A recent Probe Research survey conducted among 3,370 educators in Manitoba indicates that nearly 80% of teachers feel that students with complex needs are not receiving adequate support. The survey, which had a margin of error of 1.54%, highlights a significant increase in the complexity of classroom needs over the past five years. Approximately 48% of educators reported having more than six students with complex needs, a rise from just 8% in 2017. The Manitoba Teachers' Society president, Lillian Klausen, emphasized that teachers are now performing multiple roles, including that of counselors and social workers, due to the erosion of support staff such as educational assistants, psychologists, and social workers. Furthermore, 63% of respondents noted a decline in educational assistant availability, attributing this to budget constraints that have led to cuts in support staff. Education Minister Tracy Schmidt acknowledged the challenges but pointed to funding increases since the previous government repealed class size caps for younger grades. Klausen is calling for stable, predictable funding to better support students and manage class sizes effectively.