This afternoon Education Minister Cliff Cullen addressed the media following Bill 64 being scrapped yesterday.
Cullen says he realized that this bill wouldn’t go any further over the last few weeks.
“We reached out, we had a number of town halls with Manitobans. Clearly, our MLAs and ministers were hearing feedback from Manitobans and stakeholders. I think once we got together to discuss our options it became quite clear that people were not satisfied with the governance model in Bill 64.”
Cullen adds that Manitobans want a system that is accountable for results and ensures all students have a chance to succeed regardless of where they live.
“The governance model was a focus that it distracted from the shared priorities that would improve education and student outcomes. At this time we are pausing some of this work while as we focus on COVID-19 and the return to classes amid the fourth wave.”
Cullen says the governance model has created tension with stakeholders, and this is an opportunity to build relationships and gather their input.
