Over the last two years, RRC Polytech has provided updates to our community about the Canada-wide changes to immigration that have impacted international students and language training and have created challenges for post-secondary institutions across Manitoba.
Earlier this month, the Province of Manitoba shared an update on how these decisions have disrupted the post-secondary sector both financially and operationally. These changes have led to decline in international student enrolment at post-secondary institutions across Manitoba – including RRC Polytech.
Today, the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) provided an update to their community. Due to changes that continue to impact enrolment, they are no longer financially sustainable and have been left with the difficult decision to formally wind down operations over the course of the next year.
Over the next year, there will be a period of transition where RRC Polytech will work with MITT and the Province of Manitoba on a comprehensive review of MITT programming to determine which programs will be transferred to RRC Polytech.
There is some unique programming at MITT and there is also overlap between programs at both institutions. This MITT program review will prioritize students and labour market needs and will determine which programs may be preserved and transferred to RRC Polytech, and which programs may no longer be offered.
The most important commitment we all share is to all students and their academic success.
We are all working collaboratively to support students and ensure they can continue to finish their programs. For some, this may mean they are graduating with a MITT credential, and others may transfer to RRC Polytech and graduate here.
The information we are sharing today regarding MITT reaffirms the impact that these federal changes have had within our province. It reinforces the importance of our continued advocacy efforts for talented international students who want to pursue post-secondary studies at RRC Polytech.
We will continue to provide updates as this transition of MITT programs to RRC Polytech progresses.
Fred Meier,President and CEO
]]>We are deeply saddened by the devastating wildfires currently affecting many communities across Manitoba.
We acknowledge that events like this are frightening and bring uncertainty, and our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted including our students, staff, and their families.
Our eight campuses form a community of people from all corners of the province who support one another in good times and in crisis. Many of you or those you love may be facing uncertainty or displacement, and we know this can take an emotional toll. We encourage everyone to continue to show compassion, patience, and flexibility during this difficult time.
If you are affected by the wildfires and need support – whether it’s flexibility with assignments or exams, working arrangements, or someone to talk to – please reach out to your instructor or manager.
The Safety, Health and Security Services team continues to work with areas across the college who have students or staff who may be impacted by the wildfires.
We have also connected with Emergency Management Manitoba to see how we can support, and we will continue to update you as we learn more.
We also want to remind staff and students that there are resources and supports available through Campus Wellbeing for students and through Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) for employees.
Your safety, health and well-being are our most important priority.
Let’s continue to look out for one another during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Melanie
]]>RRC Polytech will fly our flags at half-mast today in recognition of those affected by workplace tragedy, and our commitment to preventing workplace illnesses, injuries, and fatalities.
According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, there were 1,057 recorded fatalities at work in 2023, and nearly 215,000 claims for lost time due to a work-related injury or illness in Canada. Among these deaths were 29 young workers aged 15-24.
Each of these numbers represents a vast network of loved ones who are deeply affected by these tragedies: family, friends, co-workers and community members whose lives are forever changed.
This is a solemn reminder of the role we all must continue to play in ensuring a safe working and learning environment for everyone who enters our campuses. As a College, we directly impact the practices and behaviours we instill in our students, which they carry forward into their careers and future workplaces.
RRC Polytech is committed to a proactive approach to safety and to setting an exceptional standard as an educational leader of safety and health. Some of the initiatives RRC Polytech have undertaken to provide all staff and students with a safe and healthy environment include:
On this National Day of Mourning, take a moment to reflect on the importance of workplace safety, and let us honour those who have been affected by workplace-related incidents. We all must work towards a future where everyone can learn and work safely.
We remember workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job. We commit to protecting workers and preventing further workplace tragedies.
If you have questions or ideas on how we can continue to make RRC Polytech a safe place to work and learn, please reach out to safety@rrc.ca.
]]>Holocaust Remembrance Day – or sometimes also referred to as Holocaust Memorial Day – is observed annually on January 27, in recognition of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp on this day in 1945.
In 2005, the United Nations officially proclaimed January 27 International Holocaust Remembrance Day, to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust, including six million Jews and millions of others. The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and honour those whose lives were taken.
To mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in partnership with the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada is hosting a free event, “Hate Goes Viral: A conversation about ending online antisemitism” from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. today. Learn more and register online at humanrights.ca.
]]>Community safety has been a topic of conversation and area of concern for many across our province, and we know it is top of mind for many within our campus community.
Recent events within the city have heightened awareness and concerns, which is why we are connecting with students, staff and faculty to update you on new measures we are implementing now, and our plans to keep you informed as we continue to advance this work across the College.
We want to reaffirm that the health and safety of our community remains our top priority, and we know that there have been questions and concerns raised on this issue.
As part of our commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment, we have some important immediate measures we have taken over the last few weeks to enhance safety on our campuses, especially in the Exchange District.
These include:
SafeRide is utilized on average 100 times a day, and this has increased 20 per cent since the new unit was added – and we hope this continues to grow. We will also be updating SafeRide signage at the Security desk to make it more clear to students and staff that this is where they should go to access this program.
It is important that our community is informed, and that they know what services and supports are available to them. We are working with academic and support areas to ensure the information is easily accessible for students who require support or whose first language is not English.
Moving forward, we will be sharing regular monthly updates and reminders from the Safety, Health and Security Services team to help the community stay informed on the ongoing security enhancements. Updates will be shared in Staff and Student News and will also include information and added resources to help us take a proactive approach to safety in our day-to-day lives.
Our focus is on prioritizing increased safety for students and staff first, while maintaining our role as a good neighbour and community partner.
The safety and security of our campuses is something we continually assess and adjust based on the needs of our community. Please remember our Security team is here to assist you and ensure that all students and staff feel safe and supported on and around Campus:
Notre Dame Campus Location: Room C115 Phone: 204-632-2323 *call for support or to arrange SafeRide
The Roblin Centre Location: Room P106 Phone: 204-949-8305 *call for support or to arrange SafeRide
Paterson GlobalFoods Institute Location: Room 100 Phone: 204-631-3381 *call for support or to arrange SafeRide
Manitou a bi Bii daziigae Location: Main Floor Security Desk Phone: 204 949 8544 *call for support or to arrange SafeRide
While we continue to adjust and enhance to our safety strategy, we also want to encourage the community to continue to remain vigilant, support one another, and reach out if you have any concerns. Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community.
Thank you for your ongoing support and feedback, which remain essential as we move forward. Please feel free to reach out to safety@rrc.ca with any questions, concerns, or additional suggestions you may have.
]]>Justice Sinclair’s traditional name, Mazina Giizhik, means the One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky. I see a parallel between his traditional name and the determined work he did to help set Canada on a better path – a vision he had that others did not yet see.
Our campus flags will fly at half-mast in honour of Justice Sinclair until his funeral later this week.
Post-secondary education was among the countless communities, personal and professional, that Justice Sinclair served. He taught law at the University of Manitoba, he received honorary doctorates from 17 Canadian universities, and in 2001 accepted an Honorary Diploma from RRC Polytech.
Decades later, in 2021, as we navigated COVID-19, and we prepared to launch a strategic plan with Truth and Reconciliation as one of its cornerstones, Justice Sinclair participated in a virtual session on Reconciliation in Post-Secondary Education as part of our annual RED Forum event.
Kind, engaging, and insightful, he generously offered his wisdom to our faculty and staff.
Justice Sinclair used truth to challenge systems that for generations used false narratives to deny Indigenous People their culture and language, opportunity, equality, and basic humanity.
His tireless work helped those systems – including education – see the need for fundamental change. And he welcomed us all to walk the path of Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
I commend our college community for embracing this journey.
Today, we are committed to growing Indigenous representation in our classrooms, in our faculty, staff, and administration, and in our campus culture. And we are working to foster a mindset of Reconciliation our graduates can take with them into the workplace and community.
There is work to be done, however, we are on the right path. And for this we owe Justice Sinclair a debt of gratitude.
In heart, in words, and in deeds, he embodied goodness.
Miigwech,
Fred
]]>CONTENT WARNING: The following message includes content that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experience. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health. Access mental health and self-care resources, here.
Today, September 30th, is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which grew from the Indigenous-led grassroots movement, Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters. The flags on RRC Polytech Campuses are lowered as the College observes Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Now in its sixth year, you may have noticed ‘Community Engagement’ was added to Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week this year. This was done to reflect the importance of active participation from all members of the College community in our commitment to reconciliation. A subtheme that was present in this year’s engagement sessions was focused on Indigenous wellness – which includes wellness of the mind, body, and spirit.
The week started in a good way with the annual Fall Equinox celebration and hundreds of people joined the Pipe Ceremony and Feast. I had the opportunity to sit with Elders – Grandmothers and Grandfathers – to have meaningful conversation around truth and reconciliation. Not only that, but I feel very humbled to have been able to witness just how many students rely on Grandparents – many students approached and sat with them, thanked them for their words and their support in the community.
We often ask Elders to support our work here as an institution, but on an individual level, the difference that Elders make for students and staff is so incredibly rewarding and moving to see – the impacts of offering that uniquely cultural, familial connection through people makes a huge difference for members of the community that may be missing those connections at the moment.
I would like to extend a chi-miigwech to the Elders and Knowledge Keepers we see at RRC Polytech, whether they’re part of the Elders-in-Residence program, or are part of the Knowledge Keepers Council, for their continued guidance and support.
Throughout the week, we saw many thought-provoking engagement sessions led by internal leaders and community partners, like:
At the Portage Campus, the team took part in Orange Everywhere – an initiative aimed at raising awareness in Portage la Prairie about Truth and Reconciliation. Businesses and homes were encouraged to display orange shirts in their windows or create displays.
Truth and Reconciliation is not just about providing equal opportunities to Indigenous learners – it is also educating the publics we serve as an educational institution of the true histories that have often been neglected by western textbooks and reconciling potential dissonance with facts as related by Indigenous scholars, historians and Knowledge Keepers. By offering opportunities like these around the focal point we have in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and making an effort to offer more opportunities throughout the year as well, we can truly make our community a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
I hope that you were able to find some opportunities this week to engage, reflect, and connect in preparation for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. We’re all at different points on our journeys, and it’s important to recognize that everyone starts somewhere. Today is also an opportunity in itself to attend community events, participate in Ceremony, read or watch, sit and reflect.
Miigwech to the entire Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement team for their continuous leadership, and the Planning Committee and volunteers, and especially those who have led Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week sessions. We recognize the emotional labour and vulnerability of sharing your story and lived experience.
Take good care of yourself and those around you and remember to reach out for support.
Fred
]]>The following message was sent to All Staff and All Students from RRC Polytech President and CEO, Fred Meier:
Like many across our College community and throughout the Province, I was shocked and saddened by the news of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick’s sudden passing.
I consider myself one of the many fortunate people to have had the opportunity to meet with Grand Chief Merrick throughout my career. I have always had tremendous respect for Grand Chief Merrick and admired her strength, leadership, and determination to advocate for and improve the lives of Indigenous People and our province.
She always met that determination with warmth and kindness, which all leaders strive to possess. She shared that message with our graduating class this spring when she joined us for the first time at convocation. A first time that is even more profound and impactful today.
As we offer our condolences, I believe that what she shared with our students is equally important to share today. It is a message that she believed in and one that we, as a community, should continue to uphold.
“You carry with you the power to make real change. You carry with you kindness that will get you through all the obstacles you are going to meet on your journey. Kindness will get you through everything, anywhere, anytime.”
– Grand Chief Cathy Merrick’s message to RRC Polytech’s Class of 2024
On behalf of our RRC Polytech community, I offer our heartfelt condolences to Grand Chief Merrick’s family, friends and community. Our flags will fly at half-mast in celebration of her life and contributions.
]]>On behalf of the College community, we send our condolences and deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Ray St. Germain, who passed away earlier this week on Tuesday, June 25.
At spring convocation in 2018, RRC Polytech recognized Ray St. Germain with an honorary diploma in Creative Communications. An award-winning producer, host and entertainer on more than 600 TV and radio programs — including Big Sky Country, Rhythms of the Métis, and the 1969 variety series Time for Living, Ray impacted many people. His creative and passionate style for storytelling helped build an appreciation of Métis culture across Canada.
Ray was someone who embodied the values of RRC Polytech and served as an inspiration to many creative young people. For his contributions to Canadian culture, Ray received an array of additional awards and accolades, including the Aboriginal Order of Canada, the Order of Manitoba, and the Order of the Sash – Saskatoon and Prince Albert. He was also inducted into the Manitoba Aboriginal Music Hall of Fame (2005), and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (2010) and had a street in Winnipeg’s St. Vital neighbourhood renamed “Big Sky Country Way” in his honour.
Ray’s legacy lives on through the people he inspired.
]]>RRC Polytech flags are lowered this weekend in observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
In 2005, January 27 was designated as the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, acknowledging this day in 1945 when the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated.
Each year, this day is an opportunity to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and remember its many victims.
On Sunday, January 28, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is hosting an event Do Not Forget Me: Haunting letters from Jewish mothers in Greece to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The event is free to attend and has an option to join in-person at the museum or via Zoom. Read more.
The Canadian Centre on Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), has the recorded webinar Antisemitism: How to recognize and prevent it in the workplace (login required) along with resource guides to further your learning. To access all content, RRC Polytech employees can sign up for a free CCDI membership.
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