Statement: Manitoba government commits to teacher-student misconduct accountability, setting stage for safer schools

Winnipeg, Canada — The Manitoba government’s commitment to improve accountability and transparency related to educator misconduct across Manitoba brings the province a step closer to ensuring children are safe in schools.

Along with survivor groups, we have been vocal on the need for change. This promise today shows the government has been listening and is willing to act in the interest of children.

While details surrounding this commitment are not yet known, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) strongly urges the government to ensure this plan includes:

• A scope that encompasses not only teachers, but all individuals who work in schools or provide services in schools;
• The establishment of a fully independent body tasked with receiving complaints, conducting investigations, the adjudication process, and determining appropriate sanctions;
• Public access to disciplinary records, as is the case in several other provinces;
• A requirement to complete evidence-based child protection training programs for all school personnel;
• Investments in trauma-informed victim supports for students who are victimized within school environments.

To underscore the need for these proposed measures, earlier this month, we published a report which found nearly 550 students were found or are alleged to have been sexually abused or victimized by Canadian school personnel over the last five years. The study identified 290 school personnel involved in sex abuse or victimization incidents.

To read our full report, visit protectchildren.ca/school-report