April 14, 2014
Manitoba Government Supports Expansion of French School Division Electoral List
Following a consultative process with members of the francophone community led by the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine (DSFM), the Manitoba government has accepted administrative changes for school board elections proposed by the DSFM, Premier Greg Selinger, minister responsible for francophone affairs, announced today.
New regulatory measures will allow the changes to be implemented in time for the 2014 school division elections this fall, Premier Selinger said.
“We listened to the wishes of Franco-Manitobans,” said the premier. “Previously, only parents who had children in a DSFM school were eligible to vote for a DSFM school trustee. We have brought in changes that will allow more Franco-Manitobans to have their say and vote in the coming 2014 school division election this fall.”
The DSFM list of eligible electors will now be expanded to include:
- DSFM graduates who are at least 18 years of age and their parents or legal guardians,
- DSFM students who are at least 18 years of age and their parents or legal guardians, and
- the parents or guardians of children attending pre-kindergarten in DSFM.
“The expansion of the electoral list will more than double the number of voters eligible to elect school trustees regardless of where they live in the province,” Premier Selinger said. “This represents a positive and significant change to the DSFM’s governance model.
“The changes open the door to new participants in the electoral process and, as a result, greater involvement in school board elections by the members of the DSFM’s school community. It is hoped that a larger number of electors will take part in this democratic exercise and thereby contribute to the dialogue regarding the general orientation and direction of the francophone education system in Manitoba.”
The expanded electoral list in the DSFM is an example of government and school communities working together, finding solutions and acting on important issues, the premier said, adding the province is committed to continued consultation and dialogue with local school boards to address their needs and concerns to build stronger schools across the province.
- 30 -