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
'Still so much love between us,' Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Trump's lawyers grill ex-tabloid publisher as 1st week of hush money trial testimony nears a close
After prosecutors' lead witness painted a tawdry portrait of “catch-and-kill” tabloid schemes, defence lawyers in Donald Trump's criminal trial on Friday sought to dig into an account of the former publisher of the National Enquirer and his efforts to protect Trump from negative stories during the 2016 election.