Manitoba second province to sign onto federal school food deal
Manitoba is the second province to sign a deal with the federal Liberals to expand school food programs across the province.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced the agreement during a press conference at a kindergarten-to-Grade 8 school in Winnipeg on Friday.
The province is to receive about $17.2 million over the next three years under the National School Food Program.
Kinew called the program one of the "most consequential public policy interventions" seen in recent Canadian history.
"We know that when kids show up to school hungry it's a barrier to learning," Kinew told reporters.
"If we do this investment together and we can say at the end of the school year we fed some hungry kids, we feel pretty good about that."
The Liberal government set aside $1 billion over five years in the last budget to expand access to such programs across the country after pressure from federal New Democrats.
Freeland said the program will save families with two children up to $800 a year.
The agreement builds on the province's nutrition program that was expanded last month, she added.
Manitoba's NDP government earmarked $30 million in this year's budget to provide public schools across the province and schools in communities with high socio-economic needs with funds to provide meal or snack options.
Funds from the province and Ottawa are expected to provide meals or snacks to more than 19,000 students beginning this school year, said Freeland.
"It's really meaningful for every single parent who has a kid and knows their kid's going to get a snack, for every single kid who's not going to be hungry."
Newfoundland and Labrador was the first province to sign onto the deal last month.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024
This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas
Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
Canadian activist accuses Hong Kong of meddling, but is proud of reward for arrest
A Vancouver-based activist is accusing Hong Kong authorities of meddling in Canada’s internal affairs after police in the Chinese territory issued a warrant for his arrest.
New York taxi driver hits 6 pedestrians, 3 taken to hospital, police say
A taxicab hit six pedestrians in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, police said, with three people — including a 9-year-old boy — transported to hospitals for their injuries.
Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors, a Kazakh official said.