Thanks to acting club president Keith Flight and Ladies Auxiliary president Gertie Nick for hosting the final gathering of members at the Army Navy & Air Force Veterans of Canada Association at Unit 388 in Thompson last weekend. It was a pleasure to recognize all the volunteers who have worked hard over the years in creating so many wonderful memories for northerners. Though the club now belongs to the ages, those memories will always be cherished.
Separately, our Manitoba government is increasing funding for public elementary and secondary education to a total of more than $1.329 billion for the 2019-20 school year, $6.6 million more than last year. This is the highest level of funding for kindergarten to Grade 12 schooling in Manitoba history, and outlines our commitment to a quality education for students in the north and province-wide.
Since forming government in 2016, we have also made annual increases to total education funding for special-needs students and have increased funding to school divisions by more than $26 million. It’s a significant investment that balances a quality education with efficiency.
In addition, we continue to support school capital projects through a $129.5-million investment in new schools as well as expansions and renovations to help Manitoba’s public schools remain functional and safe. These upgrades include a structural foundation remediation project at Mel Johnson School in Wabowden.
Our government has, as well, launched an independent kindergarten to Grade 12 review that will involve public consultations across Manitoba on issues such as student outcomes, the role of school boards and ways to improve the system. A report with findings and recommendations is expected by February 2020.
We are committed to providing the best possible education for everyone from kindergarten to Grade 12 in our province, with a better use of resources and much better results for students across Manitoba.
