SCHOOL DIVISION SECTOR UPDATE: 2017-2018 PROVINCIAL FUNDING
February 2, 2017
Yesterday’s school funding announcement by the Honourable Ian Wishart, Manitoba Minister of
Education and Training, will leave school divisions with some tough choices to make. The scant
funding increase for 2017-2018 is welcome but seems to contradict the Pallister government’s
commitment to maintain and improve public services.
The Minister announced that funding to public schools will increase by $13.1 million compared to
2016-2017 – a 1% increase.
We have concerns that this funding increase does not keep pace with economic growth and is less
than half of last year’s increase of $32.5 million or 2.55%. Inflation in Manitoba for non- food
costs was 1.9% last year, and economic growth in 2017 is expected to be 2.6%.
With a funding increase that fails to keep pace with rising costs, school divisions are faced with
making property tax rate adjustments and/or finding ways to cut costs. Whatever flows from today’s
provincial funding announcement, CUPE will continue to advocate for good jobs and for the quality
of education.
The province also announced that total funding for Level 2 and Level 3 Special Needs students will
be maintained at 2016-2017 levels and that funding applications are not required, with the
exception of certain Level 3 groups (emotional/behavioural and URIS). Schools will now receive
technology replacement (TEER) funding monthly, and will no longer be required to submit invoices.
Please share this update with members and contact your National Representative to discuss actions
in support of school funding.
We will be monitoring this and any further announcements on school funding closely, as they relate
to our bargaining tables and school divisions’ ability to provide the public education services
kids and families rely on.
Please stay in touch with any developments in your school division. In solidarity,
Kelly Moist
President, CUPE Manitoba
February is I LOVE TO READ month – CUPE Locals are encouraged to get involved!
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