Manitoba NDP accusing province of hiding funding model for schools
The Manitoba NDP is alleging that the Stefanson government’s funding model for schools is being delayed until after the provincial election, because it lays the groundwork for cuts to the classroom.
On Thursday, the NDP announced it obtained the ‘Draft Framework for the New K-12 Funding Model’ through a Freedom of Information Request. According to the NDP, the draft framework says the funding model review will not determine whether K-12 funding is adequate or where funds will be found to make up for the changes to education property taxes.
The NDP alleges that the Progressive Conservatives are hiding their funding model for schools, because it will lead to more cuts.
“When we look at this government document, it says don’t ask us if school funding is inadequate and don’t ask us how we’re going to pay for what we’re doing with education revenue to give people rebates,” said NDP Leader Wab Kinew at a news conference on Thursday.
“So naturally, it kind of suggests there’s a real problem with school funding and there are legitimate questions for how they’re going to pay for these changes that they’re making.”
Kinew said that school funding should increase to meet the needs of the students, especially coming out of the pandemic when so many children were challenged with online learning.
“Right now what we’re seeing with the PCs is just the status quo since they’ve been in since 2016,” he said.
“We see what that’s leading to in the classroom, kids falling behind, not having EAs, overcrowded classrooms, things like that. So we really need to invest in education at this time. Let’s have those resources there to help the kids.”
A review of the draft framework shows the PC’s will put greater focus on equitable distribution and recognizing that costs are different for each school division. It also says the province’s new funding model will be flexible so schools can make decisions based on their needs, and that the government is working to ensure that students succeed regardless of their background, where they live, or their individual circumstances.
In a statement, Education Minister Wayne Ewasko said the government is aware of the need to focus on consultations and meet with school divisions. The statement added that the province is giving newly-elected school trustees time to adjust and get accustomed to the budget process for the next school year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.’s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease’s progression.
Canucks' Soucy suspended 1 game, Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosschecks on McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been suspended for a game and another was handed a hefty fine after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
'Judge Judy' Sheindlin sues for defamation over National Enquirer, InTouch Weekly stories
'Judge Judy' Sheindlin sued the parent company of the National Enquirer and InTouch Weekly on Monday for a story that she said falsely claimed that she was trying to help the Menendez brothers get a retrial after they were convicted of murdering their parents.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
'A great victory for the industry': Taxi drivers celebrate ruling that found City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.