By David Klassen
A Winnipeg woman died in a bus crash in Peru over the holiday weekend, family members say.
Margaret Pidlaski, 57, was Manitoba’s director of adult English language programs for the Labour and Immigration Department.
Reports say Pidlaski died Friday and was a seasoned world traveller. The location in Peru when the accident happened isn’t yet known.
A spokesperson for Labour and Immigration wasn’t available for comment late Tuesday.
Pidlaski was set to return home January 2.
UPDATE: Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard has released the following statement:
My colleagues in the Manitoba legislature and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Margaret Pidlaski late last week. Margaret was an extraordinary woman who understood the diversity of newcomers to Manitoba and was strongly committed to programs that welcomed and included them in our communities.
She was a long-time director of the adult-language training branch with Manitoba Labour and Immigration and was widely recognized as an authority on professional practice in adult-language training across the country. The current nationally recognized quality of English as an additional language instruction in Manitoba is largely a testament to her efforts.
To those who knew her as I did, Margaret was an exceptional public servant who will be deeply missed. Our sincere condolences go out to Margaret’s friends and family at this difficult time.
