Manitoba boosts public education funding by $25M
Funding for public education in Manitoba will increase by $25 million this year, to $1.27 billion.
Advanced Learning Minister Peter Bjornson announced the funding on Thursday, saying that $13.1 million is targeted to improve student performance in math and literacy as well as "provide enriched programming for students seeking challenging, high-level learning opportunities."
He also announced a new program called First-Year Now, which will give more students the opportunity to take university and college courses in high school and earn dual credits.
"Increasing funding in these key areas will enhance the quality of education in our province by helping struggling students succeed and ensuring advanced students excel, while continuing to advance our skills strategy," he said.
The government is also putting $9.8 million towards supporting "culturally relevant programming" for indigenous students and to support indigenous student achievement in math and literacy.
Also, a 50 per cent increase in funding will go to school divisions to upgrade or acquire new skills training equipment and promote accreditation of apprenticeship programs.
"We're working with our schools to ensure greater accountability and providing targeted funding to improve outcomes in math and literacy so that parents see results," said Bjornson.
"To get results, we need to continue to invest in education. Cuts would mean overcrowded classrooms with fewer supports for teachers and students, and we will continue to reject cuts that would hurt students and their families."
