After the latest update from the Education Minister today, I continue to be astounded by this government’s complete lack of planning for a safe return to schools.
The Minister of Education announced further potential measures that divisions might choose to enforce for the upcoming school year. Let us be clear: further guidance is badly needed, but the guidance they’ve provided so far is not nearly enough. Parents still do not know when, and under what conditions, mask use will be mandatory.
Saskatchewan parents, students, teachers, and school-based staff are still stuck with the worst plan in the country.
Saskatchewan families have done what has been asked of them during the pandemic. The least we expect is a real plan to get our kids back to school safely. It is incredibly frustrating that once again the government has chosen to direct school divisions to “find creative solutions” rather to provide clear guidance or funding on cohorting and physical distancing.
The track record of the Premier and the Minister of Education on schools, even before COVID-19, is one of underfunding and overcrowding. The kids in this province deserve so much better than this government’s failed return to school plan.
I have called on the Minister to reconvene the Human Resources Committee to hear expert testimony for a real plan that puts school safety first. We must get this right.
I want to wish you and your family a merry Christmas and a happy new year from everyone here at the Saskatchewan NDP Caucus.
HOMELESSNESS DOUBLES IN REGINA, TRIPLES IN SASKATOON
REGINA – A new Angus Reid poll reveals Saskatchewan residents are struggling more than any other province with the cost–of–living crisis. Nearly half (45%) say they are worse off financially than last year, and 50% report difficulty feeding their families — the highest such rates of financial insecurity in Canada.
SASKATCHEWAN NDP CALL FOR TOUGHER RULES FOR PROVINCIAL POLITICIANS
REGINA - Sask. Party Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill has been found guilty of breaking conflict of interest laws, and dodged accountability with a loophole in a second conflict-of-interest case.
Sask. Party says Fred is not sick enough for care, doctor has given him weeks to live
REGINA – After promising that the Ministry of Health would help a desperate Weyburn couple, the Sask. Party government has quietly withdrawn its support.