School lunchroom fees should be blamed on provincial government, Sask. NDP say
The NDP opposition is calling on the provincial government to take the blame for school lunchroom fees. Several school boards plan to implement them for fall to cover government funding shortfalls.
The Premier has objected to the added cost for parents but the NDP said it’s of his own doing.
“Scott Moe has the audacity to jet-set his way to New York during an affordability crisis and stand in an airport and blame school boards for not balancing their books,” NDP MLA Matt Love said.
Regina Catholic Schools are the latest to impose a lunchroom fee for fall. It will be $70 for the year. Saskatoon’s two school boards also plan to implement varying fees.
“Because of the fact that we are trying to balance our budget with the funds that we’ve been given by the ministry, we’ve had to look at areas that we normally would not look at,” chair, Regina Catholic Schools Vicky Bonnell said.
Two weeks ago, the premier suggested such fees are unnecessary.
“They most certainly should be looking at using some of the reserves that have been growing in the last few years as opposed to sending out invoices to parents,” Premier Scott Moe said.
The Saskatchewan School Boards Association said reserves have designated purposes such as fleet renewal and are not there to cover operating shortfalls.
“And we welcome the opportunity and hope to have further conversation with the government about reserves and really helping to explain and paint a picture of why they are where they are and define exactly what they are,” president of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association, Shaun Davidson said.
Regina Public Schools will pass its budget next week, one day before the government’s June 30th deadline. The NDP said a $50 million top-up is required for school boards. The government will decide if more money is possible once all the budgets are submitted.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
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.