Despite clear opposition from parents, teachers, and school boards, the Sask. Party has rushed forward with its overreaching bill to silence local voices in education and take full control for the Sask. Party Minister and Cabinet.

“The Sask. Party’s record of cutting and attacking Saskatchewan’s kids’ classrooms and all the people who work in them, and the damage that they have caused throughout the province with their mismanagement, scandal and waste, make it more than clear that school boards and trustees – not Sask. Party cabinet Ministers – should be in control of children’s schools and classrooms,” said NDP Education Critic Carla Beck. “With so much at stake, it was disappointing and upsetting to see the several former educators and school board members who now sit as Sask. Party MLAs, vote in favour of this bill instead of standing with teachers and students.”

The damage caused by the minister’s attempts to take power out of the hands of school boards and trustees will only be made worse, as a result of the $60-million the Sask. Party is cutting out of children’s classrooms. Moreover, the Minister now has the ability to direct how these cuts are implemented.

“The power grab made by the Minister today is a terrible overreach and just show how arrogant and out of touch the Sask. Party has become,” Beck said. “The NDP will continue to bring the voices of students, families, teachers and school board members to the legislature and will work ensure they aren’t silenced when it comes to deciding what’s best for Saskatchewan students.”