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.”

​Also featured as part of this year’s ceremonies, Kate Rudnyk — a Spring 2025 graduate from the Digital Media Design program — was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal, the highest recognition that may be obtained upon graduation.

Recipients are selected by a standing committee comprised of RRC Polytech management, students and instructors. Rudnyk was selected in recognition of her academic and technical achievement, involvement in Polytech and/or community activities, and overall good character.

A passionate community builder whose journey has been shaped by resilience, compassion and commitment to helping others, Rudnyk says she found direction at RRC Polytech, where collaboration replaced competition and belonging came naturally.

She now leads student tours and draws from her own experience to mentor others through uncertainty, noting her Ukrainian heritage inspires her to make a difference — from volunteering at Holy Family Home to working with MBHelpsUkraine, a grassroots initiative that has raised more then $5,000 for humanitarian aid.

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.

RRC Polytech was the first post-secondary in Manitoba to sign the SDG Accord and commit to pursuing and delivering the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. As such, measuring and reporting progress is critical to success.

“We have a shared responsibility to take better care of our planet, people and community, and every effort makes a difference,” says Stephanie Fulford, Sustainability Specialist, Environmental Stewardship and Campus Renewal.

“Opportunities to do more in both our personal and professional lives are everywhere — we just need to look for them and decide we’re going to lead by example and do something about it.”

The list of sustainability efforts at RRC Polytech is long and varied and connects all areas — Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, Operations, Culture and Community, and Leadership — across all campuses.

Every academic department at RRC Polytech offers sustainability-focused or inclusive courses. Programs such as Environmental Engineering Technology, Nursing, and Social Innovation and Community Development integrate sustainability into their core. Applied learning opportunities such as the Environment and Climate Change Canada Co-op and Indigenous Diplomacy Forum ensure students gain real-world experience in creating positive change.

Events such as SDG Month Canada, the SDG Student Competition, Bike to Work Day and the Commuter Challenge foster a culture of environmental and social responsibility among students. Staff engagement is equally robust, with additional offerings such as the Homeowners & Renters Workshop Series, Diversity Champions network, and promotion of online learning courses.

RRC Polytech’s sustainability leadership is helping to drive Manitoba’s growing green economy. The province’s transition to net zero requires a skilled workforce prepared to meet the demands of emerging industries, and RRC Polytech is playing a key role in that effort.

From supporting innovation through applied research partnerships to providing training and upskilling opportunities, RRC Polytech ensures students gain the knowledge, hands-on experience and values needed to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

This is reflected by a perfect score in the STARS category of Innovation and Leadership, citing examples such as:

• Climate-Resilient Nursing Education Initiative: Curriculum development on climate-related health impacts.
• Electric School Bus Conversion Project: Applied research with industry partners on low-emission transportation.
• Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah and Pow Wow Pitch Partnership: Entrepreneurship support for Indigenous learners and community members.

“Students are learning sustainability in the classroom and seeing it in action on campus, and when they graduate, they take those values into their careers, amplifying the impact we make,” says Fulford.

State-of-the-art buildings like Manitou a bi Bii daziigae in the Exchange District Campus — featuring integrated solar panels and a rooftop rainwater capture and re-use system — demonstrate that energy efficiency approaching net-zero is possible. The strategic enhancement of operational sustainability also includes the development of a socially responsible procurement policy, prioritizing environmentally certified products and Indigenous, diverse and social enterprise suppliers — aligning purchasing power with RRC Polytech’s values.

Finally, STARS is designed to support continued improvement by helping RRC Polytech’s internal sustainability leadership network, led by Environmental Stewardship and Campus Renewal, to identify strengths and next steps in teaching, research, engagement and operational practices.

The Gold rating is a tremendous milestone but also serves as a starting point for new strategies and practices that can be adopted to ensure a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future for everyone.

“As an organization committed to innovation and excellence, we’re not only going to work hard to maintain our top-performing areas but to improve our scores in every area,” says Fulford.

“We’re excited to continue leading with purpose and driving even greater impact in the years ahead by learning from others, exploring new ideas and finding creative ways to embed and advance sustainability in everything we do.”

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.”

Beyond her professional accolades, Potter is also a passionate advocate for her industry and for greater representation within it, as well as a mentor to the next generation of professionals. She has served as a subject-matter expert at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and as the first female president of the Western Association of Broadcast Engineers for the past five years.

“In accepting this, I think about future students and how sometimes you can’t be what you can’t see,” she says. “Behind-the-scenes workers like me represent a career path many don’t know about, but it exists. If someone with my education realizes there are technical jobs like this and it sparks their interest, we might just have one more worker ready to join our teams.”

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.

An initial success story is already in use on the production line of a local manufacturing leader, and the namesake of the Price Institute. In CAMTT’s inaugural project, a student-led team worked with the Price Industries’ Electronics division to automate a time-consuming manual inspection process.

Together, they created a trainable automatic vision system that combines hardware with a camera to capture images of printed circuit boards with trainable software that uses AI to predict and validate whether they pass quality control and quality assurance metrics of production.

“The students did a great job to get a working test fixture completed, tested accurately and deployed into our production line,” says Mike Nicholson, C.E.T. General Manager, Price Electronics. “We look forward to our next project at CAMTT as we continue integrating components that optimize cost, time, quality and efficiency.”

Partners can expect extensive cost-effective collaborative projects that leverage all of RRC Polytech’s research facilities and resources — including funding through the Digital Technology Transformation Initiative — and that are positioned for success by maximizing emerging technologies, state-of-the-art equipment and outside-the-box thinking to tackle specific challenges.

“CAMTT takes an interdisciplinary approach to system, product and solution development helping manufacturers harness emerging technology to reduce their labor market challenges, while training their future workforce,” says Dr. Vikram Banthia, Director of RRC Polytech’s Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics.

“Partner with us to leverage our technology, innovation, expertise, assets and talent and take your project from idea to reality.”

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.

Director Amy Jackson — a proud member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, dedicated community connector and entrepreneur who founded a successful venture called Nativelovenotes during the pandemic — has tailored the program for maximum impact.

“From resources and connections to dedicated space for entrepreneurs to collaborate and grow their ideas, we provide everything they need in a really supportive environment,” says Jackson.

“When we help entrepreneurs succeed, they create jobs, build stronger communities and inspire the next generation. The ripple effect is powerful.”

Mittohnee is a natural but significant extension of RRC Polytech’s commitment to supporting Indigenous Peoples and communities. It will also benefit the students graduating from the Social Innovation and Community Development program, who may wish to continue the pursuit of their project concepts.

“These students, who know and understand their communities and the challenges they face, now have the resources to build on their education, take their ideas and solutions and create a business that moves their vision forward,” says Jackson.

A total of 13 entrepreneurs of First Nations and Métis descent, each with their own dream, idea or business-in-progress, make up the initial cohort. In addition to their proud heritage, what they share is an eagerness to put in the work to learn, grow and succeed.

Among them is Darion Ducharme, the award-winning founder of Teqare, an Indigenous-owned education and technology training company empowering youth, adults, elders and organizations with hands-on workshops in cyber-safety, scam prevention, financial literacy, digital literacy and city life skills.

Ducharme is already a passionate role model making a difference and can’t wait to take his story to the next level and continue to inspire positive change.

“Teqare’s success, while amazing, has forced us to evolve from dealing with small-scale numbers and assets to much larger and complicated transactions,” he says.

“I see the training and mentorship through Mittohnee really helping me to manage business finances better to ensure return on investment and improve areas like proposal writing, which will allow our company to grow and thrive.”

Last week’s launch celebration included a culturally grounded ceremony, a motivational panel discussion and feast at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae in RRC Polytech’s Exchange District Campus.

Ducharme says the venue is important in continuing to build trust with Indigenous communities and — like the word Mittohnee itself — reminds everyone that entrepreneurship is not just about ideas, but about how you approach the work.

“This is a safe space where everyone makes you feel welcome, cared for and valued,” says Ducharme. “I believe Mittohnee will help us create a culture of people who come together to do what they are called to do. I can’t wait to get started.”

Learn more about Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah.

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.”

This morning’s event featured remarks from Meier, Broszeit and Rick Zimmer, Deaf advocate and former instructor and coordinator of Deaf Studies programs at RRC Polytech. Current Deaf students and students from the ASL-English Interpretation program came together to raise the flag.

French Deafblind artist Arnaud Balard designed the flag, which was adopted by the Deaf French National Federation in 2014 and has since been flown around the world. The Deaf Flag is a powerful symbol for Deaf communities, representing unity, recognition and the ongoing fight for equal rights. RRC Polytech sourced the flag directly from the World Federation of the Deaf.

The Deaf Flag now joins flags representing Treaty One, the Red River Métis and RRC Polytech’s Inclusive Pride flag, which are flown year-round at RRC Polytech. It will be flown for the remainder of the week, and every year moving forward during the International Week of the Deaf.

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.

“Truth and Reconciliation is an ongoing process of learning and integrating new information, disentangling ourselves from misinformation and unlearning what we think we know, and opening ourselves to truths that might surprise or challenge us,” says Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement.

“All the sessions we host this week are something that each participant can take back to the classroom, to the workplace and to their personal lives — so they can continue the lifelong journey of learning today, tomorrow and every day into the future as we work towards building a better and brighter future for all,”

Planned sessions include a virtual keynote from Phyllis Webstad, whose story inspired the Orange Shirt movement; a Two Spirit Sharing Circle; workshops for Talking Sticks, drumming, and painting; and panel discussions with the Knowledge Keepers Council and staff on Indigenous perspectives in inclusive hiring and belonging.

Other sessions explore Inuit culture, traditional teachings like the Cedar Bath, and the historical timelines of the First Nations and Métis.

RRC Polytech’s original Orange Shirt, which is released every year as part of TRCE Week, was designed by Nursing student Dasia Chatkana and can be purchased through the Campus Store.

To learn more about Truth and Reconciliation Week sessions, see the full event schedule.

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.”

Delivery of NREP is strengthened through collaboration with industry and government to meet Manitoba’s health-care needs. In 2023, RRC Polytech partnered with Shared Health and the CRNM to support 50 internationally educated nurses (IENs) through the Philippines Recruitment Initiative.

In 2024, the Manitoba government also launched a full-time pilot for IENs already in the province, offering up to 12 courses over 12 months.

At today’s event, students celebrated along with their friends, families, instructors and representatives from the Province of Manitoba, including Hon. Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care; Hon. Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training; and Hon. Malaya Marcelino, Minister of Labour and Immigration.

They also heard a heartfelt message from one of their peers, Melissa Reyes, who shared her experience re-committing to nursing after immigrating from the Philippines.

“After being away from the nursing profession for several years, I was slowly losing my confidence as a nurse,” says Reyes.

“I decided to take the full (NREP) program, which I would say is not a walk in the park, but it gave me back my confidence to work as a nurse and taught me the value of lifelong learning. The overall experience was truly transformative, refreshing my nursing knowledge and instilling in me a deeper appreciation for the profession.”

Learn more about the NREP at RRC Polytech.

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.

Among those honoured at this year’s ceremonies were a community advocate from Peru, a compassionate caregiver from Nigeria and a data scientist from the Dominican Republic; all three were recognized with Lieutenant Governor’s Medals.

RRC Polytech’s highest graduation honour, the medals recognize graduates who exemplify high academic and technical achievement, community and College involvement, and overall good character.

Learn more about this year’s recipients:

• Daniela Ruiz Fernandez, Social Innovation and Community Development (Indigenous Social Enterprise major)
• Deborah Modupe, Disability and Community Support
• Yanna Polonia Gutierrez, Data Science and Machine Learning

Convocation also provided an opportunity to recognize a longtime champion of education and career development: Maria Pacella, Skills Manitoba’s Executive Director, who received an Honorary Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration.

Over her nearly two-decade-long career with Skills Manitoba, Pacella has built strong partnerships, developed inclusive programming, and created opportunities for students, apprentices and underrepresented groups in the trades.

Learn more about her career and accomplishments.

In addition to the five Winnipeg events, convocation ceremonies were also held at campuses in the Interlake, Peguis – Fisher River, Portage la Prairie, Steinbach and Winkler.

Visit RRC Polytech’s Convocation page for a full list of graduates and award winners, and to stream the ceremonies as they’re posted online.

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.

Leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and subject-matter expertise available at network institutions will expedite entrepreneurs’ and creators’ ability to take new products and processes to market, ensuring both economic and social impacts are felt sooner.

Three signature pillars differentiate Labs4:

• Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs: Incubators in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario provide culturally grounded programming, mentorship and wraparound supports tailored to First Nations, Métis and Inuit researcher-entrepreneurs. Programming is led by Indigenous institutions and rooted in self-determined goals, ceremony and community priorities.
• Technology Readiness Level-Up (TRL) program: A four-month placement in polytechnic- or college-based applied research facilities, where researcher-entrepreneurs receive $10,000 stipends to develop, test and validate prototypes with expert mentorship. (The TRL program is already underway; applications are now open for the upcoming fall cohort.)
• Market to Lab (MtL) program: A two-month simulation in which researcher-entrepreneurs lead student teams to solve real-world commercialization barriers. With mentorship from business and innovation experts, participants gain leadership experience and build go-to-market strategies.

Labs4 is poised to drive measurable national impact and support hundreds of researcher-entrepreneurs to explore the launch of new research-based ventures. The initiative supports not only new ventures and commercial products but also economic development, job creation and inclusive growth across all sectors and regions.

“We are dedicated to creating pathways for innovation and amplifying the impact of Canadian research on the global stage,” says Nasil Nam, National Director of Labs4.

“Whether it’s a prototype in a lab or a venture ready to launch, we meet researcher-entrepreneurs where they are and help them move forward with confidence. Our work is practical, fast-paced and focused on impact.”

Learn more.