Violence Against Winnipeg School Staff Surges 118% Over Three Years, Union Warns
The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union reports a 118% rise in student-related aggression against Winnipeg School Division staff since 2022-23, with educational assistants most affected.
New figures from the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union reveal that student-related aggression in Winnipeg schools more than doubled, rising from 884 incidents in 2022-23 to 1,925 in 2025-26, a 118% jump. Kyle Ross, president of the union representing educational support staff, called the trend "jaw-dropping" and said staff now worry about being spat on, having their hair pulled, bitten or head-butted each day.
Educational assistants accounted for the majority of reported cases, prompting the union to demand increased staffing, proper training and stricter enforcement of violence-prevention policies. Education Minister Tracy Schmidt affirmed the provincial government's commitment, noting funding to hire 830 new assistants, while acknowledging further work is needed. Winnipeg School Division superintendent Matt Henderson reported adding 300 assistants over three years and cutting class sizes, asserting the division now has "the right amount of people and the right people" in classrooms. Experts cited broader funding cuts and larger class sizes as contributing factors, emphasizing that the rise in violence disrupts learning for both staff and students.
Why it matters
Rising school violence threatens staff safety and hampers students' ability to learn in a secure environment.
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