The full program for the 2025 Polytechnic Showcase, hosted at Red River College Polytechnic from May 13-15, is now available.

Each of Polytechnics Canada’s partner institutions will be presenting sessions with topics ranging from harnessing wearable technology and machine learning to support first responders, to building community as part of campus expansion, bolstering the skilled trades, and empowering innovation through AI and applied research.

RRC Polytech’s session, Indigenous Strategy at Work, will be on May 14 during lunch:

At this insightful panel discussion, RRC Polytech will share how its Indigenous strategy is transforming the institution. Hear from staff leading this work and students who are experiencing changes firsthand as they discuss how new approaches are reshaping learning outcomes, institutional policies and procurement, human resource practices and the student experience. Discover how weaving Indigenous viewpoints and strategy into everything we do creates meaningful change across the polytechnic and adds new dimensions to its culture.

Presenter: Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research & Business Development

Click here to see the full schedule and session descriptions

Early bird registration for the 2025 Polytechnic Showcase is available until April 1. Visit Polytechnics Canada’s event page to learn more and to register today.

From May 13 to 15 Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) will be hosting delegates from 13 polytechnic institutions across Canada as well as representatives from industry, business and government for Polytechnics Canada’s annual showcase, focusing on the theme of Propelling Canada’s Productivity.

This year’s keynote speakers, Dr. Niigaan Sinclair and Ben Wildavsky, are sure to inspire attendees to bring new ideas into their thinking and work.

Opening Keynote: Dr. Niigaan Sinclair

Dr. Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe from Peguis First Nation. He is an award-winning writer, editor and professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba who was named by Maclean’s magazine in 2022 as one of the most influential people in Canada. Niigaan is a multiple nominee of Canadian Columnist of the Year (winning in 2018) and his commentary appears weekly on multiple platforms across Canada – from the pages of The Winnipeg Free Press to TV shows on CBC, APTN and on his co-hosted podcast Niigaan and the Lone Ranger. His first book, Wînipêk: Visions of Canada from an Indigenous Centre (McClelland & Stewart, 2024), was a national bestseller that won the 2024 Governor General Award for Non-fiction. He is a former secondary school teacher who won the 2019 Peace Educator of the Year from the Peace and Justice Studies Association based at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

Closing Keynote: Ben Wildavsky

Ben Wildavsky is a veteran higher education strategist, writer, speaker, convener and host of the Higher Ed Spotlight podcast. His decades of experience in journalism and education policy include leadership roles at Strada Education Network, the College Board and U.S. News & World Report. He is a visiting fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2024-2025.

He is the author of The Career Arts: Making the Most of College, Credentials, and Connections. He is also the award-winning author of The Great Brain Race and coeditor of Reinventing Higher Education and Measuring Success with bylines in many national magazines and newspapers, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, Foreign Policy and the Washington Post. His New York Times guest essay, Let’s Stop Pretending College Degrees Don’t Matter, was reprinted in the bestselling textbook The Norton Field Guide to Writing.

He was recently selected as a Fulbright Specialist and a Salzburg Global Fellow. A former scholar at the Brookings Institution, the Rockefeller Institute of Government and the Kauffman Foundation, he has been a speaker on globalization and higher education innovation in 16 U.S. states and 10 foreign countries, including events at Google, the World Bank, the OECD in Paris and the London School of Economics. He has long experience as a consultant on high-profile writing projects, including policy reports and thought leadership articles by education and workforce executives. He has convened leading thinkers to produce memorable events and publications.

Register for the 2025 Polytechnic Showcase

For more information, and to register please visit Polytechnics Canada’s website. Early bird registration is available until April 1.

Last December, Megan Hederson received news from her instructors she’ll never forget – she was shortlisted for the 2024 Canadian Online Publishing Awards (COPAs). And this January, her instructors asked whether she would like to attend the awards to represent RRC Polytech. 

“I was so honoured that my story was worthy of recognition. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I couldn’t not go,” said Hederson, 2024 graduate of the Creative Communications (CreComm) program. 

The COPAs are presented by Masthead, an industry magazine for Canadian publishing professionals, and are judged by media professionals from across the country. Eight student articles – plus the online magazine where they’re hosted – were submitted for the 2024 awards by Emily Cain and Karen Press, CreComm instructors. 

The articles selected by Cain and Press are part of the student-produced Working Draft online magazine. All Working Draft articles are long-form pieces that CreComm students write, peer edit, and focus on continuous improvement through diverse feedback, as a second-year final project. 

The Working Draft theme for 2024 was Time. With this theme, students could take their writing in many directions, opting for a long-form non-fiction creative piece, feature article or white paper. For Hederson, she chose to share a deeply personal moment of time from her life, recounting her experience of psychosis and navigating the mental health system in her feature article, Together We Escape.  

Together We Escape was one of five Working Draft submissions shortlisted for the 2024 COPAs. 

This February, Hederson, who now resides in Bracebridge, Ontario, invited her mom to join, and made the train commute to the COPAs in downtown Toronto. As Hederson sat on the train to Toronto, she read all the fellow Feature Article (Academic) nominations, noting that she was sure In Sickness and Health written by Chloe Hannan would win. 

At the COPAs Hederson made her way to the stage to accept awards on behalf of her peers. She recalls the event MC commenting as she stepped on stage to accept the third award on behalf of her peers and RRC Polytech, “you’re producing really great things out there!”  

When it came time to announce the winner for Feature Article (Academic) category, the Silver award winner was called first, In Sickness and Health written by Chloe Hannan. Next, Hederson heard her name. Together We Escape took home the Gold. 

“While receiving this recognition is incredible, what was even more meaningful was the support of my instructors and classmates throughout the entire process. CreComm instructors – especially Karen Press, Emily Cain, and Joanne Kelly – go above and beyond to set their students up for success. This isn’t just my win; it’s a win for all of RRC Polytech and its CreComm program,” said Hederson, acknowledging that she shed a few tears when she realized she had won. 

Throughout the awards, Hederson was texting live updates to her instructors back in Winnipeg, letting them know each time another CreComm graduate was awarded. 

“When I teach students in semester four of Writers Craft, I haven’t taught them since their first semester, so there’s a lot of growth. It’s rewarding to see how far students have come,” said Cain. 

CreComm students are building an award-winning reputation, placing RRC Polytech in the top three out of 50 post-secondaries and publications such as Toronto Life and CBC British Colombia, at the 2024 COPAs. 

Congratulations to all the 2024 Canadian Online Publishing Awards winners – Danna Carreon (Silver for Investigative Article), Megan Hederson (Gold, Feature Article – Academic), Caleb Jutzi (Gold for Feel Good Story – Academic), and Christina Klysh (Silver for Lifestyle Article).  

Read the award-winning articles that were published as part of the 2024 Working Draft issue on Time: 

A Forest in a Day by Caleb Jutzi  
10,000 trees or bust. 

Together We Escape by Megan Hederson  
When a psychotic break lands a teen in the hospital, she is forced to navigate the mental health system. Eight years later, she meets a woman with similar experiences — and finds community and connection. 

Life Beyond Borders by Danna Bianca Carreon  
International students leave their home countries to pursue their dreams — and education — in Canada, but once they arrive, many are faced with a harsh reality. Housing, employment, and issues around recruitment that don’t surface until they are already thousands of kilometres from home leave many international students in precarious situations. 

The Resale Revolution by Christina Klysh  
Thanks to TikTok, Gen Z, and the impending climate crisis, the online second-hand clothing resale market is booming — but in-person thrifting is here to stay. 

Shortlisted Working Draft article 

Aaniindi Ezhaayin? (Where are you Going?) by Hannah Palamer 
In the family tree, trauma’s roots run deep. After losing a family member to addiction, one young woman confronts the pain of her past and reconnects to her Indigenous identity. 

The Working Draft online magazine was also shortlisted for Best News/Sports site. 

While recent Safety Updates have primarily focused on the Exchange District Campus (EDC), our comprehensive safety strategy extends across all campuses, with a focus on creating a secure and welcoming environment for everyone.  

For this month’s update, we are sharing reminders about safety at the Notre Dame Campus (NDC) and enhancements underway on campus. 

Ongoing Safety Enhancements

Currently there’s a CCTV and security infrastructure upgrade underway at NDC which includes enhancements to cameras, alarm systems, and electronic door access. These upgrades will take place over the next two years, supporting improved surveillance capabilities and increased security effectiveness. 

In addition to updates at NDC, this past fall enhancements were made to CCTV and surveillance systems at the Portage La Prairie and Winkler Campuses.  

Safety Reminders

Accessing Campus

Security Services at NDC is located on the main floor (Plaza Level) of C Building. See campus map for reference. Contractors and visitors must sign in with security upon arrival. 

All campus doors are locked after 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and locked all day on weekends at both EDC and NDC. To access NDC after hours or on weekends, use the east entrance of C Building.  

Staff and students should have their College ID cards on hand at all times, for swipe card access spaces and accessing facilities such as the gym at NDC. 

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. 

Safe Ride and Safe Walk Services

Safe Ride and Safe Walk services are available at EDC and NDC, providing students, staff and visitors with a secure ride or escorted walk between two points on campus, or to a point in close proximity to the College, for example, parking lots. 

To arrange for a Safe Ride or Walk, visit RRC Polytech Security Services in person or call: 

• Notre Dame Campus – 204-632-2323 

• Exchange District Campus – 204-949-8305 

Reporting Security Incidents or Concerns

To report a safety concern or incident, visit Security Services at the campus where it occurred. A Security Officer will discuss the incident with you, ensure a report is completed, and guide you on the next steps you should take. 

If you are in an emergency situation, call 9-1-1 immediately. If using a cell phone, notify Security Services to ensure a coordinated response with emergency services.   

Thank You 

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.

From May 13 to 15 Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) will be hosting delegates from 13 polytechnic institutions across Canada as well as representatives from industry, business and government for Polytechnics Canada’s annual showcase, focusing on the theme of Propelling Canada’s Productivity.

This year’s showcase will have attendees engaging with ideas about how polytechnics are essential to boosting Canada’s productivity, with a mission and mandate built around fueling the country’s economic and innovation ecosystems. Sessions will demonstrate how polytechnics are fostering business growth through applied research, developing an unrivaled workforce, and propelling Canada toward a more prosperous future.

Throughout the showcase attendees will also have the opportunity to tour RRC Polytech’s Exchange District Campus, meet instructors and staff from across programs and the College’s Research, Partnerships & Innovation department, and collaborate with members from other institutions. For more information, and to register please visit Polytechnics Canada’s website. Early bird registration is available until April 1.

For the first time ever, RRC Polytech is proudly delivering a customized version of its Human Resource (HR) Management Certificate program to students in Nunavut. Over the next 13 months, RRC Polytech’s Corporate Solutions team will deliver 10 courses – that include both online and in-person training in the capital city of Iqaluit – to provide critical HR training that was previously unavailable to a class of Inuit learners aged 19-75.

“It’s so rewarding to lead this groundbreaking initiative for the College that contributes to our Indigenous community on a national level,” said Georgette Rochon, Business Development Manager, Corporate Solutions at RRC Polytech. “Our team is committed to building these relationships, breaking down barriers to education and creating customized training that can benefit all communities and organizations, regardless of their location.”  

The Government of Nunavut (GN) partnered with RRC Polytech to fully fund the cost of tuition and is providing support to the cohort of just over thirty of its employees working in a variety of positions across numerous departments. The partnership ensures the talented and motivated professionals working in Canada’s northern-most territory no longer have to leave their homes, families and support systems to pursue the HR training they need to be eligible to waive the National Knowledge Exam® – the recognized industry standard required for designation by CPHR (Chartered Professionals in Human Resources) Canada.

“It’s a super intense course that these students of all ages are choosing to do while still working at their jobs, so it speaks volumes to their level of commitment to their education, careers and their region as a whole,” said Rochon.

Students like Laura Nowdluk, who says a recent lesson on recruitment really piqued her interest and has her feeling optimistic that the strategies and processes they are learning will ultimately lead to increased efficiency right across their government.

“It was great, I loved every minute of it, actually,” said Nowdluk, following the second full week of in-person classes. “It was a lot of information at first, but it was very hands on which I liked.”

Born and raised in Iqaluit, Nowdluk moved south to Kingston, Ontario a year after graduating high school to study computer science and biotechnology but eventually returned home. She is currently working as a Human Resources Coordinator in the GN Department of Justice and had no formal HR training, so she jumped at the opportunity when her manager suggested it.

“I feel I’ve learned so much already,” said Nowdluk. “I could use it to develop and further my HR career, especially up here, there’s a lot of potential to grow and I think this training could help with that.”

One of her additional highlights so far has been the connection her fellow students have made with their instructors and facilitators. Whether it’s working together to overcome minor hurdles involving technology or language, incorporating local governance into the curriculum, or simply sharing their unique customs and traditions, she says the class appreciates their engaging and respectful nature and eagerness to learn as much as they teach. 

“They just have a really friendly aura, they’re very helpful and understanding of the work-life balance as well,” said Nowdluk. “I like it when people are interested in learning not only about the culture from like an Indigenous aspect, but just about day-to-day life in a northern community, how different the norm is up here.”

Given the impactful life experience for everyone involved and the shrinking of a critical gap in educational options in the North, RRC Polytech’s Corporate Solutions team is exploring other opportunities to collaborate with the Government of Nunavut so this mutually beneficial partnership can grow and thrive.  

“By making our training flexible and customizable and living our commitments, we can help everyone feel comfortable and supported throughout their learning experience – which we know increases student success,” said Rochon. “I cannot wait to return to Iqaluit and continue working with such driven professionals.”

Manitoba Hydro has given the ALL CLEAR in Building S – Greenhouse at NDC.

Those who evacuated can now resume operations and all parking lots are now open.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

Manitoba Hydro is enroute to the Notre Dame Campus to investigate a suspected gas leak in the Greenhouse. The Greenhouse was evacuated immediately, along with the surrounding areas.

Please do not enter the Greenhouse and avoid the following parking lots:

• 4W
• C1
• C2
• C3

There are members of the Parking Services team who are onsite and helping to direct traffic away from these areas.

There is no further impact on operations.

We will continue to provide updates through the Campus Alerting System and on rrc.ca/marcom

The energy and excitement were high in RRC Polytech’s South Gym on February 7, 2025, as close to 250 nursing students attended the College’s first-ever Senior Nursing Practicum Showcase, an event hosted in partnership with Manitoba Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office. 

More than 25 employer booths were set up, with representatives and nurses from each of Manitoba’s health service delivery organizations eager to meet with senior nursing students to help guide their decisions for practicum experiences and their future careers. 

“It was a great experience to have managers and nurses from different locations that I might never have thought of or considered,” said third year nursing student Bradley Biggs. “I was able to meet someone in the Interlake region as well as Southern Health, which piqued my interest level. Nursing allows for many options and placements, which is amazing.” 

Katrina Enns, a fellow third-year student, noted that the event helped confirm her interest in completing her practicum in a rural setting in Northern Manitoba: “I gained contact information that I can hold onto for my future career, as well as had the ability to speak with some Northern nurses about their experience,” she said. “Hearing perspectives from representatives was encouraging and reinforced my desire for this experience.” 

Employment engagement opportunities like the Senior Nursing Practicum Showcase help ensure students can build strong connections while they’re still in school, to take forward as they build their careers in Manitoba upon graduation. 

“Hosting events to prepare students for Work-Integrated Learning experiences offers benefits for both students and employers,” said Dusty Ritchie, Director of Work-Integrated Learning and Career Services at RRC Polytech. “Students gain insights into work terms, helping them make informed career choices and expand their networks. Employers can showcase their culture, discuss opportunities, and connect with motivated students, ready to contribute. This collaboration creates rewarding partnerships between educational institutions and industry partners which results in WIL opportunities for students.” 

In her opening remarks, Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Community Services at RRC Polytech, noted that “it takes an immense amount of kindness and dedication to enter a career in healthcare.” 

“Each of you will make a tremendous impact on the lives of Manitobans,” she said. “That impact starts with your education and will continue in the connections you make today. I hope this event allows you to learn more and get excited about the opportunities ahead for you.” 

The kindness of nurses played a large role in Bradley Biggs’s decision to pursue nursing. 

“I lost my dad just over 18 years ago and had the most amazing experience with the nurses that cared for him on a cardiac unit – this inspired me to look at the healthcare field,” he said, noting that the fast pace of nursing school can pose a challenge, as a mature student.  

“It took longer to get things to fall in place and making nursing school a reality, it is never too late to start something you are passionate about.” 

“I chose nursing because I have a strong desire to help others and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives,” added Katrina Enns. “I love hearing people’s stories and the experiences that have shaped them into the person they have become.” 

RRC Polytech is one of Manitoba’s largest trainers of health-care professionals and home to the only three-year Bachelor of Nursing degree program in the province. The College plays a pivotal role in shaping the health-care workforce in Manitoba, and partnerships such as these help to ensure that crucial roles across the province’s health service delivery organizations are filled by a passionate, highly skilled workforce. 

The Senior Nursing Practicum Showcase was made possible thanks to sponsorship from the Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office.

Photos courtesy of Shared Health Manitoba.

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) will be able to more than double childcare spaces at the Notre Dame Campus daycare, thanks to funding from the federal and provincial governments announced yesterday.  

Through the Canada-Manitoba Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, the College’s will receive support to add 74 new childcare spaces to the R.R.C. Early Childhood Centre Inc. 

“Childcare continues to be one of the barriers that prevent Manitobans from accessing post-secondary education and training. RRC Polytech is committed to creating more pathways to education and enhancing the student experience, and we’re thrilled to have the support of the federal and provincial governments to create these new spaces and help us achieve this,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “These new spaces represent an opportunity for potential learners who would otherwise be unable to attend full-time programs; and for staff and community members who have been unable to find convenient, quality childcare solutions.” 

RRC Polytech’s Early Childhood Centre currently has 53 spaces, serving current students, staff and community members.  

“R.R.C. Early Childhood Centre Inc. has been serving staff and students of RRC Polytech for the past 50 years. We are excited to see our program grow to serve more people within the RRC Polytech community,” said Samantha Henry, Executive Director for R.R.C Early Childhood Centre Inc. “We look forward to our continued partnership with RRC Polytech to ensure that we can continue to provide high quality child care and support families, as they pursue their post-secondary education and training or pursue their careers and grow their families.” 

The expansion to RRC Polytech’s Early Childhood Centre was part of an announcement made by the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Children and Social Development for the Government of Canada and the Honourable Tracy Schmidt, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning for the Province of Manitoba. 

“Child care is a vital support for parents, families and communities and that’s why we need to meet parents and children where they are,” said Sudds in a release. “We’ll continue to work with Manitoba to find new innovative solutions to creating more affordable child care spaces, to reduce waitlists and to grow the early childhood workforce, to fit parents needs, where and when they need it the most.” 

“We’re investing in child care spaces to meet parents and caregivers where they’re at to make life easier for families,” said Schmidt in a release. “Our government continues to build the child care system as a whole – creating spaces that meet the needs of families, offering programming to attract and support child care professionals and investing in learning outcomes for a quality early education experience.” 

The governments of Canada and Manitoba are funding 128 new child care spaces between RRC Polytech and the University College of the North’s Thompson campus. These spaces are in addition to those previously announced at nine other post-secondary campuses across the province, for a combined total of over 800 new spaces at Manitoba post-secondary institutions and a total investment of $60.5 million. 

Further details about the construction and anticipated opening date for the RRC Polytech expansion will be shared with the College community as they are available. 

Read the full release from the Federal and Provincial governments 

Opportunities in Early Childhood Education Continue to Grow 

RRC Polytech’s Early Childhood Education and  Early Childhood Education (ECE) Workplace programs have limited spaces available for Fall 2025. The workplace program allows experienced child-care assistants working in licensed child-care programs across Manitoba to remain employed while obtaining the specialized skills needed to be an ECE Level II.  

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit RRC Polytech’s Open Doors event tonight to speak to instructors and learn more about the rewarding career possibilities in early childhood education. Open Doors runs from 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. this evening at the Notre Dame Campus and Exchange District Campus.