The Manitoba government has put in place a funding model review team to guide the development of a new education funding model and have begun consultations with school divisions and key education stakeholder organizations.

“Stakeholders and the public have made it very clear that we need a better process for education funding, one that supports long-term planning and gives schools and regional leaders the flexibility they need to address local needs,” said Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko. “Building on the findings of the Commission on K to 12 Education, these consultations will ensure we hear directly from stakeholders on what they need to address differences in programming and ensure equity in funding across the province, particularly in rural, remote and northern communities.”

The minister noted Leger Research will facilitate the consultation and engagement process with education stakeholders and collect their recommendations for the new funding model, which includes the creation of a formula that allocates provincial funding to school divisions and schools. Other key stakeholders will be included in future phases as part of the overall engagement plan. Consultations will support developing and finalizing a new funding model for the 2023-24 school year.

“This is the first time in 20 years the model will be reviewed to improve funding and accountability processes,” said Ewasko. “We look forward to the results of the consultations to inform changes that will ensure the equitable allocation of provincial funding so all students succeed regardless of where they live, their background or their individual circumstances.”

The minister noted the funding model review builds upon other recent commitments made in response to the Commission on K to 12 Education including:

  • reviewing opportunities to improve inclusive education and classroom supports;
  • launching a poverty and education taskforce;
  • enhancing learning and outcomes including an Indigenous inclusion strategy; and
  • a commitment to an additional $1.6 billion in funding over four years.