CUPE Saskatchewan’s Education Workers’ Steering Committee is deeply disappointed with the provincial budget, which fails to address key issues facing our education system.
The budget reveals a troubling trend of underfunding. The government is budgeting $4.428 billion for education in 2025-2026 - less than the $4.454 billion spent last year. This effectively cuts resources from an already strained system.
“We did not see a budget that will fix the crisis in education,” said Karla Sastaunik, chairperson of CUPE Saskatchewan’s Education Workers’ Steering Committee. “Education support workers have been asked to do more with less for years, and we are at a breaking point.”
Sastaunik also warned that the province is failing its most vulnerable students, particularly Indigenous students who will be directly impacted by the loss of federal funding from Jordan’s Principle. “Without sustainable funding these students will fall even further behind, and that is simply unacceptable,” she said. “Yet, we heard nothing about this matter from the government today. “
CUPE education workers are also concerned about the government’s failure to address violence in schools.
“Our members are on the frontlines experiencing violence in schools on a regular basis because of chronic underfunding and cuts to staffing levels. But again there was no mention of violence in classrooms in the Finance Minister’s speech,” said Sastaunik.
Education support workers play a vital role in Saskatchewan’s education system. They work directly with students who require intensive supports and are committed to ensuring all students can reach their full potential.
“We need more than teachers in the classroom for all students to succeed,” said Sastaunik. “CUPE members are proud to support an inclusive education system, but this budget does not provide the resources needed to make that happen.”