When close to 700 graduates cross the stage at RRC Polytech’s Fall Convocation ceremonies today, many of them will be wearing newly designed stoles that meaningfully reflect the voices, teachings and stories of Indigenous Peoples.

The Polytech is officially unveiling its new Indigenous visual identity — a project grounded in the institution’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous student success, and shared values of respect, inclusion and belonging.

“Celebrating our latest cohort of graduates is always an exciting, profound occasion,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Today’s ceremonies will carry extra significance, as Indigenous graduates cross the stage wearing new stoles that honour tradition while embracing progress and change.”

The stoles and new visual identity are the result of extensive conversations with Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, staff, Knowledge Keepers, Elders and community partners, led by a steering committee made up of RRC Polytech staff and valued partners.

“The design on these stoles is rooted in sacredness, seasonality and interconnectedness, honouring the distinct identities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples while weaving together themes of land, language and story into a living expression of who we are,” says steering committee member Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement.

“The visual identity reflects teachings learned through engagement sessions and a survey that was shared among our community, ensuring the design is a true reflection of an identity that belongs to all of us.” Read More →

For the first time ever, RRC Polytech has earned a Gold rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System known as STARS. Developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, STARS is the most widely recognized framework for measuring sustainability performance in post-secondary institutions, with over 1,200 participants across 52 countries.

An improvement of more than 20 points from its previous submission, RRC Polytech’s Gold status acknowledges its deep commitment to sustainability across academics, operations, engagement, planning and innovation. It’s a testament to the Polytech’s collaborative, campus-wide efforts to embed sustainability into every facet of its mission.

“This achievement represents much more than just a framed certificate to be proud of — it’s a reflection of the collective effort across our campuses to build a better tomorrow and the real, positive impact we’re making in our community,” says Giselle Martel, Vice-President, Finance and Administration.

“From tangible results, like our ongoing efforts to reduce water and energy use in our buildings to applied research partnerships in clean energy technologies to the long-term investment to embed equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility into our daily actions, the sustainability principles we champion today will shape the innovators and decision-makers of tomorrow.”

Awarded every three years, the STARS ratings motivate organizations to assess how they approach the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability and develop methods and programs to address the global challenges that we’re all facing. Read More →

This evening, RRC Polytech will name Tessa Potter, an Emmy award-winning broadcast technician, the recipient of its 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award.

The award, which recognizes the remarkable personal and professional achievements of RRC Polytech alumni, will be formally presented at an event marking the 60th anniversary of the Electrical Engineering Technology program.

Potter graduated from the program’s Electronic Engineering specialization in 2000 and has since built a distinguished career in television, radio and live broadcasting, earning two Sports Emmy Awards for her work behind the camera at the 2022 Beijing and 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

“Tessa’s career shows how far a polytechnic education can take you, particularly in technical industries,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“Tessa has built an incredible career through collaboration, hard work and continuous learning, which are all qualities that reflect her character and RRC Polytech’s values. We’re proud to count Tessa among our alumni and pleased to recognize her with this award.”

Potter works as a Senior Broadcast Technician at SBL Engineering and as a Broadcast Liaison with True North Sports + Entertainment, where she’s been supporting NHL and AHL broadcasts for over a decade. She balances these roles with broadcast contracts for major international sporting events, such as the UEFA EURO Finals, FIFA World Cup, Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games.

“I’m surprised, but also proud to be acknowledged as a worker who has taken my education and turned it into a career that has been valuable, given me the ability to look after my family and filled my days with challenge, intrigue and some really great people,” says Potter.

“Working in a field like electronics, the range of places where your skills can be applied is really wide. I now understand the importance of that fundamental knowledge even more than I did at the time.” Read More →

As governments, industry and academia work collectively to strengthen Canada’s economy, RRC Polytech’s Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics is proud to launch the new Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer (CAMTT) — a vital solution designed to drive technology adoption across the sector while training the workforce of tomorrow.

Serving as a hub to connect business and industry with applied research, innovation, technology transfer and talent, CAMTT will strengthen our workforce and economy by helping small and medium-scale enterprises in Manitoba address productivity through automation, artificial intelligence, robotics and mechatronics.

By leading collaborative projects as they upskill and reskill in their careers, students at the Price Institute will gain valuable experience solving real-world challenges.

“CAMTT is a collaborative workspace where industry and academic partners can work together to bridge gaps by accelerating the acquisition and adoption of existing and emerging technology,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“Our students will not only hone their skills by leading applied research projects — their insight, energy and expertise will lead to innovative solutions that support Manitoba businesses in today’s competitive global market.”

CAMTT is the first of its kind in Manitoba, with a new working space that can connect faculty, students and partners anywhere in the world. Manufacturers-in-residence will effectively guide teams dedicated to each venture as they experiment to perfect new concepts and processes under a shared vision. Read More →

Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah’s mission to bring more local Indigenous business ideas to life has begun with the launch of its inaugural four-month entrepreneurship program and celebration of its first ever cohort of determined entrepreneurs.

Mittohnee is RRC Polytech’s business accelerator and incubator initiative, created by and for Indigenous entrepreneurs to help aspiring and established business leaders build the necessary networks and access the support and training required for increasing the success of any new or existing venture.

“By creating access, breaking down barriers and ensuring Indigenous entrepreneurs have the tools to succeed here in Manitoba, Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah is opening new economic doors,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“Whether it’s progressing a student’s idea from concept to reality or supporting an established Indigenous entrepreneur and/or band-operated business to pivot, scale up or explore new partnerships, Mittohnee will transform experiential learning, innovation and entrepreneurship into real business opportunities for Indigenous communities.”

The name Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah comes from a Neynowaywin (Cree) expression that means ‘If you are going to do it, do it right. If you don’t know how to do it right, learn how.’

Made possible by the power of partnership — between RRC Polytech, federal and provincial governments, generous corporate partners, TD Bank Group and Canada Life — Mittohnee is a true collaboration and the first of its kind in Manitoba. As one of three Indigenous incubators in the Labs4 national network, it offers additional connections to the innovation ecosystem across the country.

Mittohnee’s inaugural four-month entrepreneurship program will feature mentorship through an entrepreneur-in-residence, training workshops, networking events, opportunities to connect with other business leaders and even student competitions. 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 →

The decision to enter a career in nursing is a noble and compassionate endeavor. For 62 recent alumni from RRC Polytech’s Nurse Re-Entry Program (NREP), that decision was something they’ve committed to twice.

Today, a celebration was held at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae to recognize the individuals who have completed the program since 2024, qualifying them to write their National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses through the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM) and return to the profession as practicing nurses.

“These alumni are a reflection of the commitment RRC Polytech shares with the Province of Manitoba to strengthening the province’s health-care system and supporting nurses in returning to active practice,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“Through targeted gap training and hands-on learning, RRC Polytech is proud to help nurses meet the CRNM’s entry-level competencies and rejoin the workforce with confidence. This program is not just about education – it’s about empowering skilled individuals to make a meaningful impact in our communities.”

NREP is composed of a series of courses that support nurses previously registered and trained — in Manitoba, across Canada or internationally — to gain the skills and competencies needed to return to active practice. Students review current nursing theories, skills and practices while integrating new knowledge and innovations.

The program has three cohorts per academic year and accepts up to 30 students per intake.

“It is always inspiring to meet students who have a passion for helping others and who choose to dedicate their lives to a career in health care,” says Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Community Services, RRC Polytech.

“The nurses we are celebrating have overcome great obstacles and shown pure determination and perseverance to get where they are today. I am confident they will be successful leaders in nursing roles across the province and will join a great team of RRC Polytech nursing alumni who make a difference in Manitoba, each and every day.” Read More →

This month, for the first time in its history, RRC Polytech hosted 10 spring convocation ceremonies across the province to celebrate its largest graduating class in three years.

Nearly 3,750 students from the Polytech’s eight Manitoba campuses crossed stages to receive degrees, diplomas and certificates this month. Winnipeg campuses alone saw a 10 per cent increase in graduates compared to spring 2024, with a total of 1,670 grads registering to attend ceremonies last week.

The increase prompted the addition of a fifth ceremony at the RBC Convention Centre, up over four events in the previous year.

“Convocation is a wonderful celebration — not only of our students’ hard work, but for the future of Manitoba, whose workforce is now receiving this influx of thousands of talented, job-ready individuals,” says RRC Polytech President Fred Meier.

“Our role as a polytechnic is to provide students from across the province with the education, skills and support to become industry leaders as soon as they leave our campuses. Graduation numbers have been increasing year to year — a clear demonstration that our commitment to meeting the emerging needs of both students and industry is working.”

RRC Polytech has seen considerable growth in domestic applications year-over-year, with fall 2024 applications rising 14 per cent since 2023, and winter 2025 applications increasing by 29 per cent from the year before. Enrolment numbers for domestic students also jumped by four per cent in fall 2024 from the previous year. Read More →

This week, RRC Polytech and its post-secondary partners across Canada proudly launched Labs4, an applied research commercialization engine aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and accelerating the country’s innovation economy.

Labs4 brings together 38 Canadian polytechnics, colleges and universities to collaborate with businesses, entrepreneurs and communities on transforming research into real-world solutions.

Initially known as the College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization, Labs4 will develop and deliver hands-on entrepreneurship training, product development support and mentorship through eight regional hubs and three Indigenous entrepreneurship hubs that stretch from coast to coast.

“Labs4 is built for impact. This is innovation with purpose, delivered across every region and rooted in community,” says Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director of Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech and chair of the Labs4 executive committee.

“We operate at the intersection of academia and industry to translate applied research into practical solutions. By teaching researchers and businesses how to work with each other, building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities and scaling innovation with intentional speed and purpose, we’ll equip entrepreneurs to quickly move from insight to action to benefit all Canadians.”

Funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Mitacs and its institutional partners, Labs4 is a $55-million initiative created to close the gap between research and commercialization across all Canadian sectors, while reducing barriers faced by equity-seeking groups and strengthening Indigenous and regional innovation. Read More →