The layoffs of 80 education assistants at Saskatoon Public Schools in the middle of the school year is unacceptable.
Last month, the Federal government announced that school divisions off-reserve would no longer be able to access Jordan’s Principle funding, instead they would be redirected to existing provincial programs. This funding is designed to narrow the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth.
This decision left vulnerable students across Saskatoon Public Schools without critical classroom supports. This has caused significant distress for students, families, and classrooms – with a disproportionate impact on Indigenous students and families.
When school divisions in other provinces were impacted by the federal funding changes, provincial governments stepped up with emergency funding for the remainder of the school year to minimize disruptions for staff and students.
Join CUPE 8443’s call for the provincial government to step in with emergency funding to rehire these staff.