“Yes to Education, No to Cutbacks!” - Université de Saint-Boniface Members Stage Rally

"Why does this government insist on making cuts that hurt Manitobans? Instead of making it easier to get a post-secondary education, they are making it harder and more expensive.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

Winnipeg (11 June 2018) —On June 7, Michelle Gawronsky, PresIdent of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) joined her members from the Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) for their Yes To Education, No to Cutbacks rally. The members make up the Association des Professeurs et Professionnels (APPUSB), which hosted the rally to raise awareness about the negative impacts the provincial budget has had on their institution.

Cutbacks hurt Manitobans

The 2018/2019 Manitoba budget saw support for post-secondary institutions (colleges and universities) cut by 0.9 per cent, or $6.3 million. 

“Our youth are our future, and it’s shameful the government has hiked tuition and implemented budget cuts at post-secondary institutions across the province,” said Gawronsky.  “Why does this government insist on making cuts that hurt Manitobans? Instead of making it easier to get a post-secondary education, they are making it harder and more expensive.”

These cuts have resulted in the elimination of 2 term teaching positions for university professors and 4 courses at USB. As well, the cuts leave vacant a position for a mental health, spiritual and well-being professional, while 2.6 vacant support positions will not be filled. 

MGEU/NUPGE to USB: reverse the cuts

“Faculty members, students and their families are disappointed by these cuts and today we are calling on the government to reverse them immediately,” said Gawronsky.  “They have the whole summer to get this right and ensure proper and stable funding continues to flow to our post-secondary education before students return in the fall to start or continue their studies."