College Expansion Initiative

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why was the College Expansion Initiative (CEI) created?
2. What are the main responsibilities of CEI?
3. Who are the main stakeholders of CEI?
4. What types of the programs does CEI fund?
5. How is CEI involved in college infrastructure projects?
6. What is the role of the Council on Post-Secondary Education?

1. Why was the College Expansion Initiative (CEI) created?

The College Expansion Initiative was created to remedy the chronic underdevelopment of Manitoba's four public colleges: Assiniboine Community College (ACC), École technique et professionnelle (ETP), Red River College (RRC), and University College of the North (UCN) that has placed them near the bottom of inter-provincial training comparisons. CEI is intended to be a catalyst for the growth and evolution of Manitoba’s college system. It is an economic priority of Government and will result in a dramatic increase in training opportunities for all Manitobans.

2. What are the main responsibilities of CEI?

The College Expansion Initiative is responsible for:

• working collaboratively with colleges to develop multi-year expansion plans aimed at maximizing enrolments;
• ensuring the integration of individual college plans to achieve a co-ordinated approach to labour market development; and
• taking the lead in organizing consultations to determine that the direction being taken is consistent with the needs of stakeholders.

3. Who are the main stakeholders of CEI?

The College Expansion Initiative supports Manitoba's community colleges:

• Assiniboine Community College (Brandon)
• École technique et professionnelle (St. Boniface)
• University College of the North (The Pas/Thompson)
• Red River College (Winnipeg)

Other key stakeholders include universities and high schools, business, labour, Government, and the public.

4. What types of programs does CEI fund?

To date, CEI has funded approximately 100 programs, such as: Nursing Diploma, Aerospace Manufacturing Certificate, Health Care Aide Certificate, Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate, Civil / CAD Technology Diploma, Network Analyst, and Early Childhood Education Diploma. Each CEI funded program is rooted within a key economic sector, e.g. Health and Aerospace or addresses an important social development priority e.g. community development.

Students are encouraged to enrol in these programs for they will lead to high-quality employment opportunities. As former Premier Doer has said, "In today's world, diplomas are a passport to real jobs and hope."

More information about the above programs or any other college programs is available by contacting the colleges at the following numbers:

• Red River College:
• Notre Dame Campus: (204) 832-2311 or 1-888-515-7722 (toll free)
• The Roblin Centre: (204) 632-3960
• Assiniboine Community College: (204) 726-6600 or 1-800-862-6307 (toll free)
• University College of the North: The Pas Campus 1-866-627-8500 (toll free) or Thompson Campus 1-866-677-6450 (toll free)
• École le technique et professionnelle : (204) 233-0210

5. How is CEI involved in college infrastructure projects?

CEI works with the colleges to ensure that approved infrastructure developments meet the institution’s needs for program and service delivery. CEI staff work alongside college officials and community members on project steering committees and during public consultations related to these major projects.

6. What is the role of the Council on Post-Secondary Education?

The Council has responsibility for granting final approval for all CEI proposed programs.