Education Minister Cliff Cullen and Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery Minister Audrey Gordon announced more than $1 million in funding for staff and student mental health support programs for schools across the province today.

Cullen spoke about the funding.

“The impacts of the pandemic are far-reaching and continue to be a critical issue for schools, families and communities as students return to school this fall. These supports are in addition to the $2.5 million announced last year that was invested to support Manitoba students’ mental health during COVID-19.”

The new Manitoba Mental Health in Schools Strategy will be implemented in partnership with school divisions and stakeholders to support school-wide strategies, including:

· Talking about mental health;
· Training for teachers and school staff;
· Teaching supports for mental health;
· Ensuring appropriate tools and supports are available for students; and
· Support for teachers and school staff.

Today’s announcement advances one of the critical priorities of Manitoba’s plan for restoring safe schools in 2021-22, in addition to the focus on ensuring health and safety measures in schools, such as improving ventilation and providing personal protective equipment.

$58 million has been given to support safe schools in 2021-22, building upon the $185 million given last school year.