Director Spotlight - Gabe Mercier

Director Spotlight

Gabe Mercier

Like a giant Redwood Tree, Gabe Mercier’s roots into the education system in Manitoba run broad and deep. And just like the immense Redwood canopy reaching above the forest, Gabe’s commitment to students and community encompasses schools and education across the Northern Manitoba.

His journey as an RTAM member began back in 2009, when Gabe retired from the K-12 public school system as a Vice Principal at Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School.

Upon retirement he became a member of RTAM in June of that year, and while some look to retirement as a means to catch their breath from teaching and educational support, Mercier was one of the many who continued to support his community in a hands-on capacity. In the same year of his retirement, Gabe took on the new challenge as Dean of Trades and Technology at University College of the North (UCN).

During the period of his deanship with UCN he developed and delivered a number of trades and technology, and workforce development programs in many parts of Northern Manitoba and in First Nations Communities. The most noteworthy programs were the Applied Building Construction in Leaf Rapids, the Plumbing program in Nelson House and the Introduction to Industry which were delivered to many communities and students in Northern Manitoba.

In addition to the general trade programs, other initiatives supported and directed by Mr. Mercier were around women’s inclusion and support, to help create better access and resources for women in areas with under-representation. By developing Girls Exploring Trades and Technology as a new summer program in The Pas, many young women in the north participated in trades and learning for the first time.

In the time since his “retirement” Gabe has taken on the role of Dean of Trades and Technology at UCN in The Pas from 2009-2011, and then Assiniboine Community College (ACC) in as the Director of Parkland Campus in Dauphin in 2011, where he still delivers programs in Northern First Nation Communities. He even tried to retire again last year but, is now back as the Interim Director at his old campus in Dauphin, until November or December 2022.

So, what else does this committed teacher have in store for the future? Well, this May, Gabe became the chair of the RTAM Wellness Advocacy Committee and is also acting as a Director for the RTAM Board. We also congratulate Gabe, as this fall, he won an election to fill a seat as a trustee on his local School Board of Trustees.

About University College of the North (UCN)

UCN is a very unique and cherished postsecondary educational institution in the Norther Manitoba, and in First Nation Communities. UCN delivers both the traditional community college and university programs which in itself is rare. UCN has an Indigenous student population of over 70% and is the center of Indigenous life in Northern Manitoba. RTAM is proud to partner with University College of the North and our teachers who support their community, campus and diverse background of Manitoba students.

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