciting feeling, and it would not have been possible without the support and work of RRC’s dedicated Culinary Research team,” said Leclair.

“Through this partnership, I was able to work with industry leading chefs, and gain access to the latest information on food trends, science and innovation. I am thrilled to share this Manitoba inspired, locally developed beer flavoured seasoning with the entire community.”

RRC’s Culinary Research and Innovation team and The Pretzel Place will be offering free bite-sized samples of the new beer-flavoured pretzel seasoning at 6:00pm on the Promenade of Shaw Park before the Winnipeg Goldeyes’ game this evening. The seasoning will be available at both Pretzel Place locations and for catering events moving forward.

Media is invited to attend this event. RRC President and CEO, Paul Vogt, the Culinary Research and Innovation team, and Sue Leclair will be available for interviews.

Local icon Ray St. Germain to receive Creative Communications diploma for lifetime achievements in broadcasting, storytelling and educating Canadians about Metis people and culture.

WINNIPEG, MB June 5, 2018 – A household name across the prairies, Ray St. Germain was honoured last night as Red River College’s (RRC) 2018 Honorary Diploma recipient.

Ray St. Germain is an award winning producer, host, entertainer and voice actor on more than 600 television programs over the last four decades – including Big Sky Country, Rhythms of the Métis, and the 1969 Canadian variety series Time for Living, and NCI-fm radio host of the Manitoba Metis Federation’s “Metis Hour X 2” – his engaging, creative and passionate storytelling style serves to shine a spotlight on the history of Manitoba, and to build an understanding and appreciation of Métis culture.

“Ray is someone who embodies the values of Red River College and serves as an inspiration to many of the creative young people who are receiving their diplomas alongside him today,” said Paul Vogt, President and CEO of RRC. “This is the highest honour given by Red River College, and is reserved for individuals who have achieved considerable success in their lives. We have tremendous respect for Ray, who has dedicated his life to sharing the stories of Métis people, and opened the door for others to do the same.”

St. Germain is the 25^th person to receive the award since 1995, joining notable Manitobans such as Senator Murray Sinclair, Stella Blackbird and Ace Burpee in being recognized.

“Storytelling has always been a part of who I am. There are so many ways to tell stories and I’m proud to have been able to share mine in so many different ways and with so many different audiences. Even more so, I’m happy to have been able to pass these gifts along to my children, and encourage them to speak their truth through song,” said Ray St. Germain. “I am extremely honoured to receive an honorary diploma for such a highly regarded program, and from an institution that is making strides in the advancement of Indigenous education.”

Honorary Diploma Recipients are selected based on their personal and professional achievements, as they pertain to one or more of the criteria outlined below. The individual:

• Has made significant contributions to either: (1) Red River College; (2) a particular field of post-secondary study; and/or (3) post-secondary education on a local, national or international level;
• Has accomplished great success in either a paid or volunteer position that reflects the values of Red River College;
• Enhances or promotes the College’s image/reputation in Manitoba or elsewhere; and/or
• Serves as an inspirational example to the College community due to significant accomplishment or achievement.

For his contributions to Canadian culture, Mr. St. Germain has received numerous awards, including the Aboriginal Order of Canada, the Order of Manitoba, and the Order of the Sash – Saskatoon and Prince Albert. He has also been inducted into the Manitoba Aboriginal Music Hall of Fame (2005), and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (2010).

For using his voice, music and the mediums of TV and radio to shine a light on Indigenous and Métis culture – to share with Canadians and cultures around the world, Red River College found St. Germain to be highly worthy of this year’s honorary diploma in Creative Communications.

To learn more about Creative Communications, click here.