College Expansion Initiative

About CEI

The College Expansion Initiative was created by Order-in-Council to fulfill the Government's pledge to increase college enrolment in certificate and diploma programs. The Government's direction is captured in the Initiative's Operational Framework, which has been endorsed by the four public colleges: Assiniboine Community College (ACC), École technique et professionnelle (ETP), Red River College (RRC), and University College of the North (UCN).

Message from the Minister

“The College Expansion Initiative (CEI) represents the most significant investment in Manitoba’s college system since its inception some 35 years ago. Over the past 7 years, CEI has overseen new college program and infrastructure investments that are now close to $35 million per year.

These investments have resulted in over 80 new and expanded career and technical programs at Manitoba’s public colleges and more new programs are on the way. CEI also supports critical infrastructure projects, such as Red River College’s (RRC) downtown Princess Street campus, University College of the North’s (UCN) capital projects at the Thompson and The Pas campuses, the network of 12 regional centres that span northern Manitoba, and the redevelopment of Assiniboine Community College’s (ACC) campus at the former site of the Brandon Mental Health Centre.

Many of CEI's new program investments have been directly targeted to alleviate critical skill shortages in the province. Some examples include the establishment and later expansion of the accelerated nursing diploma program at RRC, the establishment of the French language nursing program at École technique et professionelle, and expanded business and agriculture programs at ACC. CEI has also supported important social development priorities including a unique restorative justice program at UCN and a tri-college community development training initiative.

These, and the dozens of other certificates and diplomas that have been created by the College Expansion Initiative, will produce thousands of new training opportunities, will help realize the hopes and dreams of many more Manitobans, and will have a tremendous impact on the economy of our province."

Diane McGifford
Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy