‘Experience and stability’: veteran educator named interim teacher commissioner

The Manitoba government has appointed a 30-year veteran of the education department as acting commissioner of teacher professional conduct after the previous appointee was fired for working remotely in Florida.

David Yeo, who has held several senior positions within the department, steps into the role, effective immediately.

Education Minister Tracy Schmidt announced the temporary appointment Monday, claiming it will ensure the office continues to receive, review and process sensitive complaints without interruption.

“The safety of Manitoba students remains our top priority,” Schmidt said in a statement. “Mr. Yeo brings deep experience and stability to the role, ensuring continuity while the search for a permanent commissioner moves forward.”

Yeo, who holds a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Manitoba, previously served as a policy manager specifically handling teacher certification, giving him direct experience with the regulatory side of the profession. He has also worked as assistant deputy minister of both the corporate and education services division and the K-12 education division.

Yeo’s appointment was revealed shortly after Progressive Conservative education critic Wayne Ewasko pressed Schmidt during question period Monday, demanding clarity on the sudden departure of former commissioner Bobbi Taillefer.

Yeo takes over the office following revelations from the Free Press last week that Taillefer was no longer in the position after it became known she was working outside of the country without the government’s knowledge.

The situation was initially framed by the education minister as a resignation — a narrative that lasted fewer than 24 hours before Premier Wab Kinew interjected on Friday. Kinew bluntly corrected the record during a media scrum, clarifying that Taillefer was fired for her lack of judgment.

During Monday’s legislative session, Ewasko highlighted the stark contrast between the education minister’s handling of the file and the premier having to overrule her the following day.

While Ewasko acknowledged he was not privy to the specifics of Taillefer’s contract, he insisted that anyone handling these sensitive files must be physically based in Manitoba.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s an individual who’s working in the province of Manitoba,” Ewasko said, “working for parents, guardians, students and, of course, taking a look at the teacher registry — teachers and staff here in Manitoba.”

The push for an independent commissioner and a public teacher registry was initially championed by the PCs, with Ewasko spearheading the legislative framework during his tenure as education minister in 2023. After winning the provincial election later that year, the NDP inherited the mandate, carrying the legislation forward to finalize the rollout and establish the office of the independent commissioner, which coincided with Taillefer’s appointment in September 2024.

Ewasko argued the government must seek a “third-party” candidate, preferably with a legal background, who operates completely outside of the education sector. He added that a true outsider is necessary to ensure public trust in the teacher registry and disciplinary process.

The Lac du Bonnet MLA noted concerns had been raised in the past by parents, guardians and assault survivors regarding Taillefer’s previous ties to the Manitoba Teachers’ Society, where she spent 21 years, and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.

The Free Press reported in February 2025 that Taillefer was still employed with the Saskatchewan teacher union weeks after starting her position as the commissioner, a role she was sworn in on Jan. 5, 2025. Schmidt defended Taillefer at the time despite what critics called a clear conflict of interest.

The government has not provided a specific timeline for when a permanent commissioner will be named.

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca