A question on the government's inaction with respect to the strike at the University of Manitoba

On Wednesday November 24th, with the strike causing chaos at the University of Manitoba, I asked why the government was not doing more to ensure professors can return to work at the University of Manitoba. My question and the response from the Minister of Education are below.

University of Manitoba Labour Dispute
Impact on Students and Staffing

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, for 22 days, a strike has been causing chaos at the University of Manitoba. Major researchers and teachers are so upset with the chaos, uncertainty and lack of support from this government that some are considering going elsewhere.

Recruitment has been extremely difficult because of the uncertainty and the lack of support for the university and its star teachers and researchers by this government. Students are caught in the middle of the chaos created by this government. The Premier has had 22 days in office as Premier to provide the leadership and to end the chaos. She has not.

Why has the Premier failed to act to show support for exceptional teachers and researchers and for the students at the University of Manitoba?

Hon. Wayne Ewasko (Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration): Madam Speaker, I understand that the member never lets facts get in the way of his rhetoric.

Will he and his party stand up today and confirm that both sides should be listening to the mediator, end the strike immediately and resolve their differences through binding arbitration?

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Comparison between Manitoba and South Dakota shows dramatic impact of Physical Distancing

Manitoba implemented physical distancing measures in mid-March. South Dakota has still not made physical distancing mandatory. The result is a dramatic difference in the incidence of covid-19 viral infections between the two jurisdictions. This graph shows the number of people with Covid-19 infections from March 27 to April 14. Manitoba ( red line ) started leveling off about April 4 and has seen only a small increase in Covid-19 infections since then. South Dakota ( blue line ) has seen a dramatic increase in Covid-19 infections since April 4. Those who are skeptical of the impact of physical distancing in Manitoba should look at this graph! Data are from the Johns Hopkins daily tabulations

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Too many Manitoba children with learning disabilities like dyslexia are not being identified and helped early on starting in Kindergarten and grades 1 and 2. The Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that it is the provinces responsibility to ensure that every child learns to read, and even when, in the case of a child with dyslexia intensive intervention is needed. In 12 years Manitoba has failed to produce a provincial plan to address this issue. We are holding a Forum (see below) on this subject. Please come out to the Forum. There is no cost. Everyone is welcome. To learn more about the need to do better helping children, youth and adults with a learning disability click on this link

The Gerrard Report

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