March 17, 2021

Treaty 1 Territory, Homeland of the Métis Nation, Winnipeg MB—The Manitoba NDP is sharing government data that shows the PCs cut provincial funding for Education in 2020/21 by $4.2 million— the first absolute dollar funding cut in fifteen years. For the last 5 years under the Pallister government, schools have been forced to do more with less as PC funding failed to keep up with inflation and enrollment levels. This new data shows the PCs have gone further, making an absolute cut to Education funding during the pandemic.

“Mr. Pallister can say what he likes, but his own numbers show the truth: in the middle of a pandemic, when kids need more help than ever to achieve their learning goals, this government cut education funding” said NDP Leader Wab Kinew. “This cut means less support in the classroom, more pressures on teachers and parents, and fewer kids getting the attention they need to succeed. Our kids have sacrificed so much in the last year, they deserve a government that makes it up to them and helps them catch up instead of making cuts.”

Government briefing notes obtained through FIPPA shows in this fiscal year, the Pallister government cut provincial support by $4.2 million, representing a 0.3% decrease in absolute support. According to the notes, its first time there has been an absolute reduction in provincial support for education in fifteen years. There has also been a decrease in funding for educators' salaries by $3 million from 2018/19 to 2020/21.

“Parents and educators are worried about the PCs new plan for Education,” said NDP Critic for Education Nello Altomare. “In the last few years it's been schools that have scrambled to cover off the PCs underfunding so that kids are protected, but if that Bill passes, there won’t be anyone left to fight for kids.”

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