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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.