Did you know Winnipeg, Manitoba, is ranked the best city in Canada to raise a family? In 2023, The Globe and Mail named Winnipeg first for raising children, third for welcoming newcomers, and third most livable overall. Brandon also ranked high, coming in third for raising families.

With affordable housing and accessible childcare, Manitoba is an excellent place to raise kids. Here’s a quick guide to parenting in the province and the supports available for newcomer families:

1. Supports for parents

   In Manitoba, help for newcomer families can range from financial aid to parenting programs.

   Upon arriving, newcomer parents may avail of the Canada Child Benefit, which is a federal financial support for parents with children who are under 18 years old. Parents receive monthly payments, with the amount depending on the age of their children and their household income (learn more about CCB here). Meanwhile, provincial benefits like the Family Affordability Benefit Payment provides additional financial help. It is a tax-free benefit for families with a household net income of under $175,000 for their children under 18 years old. They can receive $250 for the first child plus an additional $200 for each additional child under 18.

   Newcomer parents are also given support and encouragement through free parenting programs that are easily accessible. These range from pre-natal, mom and baby programs to “Better Fathering” programs that explore family dynamics, ways of improving communication, and developing parenting skills with a cross-cultural focus. Here are some examples of these programs:

   • Positive Discipline from MOSAIC Newcomer Family Resource Network. This is part of the organization’s line of free Family Literacy and Parenting Programs that offer language and cultural supports, as well as quality childcare to allow parents to fully attend the programs.
   • Healthy Baby Community Support Programs in Winnipeg and Outside of Winnipeg.
   • Family Dynamics – Offers family and child care resources, in-home family support, community settlement program, and parent coach.
   • NEEDS, Inc. –Provides free educational, school preparedness and orientation programming for refugee children and youth.

2. Parenting styles and laws

   Parents have the right to raise their children with their values and beliefs. They have the right to raise and discipline your children without the involvement of the Child and Family Services unless the child is unsafe. Parents also have the right to decide for the child about religion, school, discipline, medical treatment, and where the child lives (General Child and Family Services Authority). Manitoba adheres to a child-centered public policy and upholds the United Nations Rights of the Child.

   In matters of Family Law, the focus is always to promote the child’s best interests. Family Law plays an important role especially in cases where there is a breakdown in the relationship of the parents, such as in separation or divorce. To learn more about Family Law, the province has a centralized website for information and resources, as well as supports, such as legal assistance.

3. Child care and education

   In Manitoba, children under the age of 12 years old cannot be left unsupervised at home. Most parents going back to work or to school will need reliable and safe child care for young kids. It’s a good thing that the province has reliable and affordable child care services, including the $10 a Day Child Care. Go to our guide: 5 steps to finding child care services to know more.

   Children seven years and older have to be in school. Elementary is from Kindergarten to Grade 8, and secondary school (or high school) is from Grade 9 to 12. What’s great is that public education is free and the responsibility of the province. Education is also high-quality and responsive. However, parents can choose to send their children to a private school or even homeschool them. These options are not funded by the province, but parents may find supports for their educational choices. To learn more about signing up your kids to school, read this guide: How to register your children in school.

4. The role of the Child & Family Services (CFS)

   While misunderstood, the CFS plays a key role in keeping families safe and supported. The CFS provides a range of social services and programs that protects children at risk. It extends assistance to families affected by family violence and disruption. The agency can even help families with finding child care, emergency food and housing, and even counselling.

The province offers comprehensive resources and support systems to help families thrive, making it a wonderful place to raise children.