630 Westminster Ave. Winnipeg MB R3C 3S1 204.783.4481

Welcome to MFIS

The Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools Inc. (MFIS) was founded and incorporated on December 11, 1974 and is an umbrella organization for the funded independent schools in the Province of Manitoba.

The MFIS represents the interests and concerns of the funded independent schools in Manitoba.  In doing so, the MFIS supports and encourages high educational standards and the values that are unique to the various school communities.

The diversity of Manitoba’s population is reflected in the approx. 13,360 students* it represents from 12-14 faith groups.

Historical Outline of Manitoba Independent School Funding

  • 1870 The Manitoba Act provided Public funding of Catholic schools. 
  • 1890 The Public Schools Act was passed, establishing the Department of Education.
  •       A nondenominational public school system was enacted and public funding to other schools was terminated.  
  • 1895  The Order of Council  which compelled the Province of Manitoba to restore funding to the Catholics Schools
  • 1964 - The Manitoba Association for Equality in Education (MAEE) was founded by parents who held the firm conviction that parents have the right to choose the school they wish their child(ren) to attend.  Its aim was to promote equal educational opportunities for all children in the Province, whether they attended a public or private school.
  • 1974 – likeminded independent schools decided to come together to form the Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools Inc. (MFIS) to secure fair funding for the students who attended schools other than the public schools.   
  • 1974  The Bilingual Agreement with the Office of the Secretary of State to receive applications for French instruction and for the distribution of the bilingual Basic and other French Grants via MFIS.
  • In the following years Shared Service Agreements were signed between school divisions and independent schools.
  • 1990 – The “Letter of Comfort” from the province of Manitoba was signed by MFIS on behalf of Manitoba’s Independent Schools.  
  • 1996 – The agreement was amended at 50% funding and once again signed by the MFIS on behalf of Manitoba’s Independent Schools.
  • TODAY -   MFIS, considered a partner in education, works together with Manitoba Education to support the independent schools in providing education for students.