T-shirt campaign protests proposed education bill in Manitoba
A group of Manitobans are seeing red in response to a proposed education bill.
On Thursday, RED for Ed MB, a Facebook group opposing the bill, launched a t-shirt campaign to “Fight Bill 64.”
The group wants educators, school staff, parents, and other community members to wear red clothing on Fridays to support the movement.
In a joint statement with ProtectEdMB, RED for Ed MB said, “because in-person demonstrations are not possible at this time, the ongoing red shirt protest is being organized to amplify the grave concerns of all Manitobans about this regressive legislation.”
Bill 64 – the Education Modernization Act – proposes significant changes to K-12 education in Manitoba, which would include replacing 37 existing school divisions with 15 regional systems. The new system would be managed by a provincial oversight body and removed elected school boards, as well as the role of school trustees.
Aaron Beckman, a Winnipeg teacher, said the concept for RED for Ed originated in the United States.
“Educators down there were fighting for proper funding for public education,” Beckman said on Thursday. “And that movement has spread to Canada.”
RED for Ed campaigns have popped up in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.
“It’s a really obvious beacon,” Beckman said of the intent behind wearing red. “[It shows] you are willing to stand up against [Bill 64] and maybe have a discussion about it.”
Beckman created the Facebook group a few weeks ago to encourage others to join him in fighting Bill 64 by wearing red on Fridays.
“To further show that solidarity, we decided to make t-shirts,” Beckman said.
Beckman started selling the red t-shirts, emblazoned with “Fight Bill 64 “over an outline of the province, through the Facebook page.
Proceeds from each t-shirt sold have been donated to supporting breakfast and snack programs in Manitoba schools and the group says it has raised more than $3,000 through the campaign so far.
Beckman said he thinks people want to take action, but pandemic restrictions have limited their ability to do so. He said the t-shirt campaign has allowed people to contribute to the fight against the bill in a tangible way.
“Not just for wearing the shirts, but for the fact it’s going to charity and it’s helping kids in our province.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
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.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.