We, the undersigned parents, guardians, students, staff members and concerned members of the Portage la Prairie community, are requesting that the Portage la Prairie School Division take further action to improve security and help protect students and staff in our schools.

On September 21, 2026, a student at Portage Collegiate Institute was injured in a stabbing during a confrontation on school grounds. The school was placed into lockdown while police responded, and the injured student was transported to hospital in stable condition.

Events involving weapons and violence in or around schools create serious concerns for students, parents, staff and the wider community. Schools should be places where students can focus on learning without fearing for their personal safety.

We therefore respectfully request that the Portage la Prairie School Division undertake a comprehensive review of security at its schools and specifically consider implementing additional measures including:

Trained security personnel at Portage Collegiate Institute and other schools where a security assessment determines they are warranted.

Metal detectors or other appropriate weapons-screening measures at entrances, particularly at secondary schools, with consideration given to how screening could be implemented safely and efficiently.

Controlled school entrances, including limiting public and student entry during the school day to designated monitored entrances where appropriate.

A review of existing surveillance systems, including camera coverage, monitoring and areas of school property that may currently have inadequate coverage.

Improved procedures for preventing weapons from entering school property and responding when a weapon is suspected or reported.

Consultation with the RCMP, school administrators, staff, students, parents and qualified school-security professionals to determine which measures would be most effective for Portage la Prairie schools.

A publicly communicated school-safety action plan explaining what measures the Division intends to implement following its review, while withholding operational details that could compromise school security.

We recognize that no single security measure can completely eliminate violence. However, we believe recent events justify a serious examination of whether additional preventative measures can reduce risks and improve the safety of students and staff.

This petition is not intended to create fear within our schools. It is a request for proactive action, careful evaluation and meaningful improvements to school safety.

We respectfully ask the Board of Trustees of the Portage la Prairie School Division to formally consider this petition and provide the community with a response regarding what additional security measures will be examined or implemented.