Manitoba schools to implement mandatory daily physical education

Manitoba is set to make in-person physical education classes mandatory for all students, from kindergarten to Grade 12. The provincial government announced Thursday the launch of a two-year pilot health curriculum program named “Every Body Every Day.” Premier Wab Kinew stated at a news conference that this initiative will require daily gym classes for every student.

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Every single student in Manitoba will have to do gym class in-person.

"Every single student in Manitoba will have to do gym class in-person," Kinew said, expressing his belief that the program "has the potential to make Manitoba a healthier place." He emphasized the school system's role as a key avenue for reaching every child. The first phase will involve 25 schools across Winnipeg, Brandon, and rural Manitoba, with other public schools gradually implementing daily gym classes in the 2026-2027 school year.

Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, the province will mandate that a qualified professional provide at least 110 hours of in-person physical education for Grade 11 and 12 students. During the pilot phase, teachers and parents will have opportunities to provide feedback for continuous refinement of the curriculum. Previously, Grade 11 and 12 students could opt out of in-school physical education by substituting an outside activity.

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has the potential to make Manitoba a healthier place.

Premier Kinew addressed concerns from students who might feel anxious about mandatory classes, stating, "we are going to change gym to work for you too." He assured that the program would accommodate students who might try to avoid physical activity, as well as those who find exercise challenging. The updated guidelines will ensure gym classes are adaptable for students requiring accommodations.

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The school system, in general, that we have is one of the best ways that we can reach every child.

The curriculum also incorporates learning goals relevant to contemporary students, including the mental health impacts of screen time, social media, and artificial intelligence. It will also examine marketing tactics used by vape and supplement companies, alongside the risks associated with e-scooters. Recent data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information revealed 837 hospitalizations related to e-scooter injuries between April 2025 and March 2026, an increase of over 200 cases from the previous year. The premier concluded by stating, "When we think about the future of our society, it has to be inclusive of an education that fosters health and well-being and exercise amongst the next generation."

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we are going to change gym to work for you too.