Sask. NDP says education 'budget chaos' is bad for kids, families
The Saskatchewan NDP is describing the Sask. Party's approach to school funding "last-minute budget chaos."
After an outcry from school divisions, school boards, and unions, the Sask. Party government announced a $40 million top-up for the province's schools.
“It’s clear from the rally that was held on the steps of the legislature that this is a major issue for both parents and educators. Everyone’s family is impacted by these cuts in different ways and it’s frustrating knowing that this all could have been prevented had the government just properly invested in our kids,” opposition NDP leader Carla Beck said in a news release.
The additional funding came a month after Premier Scott Moe indicated more money could be coming for schools, following a rally held at the legislature calling for more money for students.
A day before education minister Dustin Duncan announced the new money, multiple school divisions told CTV News they still hadn't heard anything and were still busy trying to create their budgets based on the money they were promised in the provincial budget.
“It’s been a while since a provincial budget was so bad that emergency funding was announced just three weeks later,” NDP education critic Matt Love said in the news release.
While the Saskatchewan government's 2023-24 budget projected a $1 billion surplus, the province's school divisions argued their funding allotment in the March budget amounted to a less-than-one per cent increase — insufficient to handle growing enrollment.
Even with the additional money announced last week, the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation and Saskatchewan School Boards Association both say the money falls short of what is actually needed to fund schools adequately.
With the additional $40 million, the education ministry says the operating budget for Saskatchewan's 27 school divisions for the 2023-24 school year now sits at $2.08 billion.
While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Duncan indicated it may be time to look at the annual timeline for school budgeting.
"Maybe that doesn't work for any of us anymore," Duncan said.
"I've committed to the school divisions [that] we're certainly willing to continue a conversation with them."
--With files from Josh Lynn
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.