"Educational assistants play a vital role in supporting children’s growth and success,” said Matt Love, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Education.
“Allowing these dozens of educational assistants to be cut will only hurt our kids who need help the most. Our kids only get one shot at preparing for a bright future.”
Earlier this year, Saskatoon schools lost 80 educational assistant positions following changes to Jordan’s Principle funding.
“It’s heartbreaking to see education assistants losing their jobs because of the funding cuts to Jordan’s Principle, while Indigenous students struggle without the support they need,” said Shandel McLeod, Vice-Chair of the CUPE Saskatchewan Education Workers’ Steering Committee. “The Sask. Party government needs to step up and backfill this funding so students get the care they deserve, and EAs can continue supporting them.”
The Sask. Party government has made no investment to restore and backfill the funding, leaving classrooms stretched thin and students at risk of falling behind.
“Education funding is a provincial responsibility and school boards shouldn’t be forced to scrape together dollars from Ottawa just to hire the staff our kids need,” said Joan Pratchler, Saskatchewan NDP Associate Shadow Minister for Education.
“We already rank last in education in the entire country. If we don’t make a real investment now, we’re shortchanging the next generation.”
“The Sask. Party absolutely has the ability to reverse these cuts today. If they don’t hundreds of kids who need extra support will continue to struggle and won’t meet their full potential.”
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