Manitoba education funding model review to begin in the fall, deputy minister says
Manitoba's deputy education minister says a new education funding model review is set to begin in the fall.
During a telephone town hall on Tuesday evening, Manitobans had the opportunity to ask questions of Education Minister Cliff Cullen along with Deputy Minister Dana Rudy and MLA Scott Johnston, chair of the Parent Engagement Task Force.
Along with many questions about the changes to the education system proposed in Bill 64, Manitobans expressed concerns about the equity of Manitoba's education funding – specifically for children with specific needs – under the government's new funding model for education.
"At the review meetings, it was very obvious the inequities between divisions," one Manitoban told the education officials during the town hall.
"I'm wondering what this government has proposed for funding for children with exceptionalities."
Manitoba's deputy minister said the province will be launching a funding model review in the fall which will take about 18 months to complete. She said part of this review will look at the special needs funding model as well.
"We want to make sure there are opportunities for education – that it is fair and equitable throughout the province," Rudy said.
Cullen told the participants of the town hall the province is looking to move funding from administration to the frontlines in classrooms. He said there are 'very drastic inequalities from school division to school division,' which the funding model review will take a look at.
The education minister also addressed concerns from callers that Bill 64 will lead to the closure of rural schools.
"We have no intent to close schools, whether they be urban or rural or northern schools," Cullen said.
He said the legislation outlines criteria that must be met if a school is going to be closed, including discussion with the community.
He once again said there has been 'misconceptions' spread around about the Bill 64, and told Manitobans to make sure they are getting factual information.
READ MORE: Manitoba government launches website to clear 'misconceptions' around Bill 64
Manitobans can submit questions to the province regarding the education overhaul by email.
The next telephone town hall for education is scheduled for June 23. Manitobans can register for the town hall online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs fall to Bruins in Game 3, trail series 2-1
Brad Marchand scored twice, including the winner in the third period, and added an assist as the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series Wednesday
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
New Indigenous loan guarantee program a 'really big deal,' Freeland says at Toronto conference
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was among the 1,700 delegates attending the two-day First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference that concluded Tuesday in Toronto.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.