The President of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation says the billboard ads funded by the province which highlight what the government is offering in their contract is an attack on teachers and they are misleading.

Samantha Becotte explains that the ads say Saskatchewan teachers’ salaries are above average compared to other provinces, but she suggests the statistics were “cherry picked” and don’t match reality. As well, salary is only one segment of the contract. Becotte says teachers want the issues of growing classroom sizes and the complex needs within those classrooms to be addressed. She has heard from teachers that the last three years have been the most challenging, and that includes teachers who have been around for many years. Becotte says, “Teachers are demanding that this government starts addressing the increasing intensification in our schools and in our classrooms, whether it’s growing class sizes or addressing the lack of resources that students have in schools.”

Becotte suggests the ads distract from the very significant issues in schools and education and they are costing taxpayers money. She urges everyone to write to their MLA saying the government’s behaviour at the bargaining table and in the ads will hurt students in the classroom. STF’s President says the ads are not accurate and teachers want to ensure budget not balanced on backs of kids.