Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen says he is getting a number of calls and emails from local residents concerned with a resolution that was recently passed by the Manitoba Teachers Society (MTS) that urges the provincial government to prevent parents from opting their children out of any part of the Manitoba Curriculum, including human sexuality classes.
“A number of local residents have contacted my office concerned that the rights of parents to determine whether their children attend certain classes in our schools may be removed,” said Goertzen. “I share those concerns. These are personal issues about values and it is important for families to have the final say about how and when their children learn about these topics.”
Goertzen noted that while a number of Manitoba teachers who attended the recent MTS convention opposed the resolution, it did pass and the NDP Minister of Education has indicated she will be meeting with the Manitoba Teachers Society to discuss the issue.
“We hope that the NDP government is not going to take the MTS’s lead on the issue because it would be a mistake for the government to step in and start dictating to families the ways these sensitive issues are handled,” said Goertzen.
Goertzen encouraged local residents to contact his office by email or by phone at 204-326-5763 to express their views on this issue. He committed to sharing the concerns of each resident with the Minister of Education.
