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 →

Bursting onto menus around the globe as a featured flavour, hot honey is the latest food sensation that’s tickling the tastebuds of consumers — from casual diners to connoisseurs. Now, a uniquely Canadian version has hit the market as a result of an applied research project at RRC Polytech.

Bee Maid Honey Limited, a co-operative owned and operated by over 300 Western Canadian beekeepers, recently partnered with RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) to develop its own signature version of hot honey that uses chipotle to bring smoky heat to its traditionally sweet and pure product.

“Bee Maid’s chipotle hot honey is a tasty example of how the Prairie Research Kitchen leads food innovation by supporting companies and communities with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a team of professional and student researchers who specialize in blending food science with culinary skills to solve specific challenges,” says PRK Director Mavis McRae.

Many hot honey products popularized in the US refer to its breakthrough use in the Nashville area and rely on a nondescript pepper blend to achieve its ‘hot’ characteristic, focusing more on heat than flavour. Bee Maid’s experts worked closely with the PRK team to develop a 100 per cent Canadian version with heat from a defined flavour profile that chefs with refined palates can instantly identify and trust to be consistent in their recipes.

“For over 70 years, Bee Maid has proudly packed the finest-quality white, golden and amber honey produced in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba,” says Shannon Bowden, Senior Brand and Communications Manager at Bee Maid. “Our iconic brand is world-renowned for traceability, quality assurance and sustainability — but prior to collaborating with the Prairie Research Kitchen we didn’t have the staff or product development resources to fully explore flavour enhancements like this.” 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 →

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 →

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 →

Students, staff and film buffs of all stripes are invited to discover the pulse of Canadian cinema at an upcoming event presented by the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts.

The free event — Telefilm Canada: A Reel Conversation — takes place Thursday, March 20, from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Round Room at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, 319 Elgin Avenue.

There, the College will host Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada, for an engaging fireside chat. With nearly three decades dedicated to the film industry, Roy brings a wealth of experience, having served in pivotal roles at the National Film Board (NFB) and leading positions in programming, distribution and innovation.

The event presents a unique opportunity for students, faculty and industry professionals alike to delve into the insights and trends shaping Canadian media today. Whether attendees are passionate about film production and storytelling, or simply curious about the future of Canada’s cinematic landscape, the discussion promises valuable takeaways and networking opportunities. 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 →

RRC Polytech is honoured and excited to embark on a meaningful journey to update its Indigenous visual identity.

This project reflects our deep commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous student success and our Strategic Plan priorities.

A key component to the RRC Polytech brand, the updated Indigenous visual identity will serve as a guiding resource for how our College visually represents Indigenous cultures (Inuit, Métis, Status and Non-Status First Nations), stories and relationships across formal communications such as marketing materials, business cards, advertising, signage and presentations.

It will complement our corporate visual identity while highlighting and celebrating Indigenous knowledge, innovation and leadership at RRC Polytech.

To lead this work, we have partnered with Narratives Inc., a creative agency specializing in culturally grounded consultation and design, who is supporting us with an Indigenous-led team

Narratives is working with a Steering Committee, representing areas from across the College, and alongside the Knowledge Keepers Council, to ensure this work is led with care, integrity and Indigenous ways of knowing. Together, we will undertake a collaborative process with input from students, staff, and community partners.

Why This Matters

Indigenous peoples represent the fastest-growing population in Manitoba, yet many continue to face significant barriers to accessing and succeeding in post-secondary education due to enduring and existing impacts of colonial systems. To support reconciliation and create meaningful opportunities, it is essential that our College environment not only welcomes Indigenous students but actively reflects and affirms our identities, histories and cultures.

While fostering a visible identity for Indigenous students and partners is an important step, it is only one of many actions needed to address systemic inequities meaningfully. By creating and sustaining a space that prioritizes safety, respect and cultural relevance, we can begin to build necessary trust, foster meaningful connections with partners, and support Indigenous students in their educational journeys.

How You Can Participate

Your voice is essential to this process. We encourage you to reflect on how this project can contribute to our shared journey toward Truth and Reconciliation and inspire meaningful connections for generations to come. Join one of the many in-person engagement sessions hosted by Narratives on RRC Polytech campuses, and share your perspectives, stories and reflections through the online survey.

This is an opportunity to help shape an identity that will resonate deeply with Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences alike and represent the values that are important to our community.