The Sask. Party is failing Indigenous communities, especially Indigenous youth, by refusing to address Jordan’s Principle funding cuts.
Today, CUPE members in Saskatchewan delivered a petition with over 1,100 signatures to the office of Minister Tim McLeod, demanding the province backfill Jordan’s Principle funding cuts to ensure Indigenous children have equitable access to education.
CUPE held a press conference following the petition delivery to address the urgent need for provincial action.
“The federal cuts to Jordan’s Principle funding are devastating. But what’s just as troubling is the provincial government’s refusal to backfill those cuts,” said Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “By not stepping up, this provincial government is turning its back on Indigenous children, education workers, and all students.”
Karla Sastaunik, chair of the CUPE Saskatchewan Education Workers’ Steering Committee spoke about children who no longer receive specialized supports they need, EAs who have lost their jobs, and education workers who are stretched thin trying to fill the gaps.
“This isn’t just about staffing,” said Sastaunik. “It’s about a child’s ability to learn and thrive. It’s about the mental health and wellbeing of workers who are burning out because of inadequate support.”
CUPE is urging the Sask. Party to immediately backfill Jordan Principle’s funding cuts to ensure Indigenous children are not left behind.
“As an education worker, I see every day the struggles that students who depend upon Jordan’s Principle have and how much that support helps,” said John McDonald, member of the CUPE Saskatchewan Indigenous Council. “And the knowledge that these students suffer without it is heartbreaking.”
The event also featured remarks from Brent Blakley, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Social Services, who echoed the call for accountability and action.