Empowering Students to Thrive in Their Communities

Casey Halston

Published: February 11, 2026 9:06 AM ET

As we embark on the year 2026, St. Vital is filled with hope and positivity. This dedication to community enhancement is evident as local representatives engage with students and educators to foster a supportive environment.

Empowering Students to Thrive in Their Communities

This month, I look forward to visiting schools in St. Vital during I Love to Read Month. Reading ignites creativity, fuels learning, and boosts student confidence. It’s heartening to witness the enthusiasm children display when discovering new stories.

Investment in Education

Education is a fundamental pillar of community success. In the past two years, education funding in St. Vital has increased by nearly 10%. This growth surpasses the rate of inflation, underscoring our commitment to investing in the future of our children.

Annual increases in education funding support student and teacher needs.
Over 800 new teachers have been appointed since we took office to enhance classroom support.
Focused efforts are underway to recruit and retain skilled educators across Manitoba.

Nutrition and Student Well-being

Proper nutrition is essential for effective learning. Our universal school nutrition program serves to ensure that all students receive nutritious meals. On average, 93,431 students benefit from this initiative daily.

With consistent access to healthy food, students are better equipped to concentrate on their studies and maximize their potential.

Prioritizing Safety

Creating a secure environment for learning is paramount. We are making strides in this area by investing $500,000 to enhance safety measures across schools. Additionally, all institutions are required to assess their controlled access policies to ensure family peace of mind.

Upcoming Free Tax Clinic

In our commitment to supporting the community, we will continue our free income tax clinic for St. Vital constituents. This program runs from March 1 to April 30, assisted by local volunteers who are experts in tax preparation.

Residents seeking assistance can reach out via email at [email protected] or call 204-219-5407 for more information.

St. Vital’s dedication to its community is evident in its efforts to empower students and support educators. Together, we can build a stronger future for all.