How can local schools expand youth programming, support student mental health, and bring back community-based drop-in sports programs for families?
In this episode of Winnipeg Votes 2026, host Graham McDonald speaks with Pradeev Sockalingam, candidate for School Trustee in the East Ward of the St. James-Assiniboia School Division.
Drawing from his 20-year career in the financial sector, his work with National Bank of Canada, and his extensive experience coaching youth sports, Pradeev shares his vision for expanding youth activities, managing the division’s budget responsibly, and addressing key community priorities.
The conversation explores major issues facing the school division, including the 8.87% mill rate increase, provincial funding realities, infrastructure needs for older schools, rising enrollment, bus transportation disruptions, student mental health, language support for newcomer families, and truth and reconciliation in education.
Pradeev explains his desire to partner with the city to revive affordable summer drop-in programs, protect youth sports and extracurricular activities, and foster open communication between parents, schools, and board leadership.
Winnipeg Votes 2026 is hosted by Graham McDonald and presented by U Multicultural Channel.
Disclaimer: As part of U Multicultural’s 2026 Winnipeg Municipal Election Coverage, candidates were invited to share messages with our audience. The views expressed in this article are the candidate’s own, and this article does not constitute an endorsement by U Multicultural.
Sunday Adeola, U Multicultural.