Education cuts continue for Fort Garry families
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This article was published 01/04/2021 (792 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Manitobans recently learned new information surrounding the province’s K-12 education review, which had been withheld from the public for the last year. Alongside this long-awaited review, the Pallister government brought forward Bill 64 which suggests new plans to continue their cuts against the education sector.
Fort Garry has two public school divisions, the Winnipeg School Division and Pembina Trails School Division, and the Pallister government’s new plans will have a direct impact on these local schools and communities close to home.
Many Fort Garry residents have a connection to public schools in our neighborhoods. Families send their kids to school locally, while others work and support youth in schools across the constituency. We know that school divisions face unique challenges and it is essential that schools can offer additional supports to meet the needs of the community. Resources such as English as Additional Language programs, community support resources and other education supports cannot be taken away from schools. These and many other facets of our education system are under direct threat because of the Pallister government.
On top of the long-awaited K-12 review, and now this hefty piece of legislation, continued cuts to education by the Pallister government have already been negatively impacting school divisions.
We recently brought forward documents which show the Pallister government made an absolute reduction of $4.2 million to education funding this school year. It is the first time in the last 15 years that education funding was in the negative. The documents also showed a nearly $3 million cut to teachers’ salaries – meaning there are fewer teachers and larger class sizes.
These cuts have forced the Winnipeg School Division and the Pembina Trails School Divisions to make tough decisions to cut front-line services that students need, such as nutrition programs and support positions, simply to make up for the shortfall of this government.
My colleagues and I are extremely disappointed by the austerity agenda of the Pallister government, but just the same, we are unsurprised, given the current government’s track record on education. I believe in the value of public education, and I will continue to fight to strengthen, not weaken, our public education system.
I appreciate everyone in Fort Garry for reaching out to my office. We are bringing your concerns to the legislature daily, and we welcome your continued feedback about changes to education in Manitoba. My office is located at 202-1383 Pembina Highway. Please reach out to us any time at 204-421-4241 or mark.wasyliw@yourmanitoba.ca
Mark Wasyliw
Fort Garry constituency report
Mark Wasyliw is the NDP MLA for Fort Garry.