School divisions in Manitoba may rethink U.S. trips

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This article was published 13/02/2025 (268 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG — A school division in northwest Winnipeg is barring students from travelling to the United States for education-related excursions amid heightened political tensions south of the border and an impending trade war.

“We have put a pause on trips to the U.S. for this year and next,” Tony Kreml, superintendent of the Seven Oaks School Division, told the Winnipeg Free Press Wednesday.

Kreml said a group of high schoolers from Seven Oaks was scheduled to visit the U.S. for a music trip, but plans have been modified so the teenagers stay in Canada. There are no further trips pending, he said.

Since being sworn in on Jan. 20, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian products and declared his government will only recognize two genders — male and female, among other controversial actions.

The U.S. Travel Association has issued a statement warning about how duties could affect Canadian visitation and spending patterns.

Canadian tourists generated about $20.5 billion in spending in 2024 with Florida, California, Nevada, New York and Texas topping the list of their most popular destinations, per the national organization.

“A 10 per cent reduction in Canadian travel could mean two million fewer visits, $2.1 billion in lost spending and 14,000 job losses,” the association said in a news release last week.

Asked about her advice to local school leaders, Manitoba Education Minister Tracy Schmidt urged teachers and families to consider spending their money closer to home.

“Field trips and school outings are very important for kids and their learning. That being said, we’re certainly in some unprecedented times right now and our government is very focused on supporting our local industries here in Manitoba,” said Schmidt, who is also a mother of three school-aged children enrolled in public schools in Winnipeg.

Schmidt noted that one of the highlights of her job is the opportunity she has to travel to all corners of the province.

In the Winnipeg School Division, the largest of its kind in the province with upwards of 30,000 students, Supt. Matt Henderson said the administration is currently focused on the potential fallout of U.S. tariffs on vendors’ prices.

WSD administration is preparing a report on the subject for the board of trustees ahead of its March 3 regular meeting.

The Trump administration recently provided both the Canadian and Mexican governments with a month-long extension before sweeping tariffs take effect.

The U.S. government is threatening to add 25 per cent duties on all goods imported from both countries as of March 4, citing concerns about its neighbours’ border security. Additional worldwide tariffs on steel and aluminum are anticipated to begin March 12.

Winnipeg’s Louis Riel School Division has yet to issue any specific guidance to schools regarding travel to Manitoba’s southern neighbour, North Dakota, or any other states.

However, Supt. Christian Michalik said LRSD recently put out a notice to community members to reaffirm its values, including a commitment to anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices.

“While events in the United States may have us feeling uneasy if not outraged, it is essential to recognize that attacks on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are not confined by borders,” read an excerpt of a mass email sent to families and staff members Tuesday on behalf of Michalik, the LRSD board of trustees and union leaders representing employees in the division.

The memo states the division encompassing St. Boniface and St. Vital must remain steadfast in continuing its actions related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility to support student learning and well-being.

LRSD will continue to challenge prejudice, celebrate diversity and teach students “to advocate for fairness and human dignity,” it states.

Days into his second term, Trump ordered that diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across the U.S. government be shut down. He has also hinted at wanting to transform Canada into the 51st American state.

“It’s incredibly disappointing and offensive, some of the things that have come out of his mouth and his Twitter (X) account,” PC education critic Grant Jackson said Wednesday.

The MLA for Spruce Woods — wherein local schools often plan trips to Bottineau, N.D., and the International Peace Garden — said he understands Manitobans want to respond, but would encourage them to “take the high road” while standing up for their country.

Adrian Alleyne of the River East Transcona School Division noted one student trip is scheduled for Minneapolis in June but senior administrators are discussing next steps surrounding potential travel to the U.S.

Jackie Scott, a spokesperson for Pembina Trails School Division, said there was no information to share on the subject.

The St. James-Assiniboia School Division is monitoring the situation and “reserves the right to cancel any trip following an emergent situation or negative travel advisory from Global Affairs Canada,” Jordana Buckwold, assistant superintendent of education, said in a statement Wednesday.

» Winnipeg Free Press