Manitoba Implements New Educational Testing System and Accelerates Landfill Search for Indigenous Women Remains

The Manitoba government has announced its transition from the General Educational Development (GED) tests to the Canadian Adult Educational Credential (CAEC) tests starting in June, in response to the discontinuation of GED tests in Canada. The CAEC tests, which feature Canadian content inclusive of diverse cultures and Indigenous perspectives, can be taken online in English or French, with paper options also available, maintaining a $75 testing fee.

Individuals aiming to take the GED tests in Manitoba are advised to complete them by May, with those having partially completed GED tests allowed to count them towards their CAEC for up to three years. Employers are set to recognize both GED and CAEC certificates as equivalent, ensuring a smooth transition for test-takers in the province.

Meanwhile, Manitoba’s government, under Premier Wab Kinew and minister Nahanni Fontaine, has accelerated efforts to search a Winnipeg landfill believed to contain the remains of two Indigenous women. The decision comes after the investigation into the murders of these women led to allegations against a suspect, further emphasizing the urgency of the search operation.

The delay in the landfill search, which prompted criticism from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Indigenous communities, has sparked discussions about the devaluation and marginalization of Indigenous women in Canada. Fontaine, a member of the Sagkeeng Anishinaabe First Nation, expressed her frustration at the systemic violence against Indigenous women, urging for swift action to address the issue.

Past inquiries, including the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and reports such as the University of Winnipeg’s findings on Indigenous women violence, have highlighted the ongoing crisis facing Indigenous communities. The government’s commitment to both educational reforms and addressing the search for missing Indigenous women highlights Manitoba’s dedication to social justice and equity in the province.