Manitoba NDP Backs Liberal Bill for Universal Learning Disability Screening

In a significant move for education in Manitoba, the provincial NDP government has announced its support for a Liberal bill aimed at implementing universal screening for learning disabilities among early-grade students. The initiative, which seeks to enhance literacy skills assessment, aligns with the government’s commitment to screen young learners by 2026.

Details of the Proposed Bill

The bill, introduced by Liberal Member of the Legislative Assembly Cindy Lamoureux, aims to establish a legal framework for mandatory screening of literacy skills in schools. This legislation includes provisions that require parents to be informed of their children’s screening results, ensuring transparency and support for families.

With unanimous backing from all political parties, the bill has successfully passed its final reading in the legislature. Education Minister Tracy Schmidt expressed her intention to collaborate with school divisions and educational organizations to identify the specific screening tools that will be employed in this initiative.

Last year’s provincial data revealed that only 45 percent of Grade 3 students were meeting literacy expectations, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to identify and support students facing learning challenges.

Community Response and Implications

The legislation has garnered support from various community members, including Carrie Wood, a teacher, mother, and dyslexia advocate. Wood emphasized the importance of early identification, stating, “Unfortunately, children can slip through the cracks right now… where we’re waiting and hoping that they grow out of their reading difficulties. That happened with both of my children.” She noted that had this screening been in place during kindergarten, her children would have been identified and supported much earlier.

This initiative marks another instance of the NDP government collaborating with Lamoureux, as they previously amended and passed her bill focused on judicial education. That law mandates continuing education for provincial court judges on critical issues such as intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and systemic racism.

The support for universal screening reflects a broader commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for all students in Manitoba. As the legislation moves forward, stakeholders will focus on the implementation and effectiveness of the screening tools to ensure that no child falls behind in their educational journey.

This report was first published by The Canadian Press on November 4, 2025.