PCs continue to leave Manitobans behind

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This article was published 02/06/2023 (1097 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Investing in education always pays the highest returns. But it’s clear the Progressive Conservative government does not want to properly invest in education, as it continues to cut education. The PCs have shown that they want to make life harder for Manitobans, including children, while putting the interests of their wealthy friends first.

A top concern for many Burrows constituents is the education of their children. Coming out of the pandemic, during which many children were challenged by online learning, it is important that we meet their needs and help them get back into an ideal learning environment. Smaller classrooms, various formats of teaching, and options for enjoyable extra-curricular programs are essential. But the PCs chronic underfunding to our education system puts all of this at risk.

Recently, both Seven Oaks School Division and Winnipeg School Division raised concerns about the funding they are receiving from the government this year. The PCs so-called increased funding to education is not on par with the inflationary pressures that our schools have to face. Instead of investing in education, the PCs gave out cheques worth millions to billionaires who do not even live in Manitoba.

The Manitoba NDP continues to hold the PCs accountable for the damage they are doing to our province. In 2021, the NDP forced the PCs to withdraw Bill 64, which would have eliminated democratically elected school boards and silenced local, community voices. This spring we again delayed some bills until the fall session of Legislature so that Manitobans will have more time to learn about their impacts and voice their concerns. Bills 9 and 30 would have privatized public liquor sales, costing our province millions of dollars in lost revenue annually. Bill 33 would have restricted the work done by community organizations working in harm reduction.

Bill 20, which will create loopholes to hide private wealth, and Bill 28, which forces city council members to take leaves of absence before running for provincial office, were also delayed.

Instead of prioritizing the education of our children and safety of our communities, the PCs continue to favour their rich friends and show that they are not worried about the best interests of everyday Manitoban families.

As the MLA for Burrows, I will continue to advocate for all Manitobans. You can connect with my office by calling 204-415-7621 or emailing diljeet.brar@yourmanitoba.ca. Our constituency office is located at 3-350 Keewatin St.