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Manitoba is piloting a new health and physical education curriculum that will make in-person physical education mandatory for all students from kindergarten to Grade 12.
Dubbed the “Every Body, Every Day” policy, the initiative aims to ensure no student is left on the sidelines during gym class.
Premier Wab Kinew and other provincial leaders make the announcement Thursday during a news conference at Victor Mager School in St. Vital.
“This is all about getting every kid moving every day,” said Kinew. “We want kids in Manitoba to be healthy, confident and happy as they learn and grow, and that starts at school.”
Schools in rural and northern Manitoba, as well as in Winnipeg and Brandon, have opted into the two-year pilot program. Teachers and parents will be able to provide feedback as the curriculum is refined throughout the pilot.
The curriculum — updated for the first time in 25 years — also introduces new learning outcomes addressing challenges students face today, including the mental-health effects of social media and artificial intelligence, marketing of vapes and supplements, and risks tied to e-scooters. It also adds basic cooking skills for junior high and high school students, building on the province’s universal school food program introduced in 2024.
“This new curriculum teaches children from a young age that healthy habits they form today around exercise and nutrition will help them prevent illness later on in life,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer.
Watch Thursday’s news conference:
