What does it take to prepare Winnipeg schools for the future?
That question sits at the heart of a conversation between Graham McDonald and Linda Hathout, a candidate for school trustee in Winnipeg School Division, Ward 4, on Winnipeg Votes 2026.
For Hathout, education is personal.
“Education is fundamental to the way I look at this world,” she said, recalling how her family immigrated from Tanzania so her father could work at the University of Winnipeg. “It is foundational to the success of our society.”
One of her biggest concerns is school infrastructure. Winnipeg School Division operates some of the city’s oldest buildings, many facing challenges related to accessibility, air conditioning, and aging HVAC systems.
“We really have to reinvest in that capital infrastructure to make our schools places that are good for a learning environment,” Hathout said.
She also highlighted a problem she says comes up repeatedly in conversations with parents: early school pickups.
“None of us work till 3:30 or 3 so that we can jump in our car and go pick up kids,” she said, arguing that expanded before- and after-school programming would help working families while giving students more opportunities for physical activity, crafts, and social engagement.
Hathout emphasized additional support for newcomer families, noting that many households in the division speak more than one language and may need help navigating the school system. She called for stronger English-language supports and greater outreach to parents.
When discussing student success, she advocated for earlier intervention for children facing learning challenges.
“Perfection is the enemy of good,” Hathout said. “Let’s do early intervention rather than waiting for a formal diagnosis.”
She also pointed to transparency in board governance, saying residents deserve a clearer view of how important decisions are made.
Looking ahead, the priority she hopes voters remember is simple: keeping schools open longer through partnerships that create safe, welcoming spaces for students, families, and the broader community.
https://youtu.be/nnSSzzJbbcc
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.
Yuliia Kovalenko, U Multicultural Journalism