The Manitoba government is introducing a pilot program for a new health and physical education curriculum that includes an ‘Every Body, Every Day’ policy making in-person physical education mandatory for all students from kindergarten to Grade 12, ensuring no student is left on the sidelines.
“This is all about getting every kid moving every day,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “We want kids in Manitoba to be healthy, confident and happy as they learn and grow, and that starts at school. This new ‘Every Body, Every Day’ policy will have a lasting impact on the health of Manitobans, and it will help our kids get off their screens and move their bodies, whether they are achieving a new personal best or simply reaching a daily step count and getting some fresh air.”
Schools in rural and northern Manitoba as well as Winnipeg and Brandon have chosen to participate in the two-year pilot program, the minister noted. During the pilot, teachers and parents will have the opportunity to provide feedback as the curriculum is refined to meet the needs of students across the province.
“The health of our children has always been the north star of our government,” said Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt. “We started with ensuring every child has healthy food through our universal school food program and now we are leading the country in physical education by introducing healthy movement for all grades and abilities. We are so excited to work with physical education teachers and our partners in schools and divisions as we help kids in Manitoba feel good about moving more.”
The curriculum, which is being updated for the first time in 25 years, also includes new learning outcomes focused on the challenges students face, from mental-health impacts of social media and artificial intelligence to marketing of vapes and supplements, as well as risks associated with e-scooters.
“This new curriculum teaches children from a young age that healthy habits they form today around exercise and nutrition will help them prevent illness later on in life,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “From a public health perspective, this is an important update and one that can change health outcomes in our province. As the Manitoba government and school divisions work to make physical education a safe space for all students, doctors and medical professionals continue to play important roles in empowering young people to live active lives including regular participation in gym class.”
Building on the universal school food program introduced by the Manitoba government in 2024, the new curriculum adds basic cooking skills to junior high and high school to ensure every student knows how to prepare healthy, affordable meals.
