Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew expressed concern today the Pallister government has reduced support for the most vulnerable students. He was joined by Arlene Reid, Winnipeg School Division Ward 7 Trustee and a mother of two special needs students.

“Funding for special needs is essential because it helps every student get the one-on-one attention they deserve in the classroom,” said Kinew. “We’ve seen the Pallister government try to deny their cuts in the past, but this is too important. He needs to reassure parents today that funding will not be reduced for students who need it most.”

Dear friends,

I'm writing you today about the changes happening in our province. Like many parents, I'm concerned about the cuts being made to public services that families like mine count on. In particular, as a music teacher, I'm really starting to see first-hand how Brian Pallister's agenda is having a negative impact on public education and our childrens' future. 

As you may have heard, the Pallister government’s 2017 budget does not include nearly enough funding to cover inflation and the growing needs of the students in our schools.

The Pallister government’s refusal to properly fund public schools will hurt students by making it tougher for teachers to offer the high-quality education families expect and deserve, NDP education critic Wab Kinew said today.

“The world is changing and we need to prepare students for the jobs and society of the future, which means we need to invest more in education, not less.” Kinew said. “But today, the Pallister government has said it will give public schools millions less than they will need to keep up with inflation and rising costs.”