Manitoba Government Provides Funding Guarantee, Commits to Ensuring no School Division will see Decrease in Funding Model

May 29, 2023

To strengthen public education and ensure equitable funding for schools, the Manitoba government is continuing consultations with education partners on developing a new kindergarten to Grade 12 education funding model, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko announced today.

“It has been agreed upon for many years that Manitoba’s education funding model is overly-complex and antiquated,” said Ewasko. “At the request of the education sector, we are taking the time to consult with divisions and stakeholders to ensure all feedback is considered and we get the funding model right for those who need it most—Manitoba’s students. As we focus on improving literacy and numeracy, Indigenous education, and student engagement and well-being, the views of our partners in education are incredibly important to us.”

The Manitoba government is resuming engagement and seeking additional feedback on the K-12 funding model from educational partners including school divisions, superintendents, and stakeholder associations.

“We are committed to continuing to invest in K-12 education,” said Ewasko. “Provincial officials will work with the funding model review team and education sector partners to ensure all divisions continue to receive funding increases during the transition—that’s our funding guarantee. We will build on our historic $100-million, 6.1 per cent increase in funding for the 2023-24 school year.”

Initial consultations began in spring 2022 and a new proposed funding model was drafted throughout 2022 based on early feedback. As promised, the Manitoba government is resuming consultations following the passage of the budget last week, the minister noted.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-451-7109.

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