While the Saskatchewan School Boards Association and the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation both said the provincial budget was a step in the right direction, the union that represents over 7,000 education workers, says it is deeply disappointed with the provincial government’s blueprint.

CUPE Saskatchewan’s Education Workers’ Steering Committee says government is budgeting $4.428 billion for education in 2025-2026 – less than the $4.454 billion spent last year. They say it effectively cuts resources from an already strained system.

Chairperson Karla Sastaunik says, “Education support workers have been asked to do more with less for years, and we are at a breaking point.”

She also says the province is particularly failing Indigenous students who will be directly impacted by the loss of federal funding from Jordan’s Principle.

CUPE education workers are also concerned about the government’s failure to address violence in schools.