Manitoba Schools Hire 832 New Teachers Since NDP Election Victory

Manitoba’s public schools have welcomed 832 new funded teacher positions since the New Democratic Party (NDP), comprised largely of former educators, secured victory in the 2023 provincial election. The announcement came from Education Minister Tracy Schmidt on Wednesday, revealing a significant 6 percent increase in teaching positions since the NDP took office.

During a news conference held at École DSFM Sage Creek, the newest school in the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine, Schmidt emphasized the pressing need for more educators in the province, particularly French teachers. “We need more teachers here in Manitoba — we especially need more French teachers,” she stated, addressing a gathering that included students and educators.

The previous government, led by the Progressive Conservatives, initiated a strategy in 2021 to recruit French-language teachers, collaborating with the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine and Université de Saint-Boniface to create a roadmap covering the years 2023-2026. In the past two years, the francophone division has added 41 new teaching positions, although no new positions were established in its three schools located in the Westman region.

Alain Laberge, Superintendent of the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine, explained in an email that the absence of new roles in schools like École Jours de Plaine, École La Source, and École Saint-Lazare is attributed to small student-teacher ratios. “Getting teachers in rural areas is difficult for all school divisions, but if you add the speaking French factor, it is harder to find all teachers needed,” Laberge noted. Despite this challenge, he expressed satisfaction with the current staffing levels for the academic year, apart from a need for substitute teachers.

Over the past two decades, two francophone schools have opened, with plans for a new institution in Brandon scheduled to commence operations in the 2028-2029 school year. This fall, the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine reported over 6,300 students enrolled, reflecting a 4.4 percent increase in student numbers from September 2023 to September 2024. In comparison, the overall public school enrollment saw a rise of 2 percent last year.

Meanwhile, the Brandon School Division has added the equivalent of approximately 34 full-time teaching positions over the last two years, according to Superintendent Mathew Gustafson, who highlighted the steady growth in student enrollment.

The expansion of teacher positions in Manitoba is seen as a positive step toward addressing educational needs, particularly in French-language education, as the province continues to adapt to the demands of its diverse student population.