Colleges and Universities are the launching pad for our society - they are needed more than ever now

At no time in the history of our province have colleges and universities been needed more than now.  Our economy has benefited enormously from the research, innovation and training which has come from our universities and colleges.  It is from universities and colleges that have come much of the research on which we now depend in our fight against the COVID-19 virus.   It is colleges and universities which have trained so many of the people we are now relying on to battle at the front lines of this fight.   It is colleges and universities that we rely on today to train and retrain people for the world after COVID-19.   It is universities and colleges that we need because they have trained people and are involved with helping to set safety standards which will allow us to move forward safely in reopening businesses.  We are finding that it is those who have been trained at universities and colleges who are disproportionately able to work from home at this time.   We need on-line education much more than ever before.

With Universities and Colleges leading the way we can better address the inequalities in our society.  Many Manitobans need help with upgrading their skills.   Too many Manitobans have not been able to participate in the past and are still not able to because they lack the training the equipment (computers etc) to learn, to work and to get health care on line.  We need today to make the investments to make this happen.  Universities and Colleges have been leaders in getting Manitobans internet access.  We need this leadership now.

This is not a time to cut the budgets of Colleges and Universities.   This is a time to expand their role.   The Premier of Manitoba and his cabinet are badly mistaken when they seek to cut funding to Universities and Colleges.   They have an old fashioned view of what Universities and Colleges do and of how important Universities and Colleges are.   Colleges and Universities and the engines of innovation we need to more forward.   Universities and Colleges are at the leading edge of so much that is happening today and will be happening in the future.  Expand the role of Universities and Colleges so that more people can be helped, so we can stay healthy and our economy can do well.  Manitoba Liberals say  to Mr. Pallister "Do not cut funding to Universities and Colleges."

For our recent press release click on this link.