Citizenship Judge Suzanne Carrière led the evening, providing clear explanations and practical guidance on eligibility, the application process and what one could expect along the way. Her interactive presentation created space for participants to ask questions and gain accurate, reliable information directly from a trusted source. 

“Citizenship judge Suzanne Carrière delivered vital information about Canadian citizenship in a way that was accessible, informative and welcoming,” said Kerri Korabelnikov, Dean of Education, Arts and Sciences at RRC Polytech. “When information is shared in this way, it becomes empowering and helps people make confident, informed decisions.” 

Events like this reflect CNI’s ongoing commitment to supporting newcomers beyond the classroom. While language training is central to CNI’s programs, information sessions and community partnerships play an important role in helping students build knowledge, access resources and prepare for life in Canada. 

The event was made possible through strong collaboration between CNI, Building Bridges for Newcomers and IRCC. Partnerships like these help expand access to important information and ensure newcomers can connect with the services and support they need. 

CNI would like to thank Citizenship Judge Suzanne Carrière for sharing her time and expertise, and acknowledge the contributions of partners and organizers, including Jesús Tejeda, Carmen Puente and Michelle Johnson. Their collective efforts helped create a welcoming and informative environment for all who attended. 

As newcomers continue their journey toward citizenship, sessions like this provide valuable guidance and reinforce the importance of community, connection and accessible information. Support from partners like BMO helps make initiatives like this possible by expanding access to programs and resources that empower newcomers. 

RED Talks features short, live presentations followed by small-group discussions. The format introduces students to lecture-style learning in an interactive and supportive environment where they can share ideas, explore new perspectives and strengthen their communication skills. 

By combining inspiring speakers with guided discussion, RED Talks encourages students to see English not just as a classroom subject, but as a tool for connection, leadership and opportunity.

Event Details 

Date: Monday, March 2, 2026 
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Location: Roundhouse Auditorium, Exchange District Campus (319 Elgin Ave.) 
Cost: Free for CNI students and staff 

What to Expect 

The morning will feature: 

• Short live presentations from experienced leaders and community builders 

• Facilitated small-group discussions where students can practise English, ask questions and reflect on key ideas 

• A welcoming, student-centred environment designed specifically for language learners 

RED Talks supports language development through authentic experiences. Students are encouraged to listen actively, participate in discussions, and build confidence speaking in a group setting. 

Speakers 

This edition of RED Talks will feature leaders from communications, settlement services and health sciences, each bringing a unique perspective on leadership, resilience and community impact. 

Nicole Harris 
Founder and CEO, Solv Communications 

Nicole Harris has more than 25 years of experience in strategic communications and reputation management. She has advised leaders and brands around the world, including the President of Iceland, NASA’s first Indigenous astronaut and organizations launching at major international events. 

As a crisis management and reputation expert, Nicole has helped Fortune 500 companies, municipalities, non-profits and executives navigate complex challenges and emerge stronger. Her work focuses on strengthening brand trust through strategic thinking and authentic storytelling. 

Nicole also mentors young entrepreneurs as a Junior Achievement board director, reflecting her commitment to developing future leaders. 

Jorge Fernandez 
CEO, Immigrant Centre 

Jorge Fernandez has been a leader in Manitoba’s newcomer-serving sector for nearly 35 years. Originally from Ecuador, Jorge began his career in Winnipeg as a teacher’s aide supporting Spanish-speaking students. That experience shaped his lifelong commitment to helping newcomers settle and succeed in their new communities. 

Since joining the Immigrant Centre in 1993, Jorge has played a key role in its growth and impact. Known for his optimistic and people-first leadership style, he has contributed widely to the community, including serving as past president of the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations. 

Jorge is a recipient of the Honour 150 Award, recognizing his contributions to building a stronger and more inclusive Manitoba. 

Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards 
Dean, Health Sciences and Community Services, RRC Polytech 

Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards is an experienced academic leader in Canada and Jamaica. Her work focuses on strategic planning, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, community collaboration and curriculum development. 

She holds a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Saskatchewan, a Master of Public Health in Research Epidemiology and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology. 

Through her leadership in health sciences education, Dr. Chambers-Richards supports student success and strengthens connections between education and community. 

Questions? 

Talk to your instructor or contact the Centre for Newcomer Integration for more information. 

RED Talks is presented by the Centre for Newcomer Integration in partnership with BMO. 

Speak to your instructor to register for these seminars

No registration required, just drop in and join the conversation!  Sessions will run weekly for the duration of the term, starting the week of January 12th. 

• Tuesdays, 12:00-12:50pm at Exchange District Campus (EDC), Room P-204
• Thursdays, 12:00-12:50pm online, visit the ASC website to find the links.

  Each week participants will practice different conversational speaking skills, including:

• Starting a Conversation
• Closing a Conversation
• Interrupting
• Resuming after an interruption
• Giving opinions
• Asking personal questions
• Keeping the Conversation Going
• Checking Comprehension

Conversation skills will be practiced around topics of interest to the group, including:

• Getting to know one another
• Family & Friends
• Winter activities
• Cultural practices
• Getting to know Winnipeg

To learn more, contact ealsupport@rrc.ca.

On Monday, November 24, over 200 hampers were distributed to CNI students at the Exchange District Campus. The event brought together CNI students, staff, volunteers and community partners, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere during a busy and often challenging time of year for many newcomers. 

Each hamper included non-perishable food for families and gifts for children, helping students celebrate the holidays with dignity and comfort. For many recipients, the hampers offered reassurance and relief, reminding them that they are supported as they build new lives in Manitoba. 

Students shared their gratitude and spoke about how meaningful it was to receive support during the holiday season. For families with children, the anticipation of opening gifts added excitement and joy, making the season feel more complete. 

We are deeply grateful to the Christmas Cheer Board for providing hampers for CNI students, making this initiative possible. Special thanks to Red River Messenger/Courier Inc. and Beaver Truck & Leasing for whose generous support ensured the hampers were safely transported from the Christmas Cheer Board to CNI, ready for timely distribution. 

From morning to night, volunteers and staff worked together to organize hampers, greet families with warmth, and create an atmosphere of generosity and community that made the day truly special. Their efforts helped ensure the event ran smoothly and that every student felt welcomed and supported. 

The Christmas Cheer Board hamper distribution is an important initiative at CNI. It reflects the power of partnership, kindness, and community, and highlights how working together can make a meaningful difference in the lives of newcomers during the holiday season. 

As students and their families headed home with their hampers, the true spirit of the season was clear: it’s about feeling supported, welcomed, and connected. This event highlighted what truly matters during the holidays—coming together as a community, sharing kindness, and caring for one another. 

Through participation in lectures, discussion in case studies, and applied practice in role-plays, you will gain communication skills and confidence for interacting with a diverse group of patients and colleagues to gather and share information, provide culturally safe care, advocate for patients, and manage challenging interactions and conflicts.

Helps You Move Forward in Your Nursing Career

Completing CPP-IENs gives you a competitive advantage. This course is accepted in both major nursing bridging programs in Manitoba. This means the work you do now can help you move faster toward your LPN or RN goals.

CPP-IENs is recognized by:

• Assiniboine College
  • It is the communication course used in the Practical Nurse Qualification Re-Entry (PNQR) program for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

• RRC Polytech
  • It is equivalent to and can be taken for credit as COMM-1206, the required communication course in the Nurse Re-Entry Program (NREP) for Registered Nurses (RNs).

This recognition can save you time, reduce your workload and stress during a nursing bridging program, and help you take your next step with confidence.

Benefits of CPP-IENs

• no cost to participants
• accepted in both the RN and LPN pathways
• flexible (fully online, with some components done independently on your own time)
• meets the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba (CLPNM) and the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM) bridging communication requirements
• gives you lots of practice to build your communication skills and confidence in a supportive classroom environment.
• can be taken before or during your bridging program.

What You Will Learn

In this course, you will learn key communication skills needed for working as a nurse in the Canadian healthcare system. You will examine concepts related to health and wellness, ethical and safe patient care, diversity and intercultural competence, and communication for professional practice. This includes patient-centred therapeutic communication, collaborative communication, conflict resolution, and reflective practice.

Who Can Apply?

To take part in this program, you will need:

• A computer with a webcam, internet, printer, and a good headset
• CLB 7 (or CLB 6 in one skill area, which may be considered)
• Language level assessed at WELARC and referral to the RRC CNI Health program
• Naturalized Canadian citizens and work permit holders with a valid official language assessment (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo) can also be considered and should contact hesp@rrc.ca

If you are an internationally educated health professional interested in occupation-specific language training—or a nurse with lower English proficiency—please reach out to us. Our next course starts January 2026—don’t wait! We plan to offer this program every term, so now is the perfect time to join. Interested? Email us at hesp@rrc.ca.

CPP-IENs is a helpful step for internationally educated nurses who want to build strong communication skills and feel more ready for the Canadian workplace. It supports you as you work toward your nursing goals and prepares you for success in Manitoba’s healthcare system. This program is offered with support from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Manitoba government.

The Open Doors series is a new initiative designed to strengthen connections across Manitoba’s newcomer-serving sector. This series invites newcomer servicing organizations to open their doors, share their work, and build relationships that support collaboration and innovation. Hosting the event at CNI provided an opportunity for participants to see the programs and spaces where newcomers build the language and communication skills they need to move forward in education, training and employment. 

The event opened with remarks from Kerri Korabelnikov, Dean, School of Education, Arts and Sciences at RRC Polytech. She spoke about the importance of collaboration across organizations and the role partnerships play in supporting newcomer success throughout Manitoba. 

Members of the CNI leadership team then shared overviews of their program areas, including Stage 1 and Stage 2 language training, occupation-specific programs and health programming. These presentations gave partners a clearer understanding of how CNI supports learners at different points in their journey, from building foundational English skills to preparing for work, post-secondary education and regulated professions. 

Lindsay Lambert, from the RRC Polytech Student Recruitment team, shared information on the wide range of full-time and part-time programs available. This not only highlighted educational pathways beyond language training at CNI but also created opportunities to connect newcomers with other organizations and resources. By showcasing these programs, the session helped build awareness of how learners can continue their education and engage with broader community supports.  

Following the presentations, participants engaged in facilitated networking sessions. CNI team members joined partners in small group discussions to explore shared questions, challenges, and opportunities. These conversations fostered open dialogue and practical strategies for how organizations can work together to better support newcomers across the province.  

The formal portion of the event concluded with closing remarks from MANSO, including an overview of upcoming events and opportunities to continue collaboration within the network. 

The afternoon wrapped up with guided tours of the Centre for Newcomer Integration, providing  participants a chance to explore the space, ask additional questions and continue informal conversations. For many attendees, seeing the classrooms and learning environments added important context to the earlier discussions. 

Events like Open Doors highlight the value of bringing organizations together in person. By sharing spaces, programs and perspectives, partners can strengthen relationships and build a more connected newcomer-serving sector in Manitoba. 

The evening opened with remarks from event organizer Jesse Friesen, who encouraged students to see Red Talks as a chance to learn with and from one another while strengthening real-world communication skills. After that, three 20-minute presentations were delivered by inspirational speakers. They spoke on a range of topics including personal stories, career journeys, honest reflections about the challenges and successes they experienced as newcomers or professionals working with newcomers and artificial intelligence. 

The speakers for the evening were Jhocelin Gilbert, Juanita DeSouza-Huletey and Rebecca Molly Hiebert. Jhocelin began the night by sharing her story of coming to Canada, the challenges she faced and incredible lose she faced and then how she built a successful path by staying determined and helping other newcomers. Next, Juanita spoke about aligning passion with purpose. She encouraged students to recognize their strengths and use them to guide their career and life decisions. The final presentation was from Rebecca, who introduced ideas about artificial intelligence and how new technology may shape learning and work in the future. Their stories and insights set the tone for meaningful discussions throughout the event. 

After each presentation, students participated in small-group discussions guided by thought-provoking questions. These discussions were lively and supportive, with students sharing their own thoughts, experiences and ideas. It felt like a safe space to practice English and connect with classmates in a meaningful way. 

Once the group discussions were wrapped up, students were invited to share their reflections at the event. Several brave students stood at the front to present what they had discussed with their groups to the whole audience. They shared what stood out to them, what they learned, and how the messages connected to their own lives. Their comments added a strong sense of community and showed how willing students are to encourage one another. 

Throughout the evening, one message resonated: find the meaning within yourself. Students reflected on how their skills and perspectives can contribute meaningfully to their future and to Canada. They also mentioned how important it is to have purpose; that small daily actions and staying determined, even when life feels challenging, can bring you closer to achieving your dreams.   

Students were also interested in the discussion about AI. The topic raised important questions about privacy, learning, and how technology is changing the workplace. Many said they would like to learn more about this in the future. 

Another theme that resonated strongly was volunteering. Students talked about wanting to get more involved in their community, meeting new people, and taking small steps that can open new opportunities. 

Closing remarks were delivered by Dean Kerri Korabelnikov from the School of Education, Arts and Sciences. She thanked the speakers, students and staff for creating a meaningful evening, and encouraged students to continue their hard work. 

Many students shared ideas for future presentations, including more personal stories from immigrants, more information about AI, career and business guidance and details about academic pathways at RRC Polytech. 

Red Talks provided a space for students to learn, practice English, build confidence and strengthen connections with their peers. Thank you to everyone who attended, shared their voices and helped make the evening meaningful for our community. Thanks to BMO for their ongoing support of CNI. Their partnership helps us create opportunities like Red Talks that bring our community together. 

Volunteer Manitoba is visiting CNI!

• Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 5:30 – 7:30 PM
• Location: Outside the CNI Office, 2nd Floor – Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building

Volunteer Manitoba connects people who want to volunteer with organizations that need their support. They provide resources, training, and opportunities for students and community members to get involved, develop skills, and make a meaningful impact in Manitoba.

From one-time opportunities to long-term commitments, Volunteer Manitoba helps you find the right volunteer role to match your passions, interests, and career goals. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, meet new people, and strengthen your community.

Stop by on December 2 to explore volunteer opportunities, connect with staff, and discover how you can make a difference in Manitoba!

Discover how you can get involved by visiting: https://www.volunteermanitoba.ca

West Central Women’s Resource Centre is visiting CNI!

• Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 5:30 – 7:30 PM
• Location: Outside the CNI Office, 2nd Floor – Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building

The West Central Women’s Resource Centre (WCWRC) provides programs and services to build community, support families, and empower women from all walks of life. With a strong focus on newcomer settlement, WCWRC offers support in housing, employment, health, language learning, and community connections.

Through drop-in services, mentorship, and culturally safe programs, WCWRC works alongside women and families to navigate challenges and take steps toward building a thriving life in Manitoba.

To learn more about WCWRC programs and services, visit their website: https://wcwrc.ca