For Immediate Release: August 3, 2016

WINNIPEG, MB – Red River College has been notified that a Statement of Claim was filed on behalf of Jackie Healey regarding the assault that occurred at the Behavioural Health Foundation in Selkirk, Manitoba.

As a leader in post-secondary education, Red River College is committed to ensuring that our students are safe and secure in all educational settings. We are investigating this incident thoroughly to determine what occurred and what improvements can be made.

Dr. Linda Burnside, PhD, is leading the investigation and review, and we anticipate that her work will be concluded prior to the start of the academic year.

Red River College remains committed to supporting Ms. Healey throughout her recovery and in her educational pursuits.

As this matter is now before the courts, Red River College will refrain from making any further comments related to this incident.

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For Immediate Release: July 7, 2016

WINNIPEG, MB – This message serves as an update regarding the Winnipeg Police Service review surrounding allegations that RRC’s former President used marble from the Union Bank Tower for a home renovation project.

In January 2015, the board asked the Winnipeg Police Service to review these allegations. Prior to engaging the police, the Board had conducted their own internal investigation but the results were inconclusive, which resulted in our decision to ask the Winnipeg Police for their assistance, as they possessed the necessary tools and authority to properly review this matter.

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Today, Red River College (RRC) and the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) committed to explore new ways to work cooperatively to provide programs and services to benefit learners, employers and communities throughout Manitoba.

“This new agreement builds on the strengths of MITT and RRC by growing the relationship between both of our institutions,” said Paul Vogt, President and CEO, Red River College. “Not only will today’s commitment support our work in driving our Province’s skilled trades agenda, but it will put us in a position to collaborate on initiatives that help all students succeed, including Indigenous, newcomer and international students. This evolving relationship between our institutions will continue to allow us to provide meaningful and rewarding educational opportunities and pathways for students.”

The MOU reaffirms their commitment to work cooperatively to provide programs, improve pathways and expand services to benefit learners, employers and communities throughout Manitoba. The MOU further states that both RRC and MITT will examine ways that each institution can share resources – including but not limited to: facilities, equipment, curriculum and faculty expertise – while also supporting economic and social development initiatives to boost opportunities for Manitoba’s Indigenous and international students.

“The signing of the MOU demonstrates the commitment of both colleges to work together to the benefit of our students,” said Paul Holden, President and CEO, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology. “We have to continue to encourage these forms of agreements across the post-secondary system.  Whether that be between universities and colleges or between a college and another college as is the case here, students need the opportunity to take what they have learned and see it recognized as they pursue advanced studies in other institutions in Manitoba.”

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Following the May 29^th attack that left Red River College student Jackie Healey and a worker at the Behavioural Health Foundation in Selkirk severely injured, Red River College has hired Dr. Linda Burnside, PhD to conduct an investigation into the incident and to review current policies and procedures related to workplace practicums for the College’s Child and Youth Care Diploma program.

Dr. Burnside has extensive experience in the social services field in a variety of direct service delivery, managerial, and administrative roles in both non-profit and government sectors, with a particular emphasis on practice in the child and family services system.  Additionally, she is well versed in post-secondary practices, working as a sessional instructor with students studying social work and counselling at the University of Manitoba since 1995. 

She has extensive experience in conducting systemic and case-specific reviews regarding complex cases or serious incidents involving children in care.  She has conducted research and published numerous reports, articles and book chapters on issues facing children and families involved with the child welfare system.  Read More →

WINNIPEG, MB – Tonight, A long-time community leader will be recognized with the College’s highest academic honour for the lasting impact she’s had on the lives of children and families.

Eleanor Thompson, Director of Development at Urban Circle Training Centre, will receive RRC’s 2016 Honorary Diploma in Community Development/Community Economic Development.

As co-founder of Urban Circle, Thompson has worked tirelessly for nearly 30 years to provide accessible, culturally appropriate education and training to Indigenous people in Winnipeg. Thompson is a strong advocate for programs that are grounded in Indigenous culture, and that lead to employment in stable sectors with potential for growth. As such, Urban Circle partners with RRC on certificate programs in heath care, family support and early childhood education — many of which lead to advanced studies in social work and education.

Recently, Thompson served as one of the driving forces behind the development of the Makoonsag Intergenerational Centre on Selkirk Avenue, a 52-space early learning facility for the children of Urban Circle students. She’s also a member of the Premier’s Advisory Council on Education, Poverty and Citizenship.

“She has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to providing culturally relevant and respectful educational opportunities to empower the social and economic development of her community,” says RRC’s Dr. Christine Watson, interim Vice-President, Academic and Research. “Her belief in the transformative power of education truly reflects the mandate and values of Red River College.”

The College’s Honorary Degrees and Diplomas recognize individuals who’ve demonstrated high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements, and whose local, national and international accomplishments qualify them for such a recognition.

Recent recipients include Dave Angus and Ace Burpee (2015), and Larry Vickar and Lisa Meeches (2014).

Thompson will receive her diploma at convocation ceremonies taking place this evening, at 7:00pm at the Centennial Concert Hall.

Red River College’s Spring Convocation takes place from Tuesday, June 7 to Wednesday, June 8^th, 2016 at the Centennial Concert Hall. Times are below:

Tuesday, June 7, 2016 – 7:00pm

• School of Business and Applied Arts
• School of Continuing Education

Wednesday, June 8, 2016 – 1:00pm

• School of Business and Applied Arts
• School of Health Sciences and Community Services

Wednesday, June 8, 2016 – 7:00pm

• Centre for Teaching Excellence, Innovation and Research
• School of Construction Engineering and Technologies
• School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts
• School of Health Sciences and Community Services
• School of Indigenous Education
• School of Transportation, Aviation and Manufacturing

To learn more about RRC’s convocation ceremonies visit: www.rrc.ca/convocation

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For immediate release: June 1, 2016

WINNIPEG, MB – In light of the tragic events that occurred on Sunday, May 29, 2016 resulting in the assault of an RRC student and a worker at the Behavioural Health Foundation in Selkirk, Manitoba, Red River College is hiring an external investigator to launch an investigation into all circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jackie and her family, and the worker who was with her, during this very challenging time,” said Paul Vogt, president and ceo, Red River College. “Our primary focus is on Jackie’s recovery and the support we are able to provide to her, both during and after her recovery.”

The investigation will look at the circumstances surrounding Sunday’s attack. The investigation will determine whether the employer was meeting the terms of the agreement that RRC had in place, whether sufficient security and training was provided to the student while on her work placement, and whether the facility met the required standards and expectations that RRC has with our practicum sites.

The investigation will also determine whether the College is at fault in any way, or if any policies or procedures need to be changed.

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For the sixth year in a row, Red River College is one of Canada’s Greenest Employers. This award acknowledges RRC’s environmentally friendly policies and programs that effectively engage staff in their sustainability efforts.

“Red River College continues to be a champion of sustainability in Manitoba, and I congratulate Sara MacArthur, and the members of our sustainability team for their efforts in continuing to cultivate a culture of sustainability at Red River College,” said Paul Vogt, President & CEO, Red River College. “We’re honoured to continue to receive this recognition for the past six years. This is something every member of our College community takes pride in.”

“There’s a real culture of sustainability at Red River College,” says Manager of Sustainability Sara MacArthur. “Our staff do more than just ‘know’ about sustainability — they also embrace the values of sustainability in their day-to-day actions.”

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Red River College is proud to be named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2016. This prestigious recognition highlights employers that stand out through their efforts to create diverse, inclusive workplaces.

This is the second time Red River College has been recognized with this distinction, having been recognized last year for the first time. Red River College is the only post-secondary institution in Manitoba, to-date that has received this designation.

“At Red River College we strive to ensure equity and diversity are embedded in College practices and demonstrated throughout the institution,” said Paul Vogt, President & CEO, Red River College. “Equity and inclusion form part of our blueprint and enable Red River to create a welcoming and open environment. I know I speak for the entire College community when I say how honored we are to be recognized with this distinction for the second year in a row.”

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A research partnership between Red River College (RRC) and Manitoba Hydro that focuses on sustainable building infrastructure and transportation will receive Canada’s top honour today from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) at a ceremony held at the Governor General of Canada’s residence in Ottawa.

NSERC’s Synergy Award for Innovation recognizes outstanding research and development partnerships between Canadian colleges and industry partners in the natural sciences and engineering. Only one Canadian college receives the award each year.

“This award is the highest level of validation a college can receive for the impact and lasting benefits of its research partnerships efforts,” said Paul Vogt, president and CEO of Red River College. “Our partnerships with industry stakeholders like Manitoba Hydro are critical to our mandate for supporting innovation in Manitoba and providing our graduates with the skills that industry requires.”

The partners have now spent more than a decade conducting applied research in sustainable building infrastructure and transportation, and there is plenty to show for it.

Two major projects associated with the collaborative research by Red River College and Manitoba Hydro include the award-winning Manitoba Hydro Place, which has added an iconic image to energy efficiency on Winnipeg’s skyline, and the development of a zero-emissions electric battery transit bus.

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Red River College opens its doors this week to more than 2,500 prospective students from throughout Manitoba, as part of annual Open House events aimed at showcasing the best the College has to offer.

On Tuesday, Feb. 16 (11am-2 p.m.; 5-8 p.m.) and Wednesday, Feb. 17 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.), attendees can learn about the wide variety of programs and services available at RRC by touring the Winnipeg campuses, meeting with staff and instructors, and taking part in information sessions, career exploration showcases and other interactive events.

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