Today, MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky joined MGEU
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), who hosted the rally to raise awareness
about the negative impacts the provincial budget has had in their institution.
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 MGEU President Michelle 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 two term university professor teaching positions and four courses at USB. As well, the cuts leave a vacant position for a mental health, spiritual and well-being professional, while 2.6 vacant support positions will not be filled.
“Faculty members, students and their families are disappointed by these cuts and today we are calling on the government to reverse them immediately,” said President 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."