CUPE members from Prince Albert education locals joined Matt Love, Saskatchewan NDP shadow minister for education, at a press conference today urging the Sask. Party government to restore education funding and protect supports for students.
“Education cuts hurt everyone,” said Shandel McLeod, vice-chair of the CUPE Saskatchewan Education Workers’ Steering Committee (EWSC). “Education assistants are stretched thin with fewer resources, and students are losing the support they need to succeed.”
McLeod explained that many education assistants were hired on temporary contracts funded through Jordan’s Principle, but those positions were eliminated or not renewed when the Sask. Party government failed to backfill the funding.
“Relying on Jordan’s Principle funding for these positions shows that the provincial education funding is falling short,” said McLeod. “We are calling on the Sask. Party government to backfill these cuts, so students get the care they deserve from the EAs who support them.”
Bonnie Kuppenbender, vice-president of CUPE 4195 in Prince Albert and a member of the EWSC, shared how the cuts have impacted students.
“These cuts aren’t just numbers on a budget; they affect real children and real families,” said Kuppenbender. “Students, especially those with complex needs, are missing out on the attention and care they need to thrive.”
CUPE continues to urge the Sask. Party government to invest in public education, restore funding, and ensure every student has the resources and supports they need to succeed.