NDP call on government to revise and resubmit their failed return-to-school plan

Today, NDP Leader Ryan Meili said the Sask. Party had failed their homework assignment and called on them to provide a real plan before schools reopen in September. Education Minister Gord Wyant has repeatedly placed the responsibility for a safe reopening of schools on school divisions that have long been underfunded by the province.

“Parents, teachers and kids are worried, and they are looking for a plan that gives them the confidence they need to return to school,” said Meili. “Instead, they got the worst plan in Canada from this Sask. Party government and a minister trying to pass the buck to school divisions that were already struggling with tough budget decisions. This government needs to take responsibility and come up with a real plan, instead one that’s failing the test and passing the buck.”

In an interview with CBC this morning, Education Minister Gord Wyant repeatedly passed the buck to school divisions, saying they had put together their own “unique operational plans.”

In the last few months, some school divisions have had to dip into their reserves to make up for budget shortfalls and deficits prior to new costs related to the re-opening.

“This government has been underfunding schools for years and COVID-19 has made clear exactly how that underfunding puts our kids at risk,” Meili said. “We know what’s needed: faster COVID-19 testing, smaller classes, dedicated funding for school divisions and clarity on things like phasing and masks. We need a real plan for a safe return to schools, and we need it now.”

Latest posts

More Than 100 Faculty Fired, Entire Health Information Management Program Shuttered While Scott Moe Sits On His Hands 
REGINA – Carla Beck’s team stood with the president of the Faculty Association at Saskatchewan Polytechnic at the Legislature Wednesday to demand more funding and an end to a series of devastating layoffs. 
New Legislation Would Block Extra Billing And Protect Saskatchewan’s Public Healthcare System 
REGINA – As Scott Moe openly plots a move to two-tier, American-style private healthcare in Saskatchewan, Carla Beck’s team is introducing legislation to protect patients from having to pull out their credit cards at the doctor’s office by banning extra billing and access fees.  
Massive Rise in Weapons Seizures, Patient And Worker Safety Concerns In Recent Months 
REGINA – Carla Beck’s team was joined today at the Legislature by SEIU‑West healthcare workers raising the alarm about the Sask. Party+’s plans to further privatize healthcare and lower safety standards at Saskatchewan hospitals. 

REGINA – Today, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck committed to action on reversing the Sask. Party’s power rate hikes, rural transportation, and cracking down on illegal foreign farmland ownership in an address to the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities. 

Share this post