Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen is asking for parents and students to share their thoughts on what school should look like come fall. An online survey launched earlier this week attempts to gauge what Manitobans are thinking when it comes to restarting traditional education in a world still impacted by COVID-19. Goertzen says survey participants are asked to indicate their concerns.

“What are the different things they are comfortable with? What are they uncomfortable? Once we have that data and information in the department we can utilize it going forward.”

Goertzen feels the topic of restoring school services is an important one to people across the province as the questionnaire’s popularity has soared far beyond expectations. In the first 48 hours alone, he notes, the department received over 25,000 submissions from students and their parents; A number that is pushed even higher when considering the separate survey they sent out to educators. The minister calls that response “overwhelming,” “phenomenal,” and “considerably more than we expected.” With such feedback already at their fingertips, Goertzen is certain his team will be able to accurately assess how Manitobans are feeling about the return to classes. “All guided by the principle that we want it to look as normal as possible,” he stresses.

While an exact plan has yet to be revealed, Goertzen says Manitoba is one of only three Canadian provinces with kids already back in schools at a limited capacity. That, he indicates, is a good sign as preparations are made for September.

Anyone interested in taking part in the online survey is urged to visit the government's website.