January 24, 2022
The Manitoba Teachers’ Society has submitted a report to the provincial government in advance of the 2022/23 education funding announcement calling for funding that is stable, adequate, equitable and sustainable to support student learning.
“Public education funding has failed to keep pace with inflation and enrolment for the past five years, “said MTS President James Bedford. “Manitoba students simply cannot afford another year of underfunding.”
The report highlights key areas such as nutrition, mental health, class size, Indigenous education that require urgent support and enhancement. It makes practical, actionable recommendations on improvements to help ensure positive student outcomes.
Bedford said that COVID-19 has highlighted the gross inequities in our public education system and created even more.
“Many families were already experiencing economic hardship and food insecurity that are now worsened due to the pandemic,” said Bedford. “The result is a widening of existing disparities in education that leave marginalized students at an even greater disadvantage.”
The province is currently reviewing its education funding model and The Society is pleased to be involved in the discussion, however, Bedford said that the new formula is expected to be in place for fall 2023 and Manitoba schools need funding now.
“The government’s unwillingness to fund the kind of public education that Manitoba students need leads to making tough decisions about what gets cut,” he said.