The Saskatchewan NDP are calling of a coordinated plan to keep kids in school safe, as COVID-19 cases increase across the province.

NDP Leader Ryan Meili says changes need to be made to address the current spike in cases, he adds it’s important to make these changes with schools in mind to keep them open. Meili says the number one thing needed is the full story. He states the government needs to be honest and clear with the people of Saskatchewan, telling residents what public health is telling the province, and sharing modeling numbers they have had for weeks. Meili adds the government needs to tell residents what is coming based off of those models, where transmission is happening the most and what changes need to happen.

The NDP called for a detailed account of the plans for outstanding federal funding for schools, and to rule out any claw-backs of funding to school divisions based on enrollment in the pandemic year. They would like to see dedicated COVID-19 testing and tracing capacity from schools and daycares. The NDP is also calling on the government to work with employers and others to ensure work-from-home protocols are established in order to assure a smooth transition should home-learning be necessary again in the province.

Education Critic Carla Beck noted that the active cases for youth has increased from 31 to 286 since the beginning of October. She says the government has not acted in any meaningful manner as case numbers have grown, putting the school year at risk. Beck adds if the government does not act to prevent school closures, the economic effect on families and the educational and social effect on children will be astronomical.