Some Manitoba school divisions cancelling field trips to U.S. due to safety concerns

Some Manitoba school divisions, citing safety concerns for students and staff, are cancelling field trips to the United States and will keep their travel plans local. 

The Seven Oaks School Division in northwest Winnipeg is among the divisions changing their travel plans this year to prioritize values involving inclusion, equity and diversity. 

Their decision follows an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump that terminated a range of policies aimed at protecting 2SLGBTQ+ rights, fulfilling a campaign promise he described as "restoring biological truth." Trump says the U.S. will recognize only two sexes — male and female. 

"That is definitely a consideration — that we pay attention to when there are executive orders to the point of only recognizing certain people and essentially cancelling others," Seven Oaks superintendent Tony Kreml told reporters at a news conference on Friday. "That can certainly provide for an unsafe situation both for a student and staff member." 

Since making the decision to pause education-related trips south of the border, he says he's heard "comments of appreciation" from people regarding concerns for their safety, Kreml told reporters at West St. Paul School on Friday. 

Kreml says he doesn't have specific details about the school field trip, but he said its cancellation won't have a significant impact.  The unpredictable cost of travel was also a factor in the decision, ensuring opportunities for families are equitable, he says. 

Kreml touts Winnipeg's local attractions including The Forks, saying students can learn so much by travelling within the province, which further contributes to supporting the economy. 

The decision to cancel the trip was not meant to be adversarial, he says. 

Troy Scott, assistant superintendent at Pembina Trails School Division, sent out an email on Friday to parents, legal guardians and staff, saying the division is pausing all student field trips to the U.S. for the remainder of the school year, effective immediately. 

"This decision prioritizes student safety and reaffirms our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion," Scott said. 

Pembina Trails, which serves communities in southwest Winnipeg, says it will re-evaluate this decision at the start of the 2025-26 year. 

Pausing any trips to the U.S. aligns with the division's commitment on anti-racism, diversity and creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel supported and valued, Scott said.  

Tracy Schmidt, minister for education and early childhood learning, told reporters she is encouraging school divisions across the province to follow suit and focus on learning opportunities involving travel excursions in their own backyard. 

The Louis Riel School Division has not issued any specific guidance to schools in their division regarding travel to the U.S., superintendent Christian Michalik said in an email statement to CBC on Thursday. 

Glenlawn Collegiate had a trip to Florida in January that was cancelled due to Hurricane Milton, Michalik said, but none of the schools within the division have scheduled trips to the U.S. during this school year.

The division sent a statement to parents earlier this week reaffirming its values after attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion in the U.S. 

Michalik said Friday that he's been contacted by community members sharing their concerns, feelings of unease and outrage.

"We felt it important to reaffirm our values — these values as a community — and to also acknowledge that although there are these ongoing developments in the U.S. that these attacks on DEI aren't confined by borders, and folks in our community have been long advocating for their rights and freedoms," Michalik said. 

Travel advisories

Matt Henderson, the superintendent of the Winnipeg School Division, said they take advice from the province and Global Affairs Canada on travel advisories. 

He said he's not aware of any upcoming student trips to the U.S. 

Jordana Buckwold, the assistant superintendent at St. James-Assiniboia School Division, said while field trips are a worthwhile means of providing first-hand learning experiences, the safety and security of students is of "paramount importance" and all school trips must meet the provincial safety guidelines. 

Buckwold said the division is monitoring the situation and can cancel any trip following an emergent situation or negative travel advisory from Global Affairs Canada. 

River East Transcona School Division has scheduled a field trip for Minneapolis, Minn., in June, but senior administrators are currently in conversation with school leaders on the next steps regarding any potential travel to the U.S., a spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday.