Sask. premier promises 'largest increase in school operating funding ever'

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has revealed the province’s plans for increased funding to education – ahead of the provincial budget.

In a video posted to X, Moe announced that the province will provide $180 million in additional funding. The increase will bring the province's education operating budget to a total of $2.2 billion.

“This increase will include over $356 million that is specifically allocated to classroom supports,” Moe said in the message. “The 2024-25 provincial budget will include the largest increase in school operating funding ever in Saskatchewan history.”

Moe said he took the “unusual step” of announcing part of the education prior to budget day in an attempt to demonstrate its commitment to continue the bargaining process with the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF).

“This should clearly demonstrate our government's commitment to address teachers’ concerns around classrooms supports,” he said.

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Moe also called on the federation to cease all planned job action.

“I am asking the STF to pause their job action so that teachers and students can return to their classrooms and the teachers union can return to the bargaining table,” he added.

In a news release issued Wednesday evening, STF President Samantha Becotte called the announcement "politically motivated" and made it clear teachers will not return to the table until size and complexity are addressed in their contract.

"We will not return to the bargaining table until government and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association are willing to include a firm, irrevocable commitment in the collective agreement," Becotte said. "This is not bargaining at the table and this is not an irrevocable commitment in contract."

"Saskatchewan students, families and teachers won't fall for it," Becotte added. "Despite government funding decisions, student needs don't come and go with election cycles."

Both Moe and Becotte are expected to take questions from reporters on Thursday.