Despite Brad Wall's attempts to blame the federal government, it is the Sask. Party who cut per student funding in growing school divisions and have left Saskatchewan students with less support.
“The Premier knows full well that the underfunding in Saskatchewan classrooms started with his cuts," said NDP Education Critic Carla Beck. "The strain on teachers and educational assistants and the diminishing support for Saskatchewan students were very real, before our province generously welcomed Syrian refugees."
At the beginning of the school year, the Regina Public School Board alone had 485 unfunded students. Between September and January, the division had an influx of 751. Out of those new students, 108 were welcomed from Syria after the world saw the extent of the tragedy and crisis there.
Last year, the Sask. Party cut the mid-year funding adjustment which is meant to help deal with increases in student enrolment.
In Saskatoon area schools alone, there are 1160 unfunded students, which is equal to roughly 50 classrooms of students or 5 small schools.
“We are talking about school boards having to take on thousands of new students while the government refuses to provide funding to support them," said Beck. “The Premier needs to quit playing the blame game, accept responsibility, reverse his own cuts and ensure that every student in Saskatchewan has the opportunity to receive the quality education they deserve."