Many Canadians are in need of organ transplants, but less than 25 per cent of the population has registered to become donors. For patients who receive transplants, the results are life-changing. Sadly, though, many pass away before an organ donation comes. I want to thank northerners Inge and Mark Robinson and their son Michael for coming to the Manitoba legislature this week to share Inge’s story of becoming a living kidney donor, and for helping to promote organ and tissue donation. In 2017, Inge found out her brother, Ken Leong, needed a kidney and after qualifying as a match, she donated her kidney to him in January 2018 at a hospital in London, England. Inge is back managing projects at the Vale mines in Thompson, and is happy she made the decision to help her brother. She has also signed up to become an organ donor after her death, and encourages others to go online to signupforlife.ca to do the same and give the gift of life.
In Manitoba government news, a public workshop on education is scheduled for next week in Thompson as part of our comprehensive and independent province-wide review of the kindergarten to Grade 12 school system. The workshop will be held on Thursday, April 25 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Westwood School, 46 Mallard Cres. The public can also have their say on the future of Manitoba’s entire K-12 system by e-mailing to K12educationcommission@gov.mb.ca, or by writing a letter to the commission at 470-800 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, R3G 0N4. In addition, feedback can be provided online at www.edu.gov.mb.ca.
Our government has launched this review on issues such as student results, the role of school boards and ways to improve the system. A report with findings and recommendations is expected next year. Meanwhile, for the 2019-20 school year, we have increased funding for public elementary and secondary education to more than $1.329 billion–the highest-ever level of funding for K-12 schooling in Manitoba. As well, we have made a $129.5-million investment in new schools, expansions and renovations across the province. We are committed to the best possible education for students, with a better use of resources and much better results.
