Three outstanding Manitobans are the latest recipients of RRC Polytech’s Honorary Diploma: acclaimed creative leader and former politician Tina Keeper and respected automotive industry champions Don and Joyce Sobering.

Keeper and the Soberings were awarded their diplomas at the Spring 2026 Convocation ceremonies held last week at the RBC Convention Centre. The diplomas are awarded to individuals who demonstrate high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements, and whose involvement in the community is widely recognized.

“This year’s Honorary Diploma recipients represent very distinct fields, yet they are connected by a common drive to improve their communities through a deep passion and dedication to their work,” said RRC Polytech President Fred Meier.

“The values that Don and Joyce Sobering and Tina Keeper bring to their work align with those that drive our mission — learning, respect, integrity and collaboration. This makes them a natural fit.”

Keeper — whose multifaceted career spans film, television and theatre production, as well as acting, advocacy and public service — received the Honorary Diploma in Creative Communications.

“I am beyond honoured and delighted to be accepting this,” said Keeper (shown above). “While I have been actively involved in serving as an advisor on RRC Polytech’s Advisory Committee, this opportunity is truly a wonderfully unexpected surprise. For the institution to recognize my work and efforts through Kistikan Pictures and its impact on the local creative landscape is an extraordinary honour.” Read More →

Potential learners who self-declare as First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis or Inuit are now eligible for free application to any RRC Polytech program.

“We know improving access for Indigenous learners and for students from different backgrounds requires multiple forms of support,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice-President Academic.

“Waiving the application fee and working directly with Indigenous students and the communities that support them allows us to remove a financial barrier that is faced when individuals begin to think about joining RRC Polytech as a student. This is one step in alleviating additional barriers they may face in their journey from applying to attending.”

The initiative reduces a financial barrier for Indigenous learners and follows two month-long pilot campaigns in 2024 and 2025 that drew more than 400 and 700 applications, respectively.

These results demonstrated the demand for more accessible application pathways, contributing to the decision to make the initiative permanent. Laureen Janzen, Director of Student Support Services, said many Indigenous applicants shared that the initiative helped them feel welcome at RRC Polytech.

“One person said they felt like they won the lottery,” says Janzen. “By making this a year-round initiative, Indigenous applicants can now also take their time to consider program fit, meet with some of our support services on campus and really understand the programs and the admission requirements.”

RRC Polytech recognizes that financial barriers are only one of several challenges some Indigenous learners may face when considering post-secondary. Potential learners can connect with an Indigenous Academic Advisor to help navigate the transition to post-secondary.

Current students can also access support at RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Student Support Centres, where they can participate in events, cultural teachings and ceremonies, or spend time with friends. Read More →

Today, RRC Polytech and the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) Local 73 celebrated the signing of an agreement that puts change into action to decolonize and enhance equity and inclusion within the Polytech’s Collective Agreement.

This collaboration — the first of its kind — represents a new and transformative approach to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action within labour relations and the collective bargaining process. What sets it apart is the intentional approach rooted in Indigenous knowledge and ways of being, guided by a Knowledge Keeper and supported by both RRC Polytech and MGEU.

“The signing reflects the collaborative work of RRC Polytech and MGEU to live our shared values, advancing Truth and Reconciliation organizationally and within Manitoba,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“This process stands out across Canada, setting a precedent for other post-secondary institutions by aligning with Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement (TRCE) and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA), honouring Indigenous Knowledge Protocols, and fostering leadership, mentorship and systemic change at the Polytech.”

To review RRC Polytech’s collective agreement, a joint Truth and Reconciliation Working Group was established through an expression of interest, comprised of eight staff and faculty representing both parties.

Guided by Kookum Barbara Bruce’s teachings, ceremony and wisdom, the group ensured the process moved forward in a good way, grounded in Indigenous Knowledge Protocols. Using priority-setting and Design Thinking — a non-linear, iterative process that reflects true Indigenous engagement — the working group developed recommendations under key themes for the collective agreement. Read More →

There’s a meaningful new addition to the flags that fly on the front lawn at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus. This morning, in recognition of the International Week of Deaf People and the International Day of Sign Languages, the Polytech raised the Deaf Flag for the first time in its history, following a short ceremony open to the community.

“Today is a wonderful celebration of our values in action,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO. “RRC Polytech strives to be a place where all members of our community can learn, work and thrive. Our hope is that through raising this flag, we are sending a powerful message to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community that they are welcome and supported on our campuses.”

Deaf staff and faculty members initially raised the idea of flying the flag to demonstrate the Polytech’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, and to show all members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community that they have a place at RRC Polytech.

“The Deaf Flag is a symbol of unity and inclusiveness, making the timing of today’s event all the more significant as we welcomed the return of the ASL-English Interpretation program to RRC Polytech this fall,” says Cheryle Broszeit, an instructor at RRC Polytech.

The ASL (American Sign Language)-English Interpretation program recently underwent an academic transformation of its content, design and delivery to better meet the emerging needs of learners and the community and was led by feedback from the Deaf and interpreting communities. This fall, there are nine students enrolled in the renewed program.

“The ASL-English Interpretation program underscores the value of the connection between the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and interpreting communities,” says Broszeit. “The new and improved program now has a stronger foundation for our students, so they can begin their careers as interpreters confidently and competently once they graduate.” Read More →

RRC Polytech is hosting its seventh annual Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement (TRCE) Week to mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, on September 30.

This year, TRCE Week began on Monday, Sept. 22, with a virtual keynote from Phyllis Webstad, whose story of Residential Schools started the Orange Shirt movement in 2013.

RRC Polytech has also partnered with Nursing student Dasia Chatkana, whose original design is featured on the RRC Polytech Orange Shirt in support of the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, which is awarded to Indigenous students every year in January.

“Every year for seven years, the RRC Polytech community has come together to learn about Truth and Reconciliation and Canada’s true history from Indigenous perspectives,” says Jamie Wilson, RRC Polytech’s Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Business Development and Research.

“It’s important for us as an educational institution to not only affirm these histories centring Indigenous Peoples, but also to raise awareness to non-Indigenous Canadians that what they were taught in school doesn’t necessarily reflect all realities.”

TRCE Week is five days filled with sessions to educate the RRC Polytech community about the many different responsibilities of Truth and Reconciliation.

While Truth and Reconciliation is a year-round commitment for RRC Polytech, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a focal point that encourages employees and students to immerse themselves in Indigenous Teachings, storytelling and experiences.

Opportunities to cultivate understandings of the true history and current issues impacting Indigenous Peoples, and reconciliation efforts by society as a whole, contribute to a stronger, more unified community that benefits all members. Read More →

RRC Polytech has launched a new housing alternative for students attending its Winnipeg campuses — and is looking for community members to open their doors.

Offered in partnership with home-share providers SpacesShared, the new initiative connects students with safe and affordable housing through intuitive technology, scheduled check-ins and dedicated human support.

And with RRC Polytech students now able to access the service, a call has gone out to local residents to sign up as potential hosts.

“When a student comes to study at RRC Polytech, we want to ensure they are supported — not only in their studies, but also in navigating Winnipeg and learning what our city has to offer,” says Giselle Martel, Vice-President, Finance and Administration at RRC Polytech.

“We’ve entered into this partnership to provide students with safe, affordable and convenient options for housing off campus. Having this program in place will reduce the stress for students navigating the housing and rental market on their own, and allow them to focus on their training.”

RRC Polytech’s student residence at the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute provides accommodations for 102 students, but there is a need for other options to support students coming from other parts of Manitoba and Canada, or from outside the country.

Enter SpacesShared, an organization with similar networks across Canada that’s committed to building, sustaining and supporting intergenerational home-sharing and fostering meaningful connections between students and hosts.

“RRC Polytech is the first partnership SpacesShared has in Winnipeg and we’re excited to provide students with a great housing option,” says CEO Rylan Kinnon. “We’ve seen success in cities across Canada and know that students at RRC Polytech will create lifelong friendships with their hosts. Bringing people together creates incredible opportunities for bonding and we love to hear from our hosts and students about the experiences they share together.”

Currently, there are eight people registered to host RRC Polytech students through the service, with hopes that more will register prior to upcoming academic terms. Read More →

RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) has joined an applied research consortium — made possible by a $1.2-million investment from Protein Industries Canada (PIC) — aimed at exploring agri-food opportunities and addressing barriers to food security in rural and remote communities in Manitoba.

The $1.6-million project finds staff and students from PRK and the University of Manitoba’s (UM) College of Rehabilitation Sciences at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences working together with communities across the province to address food insecurity and Indigenous food sovereignty barriers related to First Nations and Red River Métis food production and distribution systems.

“I am pleased to be announcing a new partnership as part of a consortium, together with RRC Polytech and the University of Manitoba, and enabled by the commitment and funding provided through Protein Industries Canada,” said David Beaudin, Minister of Agriculture and Associate Minister of Provincial Education for the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), in a news release.

“This project will help facilitate the reimagining of Red River Métis food systems and will unlock new opportunities to better connect with our foods across the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. I look forward to seeing the project build value through capacity and skills development, all while enabling greater local access to nutritious food options.”

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

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

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

RRC Polytech will more than double the child-care spaces at its Notre Dame Campus daycare, thanks to funding from the federal and provincial governments announced this week.

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

“Child care continues to be one of the barriers that prevents Manitobans from accessing post-secondary education and training,” says Fred Meier, the College’s President and CEO. “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.

“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 child-care 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,” says Executive Director Samantha Henry.

“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.” Read More →

Earlier this summer, the federal and provincial government announced over $12 million in combined funding towards community initiatives and organizations working to end gender-based violence.

RRC Polytech’s Shelter Support Worker micro-credential will receive $350,000 to continue to offer this important tuition-free program – one of 19 organizations in Manitoba to receive such support.

At the July announcement, the Hon. Marci Ien, federal Women and Gender Equality and Youth Minister, joined the Hon. Nahanni Fontaine, provincial Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equity, to announce the combined funding — $6.2 million in federal support, and $6.35 million from the province through Year Two of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

“We are honoured to be a part of this announcement and receive support for our tuition-free Shelter Support Worker micro-credential,” said Christine Watson, RRC Polytech’s Vice-President, Academic. “This training prepares current and future shelter workers to support those in need of refuge from difficult and sometimes dangerous situations. RRC Polytech is proud to be a partner in creating a safer Manitoba for all.”

The micro-credential program is the first of its kind in Manitoba and was designed with industry partners to address skill gaps, meet community needs and improve staffing levels and delivery service in homeless and family violence shelters across the province.

Last year, RRC Polytech celebrated its first cohort of 23 students successfully completing the program and next month will host a ceremony for an additional 19 who will complete the second cohort. Read More →

As part of National Philanthropy Day celebrations, longtime RRC Polytech donors Walter and Maria Schroeder are being recognized for supporting organizations, institutions and individuals — in Manitoba and throughout Canada — with the 2023 Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Manitoba Outstanding Philanthropist Award.

RRC Polytech and the University of Manitoba co-nominated the duo — founders of The Schroeder Foundation, a Canadian charitable organization — in recognition of their dedication to Winnipeg youth.

“Walter and Maria Schroeder’s work has truly been transformative, and today RRC Polytech is so proud to celebrate their contributions to our community as Manitoba’s 2023 Outstanding Philanthropists,” says RRC Polytech president Fred Meier.

“The Schroeder Foundation has awarded hundreds of full post-secondary scholarships to institutions in Winnipeg — including more than 180 to RRC Polytech — which include tuition, books and wrap-around supports.

“Schroeder Foundation students now also have the opportunity to participate in RRC Polytech’s Transition to College program, which helps them start their programs with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed on day one.”

Every year, the Schroeder Foundation donates millions of dollars to organizations, with a focus on improving health care, providing economic education, and empowering youth and Indigenous communities across the country. The Foundation currently invests more than $3 million annually in Winnipeg alone. Read More →