I am happy to report that the controversial education reform Bill 64 will not be moving forward and is now dead. I am reflecting on the amazing effort I have seen from the grassroots movement – concerned parents, educators, trustees, students, and community members, that have together made their voices heard and made a difference in our province and their own backyard.
Over the last few months, I have heard from so many residents in The Pas – Kameesak that have shared their concerns about Bill 64 and the detrimental impact it would have on our families and schools by concentrating all power and decision making regarding public education in the Premier’s office, so I am beyond excited to celebrate this victory with all of you.
I want to send a special shout out to all of our northern School Boards (Kelsey, Flin Flon, Mystery Lake and Frontier) and to Mrs. Marcia Novo, Principal at Mary Duncan School who all worked tirelessly on fighting against Bill 64 and getting people engaged and informed of the negative impacts of this bill. Marcia was one of over 500 Manitobans who signed up to speak against Bill 64 in Committee– a record-breaking number. Our students at Mary Duncan School would have lost their voices and their chance to an education with only one representative. It was very moving to see many wanting to be a part of this grassroots movement.
Last spring, my NDP colleagues and I successfully delayed Bill 64, which would otherwise already have already been passed into law. We could not have done it without the effort of countless Manitobans that came forward in numerous ways, such as writing letters, emails, putting up signs, and also by registering to speak at the Legislative Assembly’s committee hearing about the bill. In my six years of being an MLA, I have never seen so many Manitobans involved in the opposition of one bill, and this shows us that it is possible to influence the Government and together create positive change, or, in the case of Bill 64, keep harmful legislation from passing. I want to thank everyone who joined the fight to do what is best for our children and schools.
However, the fight is not over. This year alone, the PC government cut $5 million of our children’s education. This means fewer Educational Assistants, nutritional programs, and one-on-one time with teachers. These cuts will hurt all students, and particularly the ones who need extra support. These actions are just not acceptable, especially in our current times when children are finally returning to schools after the difficult past year. Now more than ever, our children and schools need more support – not less!
Defeating Bill 64 was only the start. Let’s keep fighting and building a better Manitoba together!
Contact my office anytime at Amanda.lathlin@yourmanitoba.ca or 1-204-623-2034. Kinanaskomitin.
