The Manitoba government has added 832 teaching positions across the province since October 2023, increasing the number of funded teachers to 13,903 total teachers this fiscal year from 13,071 in 2023-24. The province noted that this major investment is part of a broader commitment to ensure students receive the support they need to succeed.

“We’re putting more teachers in classrooms because we know what a difference it makes for kids,” said Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt. “More teachers mean more one-on-one time with students so they can thrive. We’re investing in the future of our province by ensuring every child has the support they need in the classroom.”

The province has also added 577 other educators over two years, bringing the total to 8,204 this fiscal year from 7,627 in 2023-24. There are also 72 more clinician positions since 2023-24, rising to 580 this year from 508.

The minister noted there have been 41 additional teaching positions added to the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine (DSFM) in the last two years and 21 additional educators, evidence that recruiting more French-language teachers remains a government priority.

In the 2025-26 school year, the Manitoba government increased operating funding for kindergarten to Grade 12 public schools by 3.4 per cent, representing an increase of $67 million and bringing the total investment in public schools to $1.8 billion to continue to provide stable, predictable funding that keeps up with enrolment and student needs.

“We are delighted to see a significant increase in the number of students enrolling in schools in the DSFM, which has a direct effect on the number of teacher hires and academic supports we deploy in our schools,” said Alain Laberge, superintendent, DSFM.

The Manitoba government has taken steps to attract and retain teachers, including:

  • implementing new teacher certification requirements, which have led to a 16 per cent increase in enrolment in the University of Manitoba’s bachelor of education and post-baccalaureate programs;
  • improving certification pathways for internationally educated teachers, resulting in a 79 per cent increase in applications for certification;
  • increasing seats with new bachelor of education programs at the Canadian Mennonite University and Yellowquill University College, and 20 new bachelor of education seats at Université de Saint-Boniface;
  • launching retention strategies for French-language teachers with the Manitoba Teachers’ Society and Francophone Educators of Manitoba to support new and internationally trained teachers; and
  • investing $4.5 million for new Cree and Anishinaabemowin Indigenous language immersion bachelor’s programs at University College of the North and the University of Winnipeg.

“Teaching is more than a career – it’s a vocation and a promise to nurture hope, ignite curiosity and shape the future,” said Andrew Brewster, teacher, École Sage Creek School. “I’m grateful to live this vocation within the DSFM, where the French language and culture are celebrated in a unique and inspiring way.”

In addition to hiring more educators, the province is investing in key initiatives to support student well-being and learning, including $30 million for the Universal School Nutrition program and $3 million for the smaller class size initiative.