Regional campuses in the Interlake will not be impacted by recently announced program cuts and suspensions at Red River College (RRC) Polytechnic, according to the college.
RRC Polytech says there are “no current or anticipated changes to regional programming,” including at the Interlake and Peguis – Fisher River campus in Selkirk. The college also said students can expect continued learning opportunities, support services, and campus operations without disruption.
The institution recently announced several program closures, temporary suspensions and reduced seat capacities as part of academic and budget planning for the 2026-27 school year, with changes expected to impact Winnipeg campuses.
RRC Polytech says the changes were driven by multiple financial pressures, including federal immigration policy changes that reduced international student enrolment and English language training funding, as well as shifting domestic enrolment trends and rising delivery costs.
The college said it completed a “comprehensive, data-informed academic planning process” to determine how programs align with labour market demand and long-term sustainability.
Despite the changes, the college emphasized the importance of rural campuses and regional training.
The Interlake and Peguis – Fisher River campus welcomes between 120 and 150 students annually in programs including Health Care Aide, Early Childhood Education, Workplace and Business Administration, Health Unit Clerk, Business, Accounting and Management, Administrative Assistant, and Educational Assistant. Health Care Aide, Early Childhood Education, and Workplace and Business Administration currently have the strongest enrolment.
“Regional campuses have seen stable-to-growing demand,” said Lauren Parsons, RRC Polytech acting manager of communications and public relations. “This is due to increased interest in local study options, as learners prefer to remain in their home communities.”
Parsons said the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of community-based education by allowing students to study closer to home rather than relocate or commute to Winnipeg. She added that virtual learning opportunities have also enabled RRC Polytech to reach students who may not otherwise be able to attend classes on campus.
Studying locally can reduce financial barriers, strengthen community connections and create local employment opportunities.
“Students are more likely to stay and work in their communities when trained locally,” Parsons said. “Students are drawn to studying at regional campuses where their experiences are personalized and tailored to the workforce they will be entering in their communities.”
The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA) hires graduates from RRC Polytech’s Interlake and Peguis – Fisher River campus, including graduates from the health-care aide program, along with graduates from several other post-secondary institutions across a variety of disciplines.
An IERHA spokesperson said the health authority values all post-secondary education partners that help collaboratively train and develop Manitoba’s health-care workforce.
“In the rural environment, local education options provide people with an opportunity to learn new skills while remaining in — or close to — the community where they live.”
Parsons said health care, community services, local business and service industries rely heavily on graduates from the Interlake campus. She added many graduates remain in the region, supporting local employers, organizations and regional economic development.
“Our regional campuses play a vital role in supporting local economies by delivering programs that respond directly to employer demand and community priorities,” Emily Doer, RRC Polytech acting director of college and public relations, said in an email. “RRC Polytech remains committed to accessible, high quality applied education across the province and will continue working closely with industry and communities to ensure our programs meet Manitoba’s evolving labour market needs.”
Current students in affected programs on Winnipeg campuses will still be able to complete their studies without interruption and supports are being provided to students and staff impacted by the changes.
