Supporting the new school reality

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This article was published 25/09/2020 (978 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Each year, the month of September is filled with excitement as students head back for another school year. This year, the back to school season has been undoubtedly different, filled with mixed emotions from parents, children and teachers alike, as we move through our new reality.

As parents and grandparents, I know that we have all spent the past several months worrying about the health and well-being of our children, grandchildren and loved ones. For many children, being isolated and away from friends at school has been a challenge. For many working parents, school closures have resulted in the insurmountable task of balancing both work and childcare duties. In so many different ways, the pandemic has highlighted the need for a safe return to school.

Balancing the need for children to return to school amidst a pandemic is no simple task. Our teachers, support staff and school administrators have been working tirelessly to navigate this uncharted path. They deserve our utmost respect and appreciation for all they have done.

As a government, we know that the uncertainty of the new school year has caused stress and anxiety for many parents. To support families in our community and the schools in our neighbourhood, our government has created the Safe Return to Class fund. Manitoba schools will be receiving $85.41 million through this fund, to be used for the purchasing of personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, adapted learning spaces, better air ventilation, and hand sanitizing stations.

Responsibilities for education and schools remain an area of provincial jurisdiction. As has been the case since the outset of the pandemic, our federal government continues to work hand in hand with provincial governments to help in whatever way we can. We are working together to make sure that these funds flow quickly. 

As a parent and grandparent, I strongly believe that the priority of all levels of government, regardless of political stripe, should be the well-being of our children. When we prioritize a safe return to school, we not only support the safety of our children and school staff, we also give confidence to working parents, protect the health of our loved ones, and uplift our community.

While challenges remain on the road ahead, our government is committed to supporting families every step of the way.

Terry Duguid
Winnipeg South constituency report

Terry Duguid is the Liberal MP for Winnipeg South.

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