Schools classes cancelled on election day in Manitoba — but superintendent says day off is misguided

Kindergarten to Grade 12 students will not be in class on election day in Manitoba, as a new law kicks in for the first time.

At least one school division hopes it's also the last time.

Bill 27, an amendment to the Elections Act, requires schools to have an in-service day on the day of a fixed-date general election.

It was enacted into law in 2017 but did not affect the provincial general election in September 2019 because that was an an early one called by then-premier Brian Pallister. The fixed date for that election had been Oct. 6, 2020.

Brian O'Leary, superintendent of Seven Oaks School Division in Winnipeg, thinks the province made a big mistake with the new law.

"It's something our school board protested," he said.

"We felt that election day was a perfect opportunity for our students to see democracy at work, and it was a wonderful opportunity for our students to host the community in their schools and for the general community who doesn't come into schools all that much to see schools operating."

School gymnasiums are often used as voting stations and in past elections, the schools were a hub of activity, with voters and kids alike in the buildings.

The reasoning behind the change, O'Leary said, is that hundreds of strangers are coming and going during the day without proper screening. On a normal school day, all visitors must check in at a school's office.

"Schools are also considered to be a central, convenient [and] accessible voting location," Shipra Verma, chief electoral officer at Elections Manitoba, told host Faith Fundal during a Monday interview with CBC Radio's Up to Speed.

"However, it also creates an opportunity for 16- to 17-year-olds to work in elections," she said, adding that Elections Manitoba encourages parents to bring their children with them as they vote, so they can also experience the democratic process.

Still, O'Leary doesn't understand why the government felt there was a need to change anything. 

"We see that as just absolutely unwarranted. It's a theoretical fear. It's not something that comes from any incidents ever," he said.

Schools continue to be used for municipal and federal elections while kids attend class, he said.

"To me, it doesn't make sense. I'm certain that our board, after this election, will be writing the [provincial] government and ask for a repeal of this law."

Manitoba passed a law in 2008 to adopt fixed election dates on the first Tuesday in October, four years after an election day.

• Read full coverage of the 2023 Manitoba election