Red River College Polytechnic and the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) Local 73 have signed an agreement to advance Truth and Reconciliation in the collective bargaining process. A joint Truth and Reconciliation Working Group was established to explore opportunities to advance Truth and Reconciliation within the polytechnic’s collective agreement across themes including inclusive language, family, and leaves of absence. Throughout the process, Kookum Barbara Bruce (Flies High Thunderbird and Truth Talker) offered guidance. Nearly all of the recommendations made by the working group were implemented in the polytechnic’s 2025–2028 collective agreement, including allowing employees to take paid time off to mourn a non-blood relative who is akin to family to them, adopting a holistic view of health, and introducing more inclusive language throughout the agreement. RRC Polytech President Fred Meier stated that the process sets a precedent for other postsecondary institutions across Canada.
