Manitoba Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced today the 29 students who will serve on this Council, as our province expands the conversation around its Better Education Starts Today strategy.

According to Cullen, the diverse group of students from all corners of the province will join in critical discussions on the future of education.

"Establishing the Student Advisory Council is one of the priority actions in the Better Education Starts Today: Putting Students First strategy released in March and the government is looking forward to ideas from youth on what is needed to improve student outcomes and well-being," says Cullen. "Council members will provide insights and advice on issues and topics that are current and emerging for Manitoba kindergarten to Grade 12 students."

A number of those topics, notes Cullen, were expressed by the students in their applications. They include mental health, diversity and inclusion, reconciliation, and regional equality when it comes to K-12 education.

The province received close to 200 applications for consideration. The 29 students are aged 14 to 18 and, as a whole, represent the diversity of the people in Manitoba, the minister says. They come with diverse interests, identities, backgrounds and perspectives from across the province and include Indigenous, French language, LGBTQ, visible-minority students and students with a disability.

Council members will serve a 12-month term starting in August 2021 and ending in August 2022. During this time, council members will meet with the minister of education, government staff and education stakeholders and COVID-19 safety precautions will be taken as required, which may mean virtual meetings.

Click here for the full list of council members.