COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – Bill 64 will improve education

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/07/2021 (1924 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As part of the 4-3-2-One Great Summer Reopening Path, Manitoba has now reached its first milestone whereby 70 percent of those age 12 and above have at least one dose and 25 percent with two doses and considered fully vaccinated. This upward trend looks even more promising as we approach the August long weekend target possibly earlier resulting in more of our freedoms back with less restrictions placed upon us. Thank you to the many area residents, businesses and community organizations for stepping up and doing their part with the vaccine uptake as we enjoy a two-dose summer.

The start of another Manitoba summer means the conclusion of another school year for all Kindergarten to Grade 12 students across Manitoba. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the recent graduates and bring attention to this year’s MLA of Lac du Bonnet Citizenship Bursary winners: École Powerview School – Quinn Reid, Lac du Bonnet Senior School – Beau Jenvenne, Pinawa Secondary School – Paige Hobbs, École Edward Schreyer School – Hélène Trudeau and Whitemouth School – Samantha Smith.

While classes do not resume until the fall, I know that Bill 64: The Education Modernization Act and the Better Education Starts Today (BEST) strategy continues to be top of mind for many school administrators, trustees, principals, teachers, parents, and special interest groups. As MLA for Lac du Bonnet with a couple of school divisions, I have virtually met with school trustees over the past few weeks to allay some of their concerns while putting correct facts on the record. Several special interest groups many of which are politically aligned with the NDP (and Liberals) are hosting campaigns, workshops, and media blitzes over the summer and fall meant to fear monger the general public with false information. One example of misinformation is that of school closures, especially in smaller rural communities. The fact is no schools will be closed as a result of combining existing school divisions into regions. In fact, our government has committed to building 20 new schools across Manitoba over 10 years. Another example often raised by left-leaning special interest groups is the role that poverty, nutrition and mental health plays in learning development. The fact is new mental health and addictions curriculum will be introduced, and the role of poverty and mental health will take a whole-of-government approach involving many of our education partners. I can keep going on with another fictitious example: removal of school boards and elected trustees will increase government control and decrease public accountability. The fact is eliminating school boards and top-heavy administration, and implementing stronger parent and community engagement, will create increased public accountability for determining the supports needed for student participation and success. These are just some of the many fact versus fiction examples that are making their way through various channels. To properly inform yourself and learn more about Bill 64 and the BEST strategy, see the Fact versus Fiction web page at: https://bettereducationmb.ca/factvsfiction

As a former teacher, student counsellor and the proud parent of two recent high school graduates in the public education system, I am very pleased with our government’s efforts to improve and modernize the education system in Manitoba through Bill 64. We will continue to engage and listen to Manitobans on both the legislation and the BEST strategy. Current and future generations of students will continue to be taught by dedicated classroom teachers and I know that is fact.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me at wayne@wayneewasko.com, or call me at 204-268-3282. Also, you can follow me on Twitter @wayneewaskomla and friend me on Facebook.