Almost 2,000 people, including concerned citizens, parents, students, and educators, joined a rally to voice their concerns on public education funding in front of MLA Paul Merriman’s office in Saskatoon on Saturday.
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) announced their intention to begin holding rallies outside the offices of certain government MLAs earlier in October.
“The incredible turnouts we have seen at our mini rallies so far should be a signal to government that people are fed up with their status quo of underfunding and budget cuts,” said STF president Samantha Becotte in a news release.
“If Minister Merriman listens to what the people here are saying today, he might finally hear what parents and teachers already know: students deserve so much better."
She emphasized the need for investment in Saskatchewan's students.
"Everyone benefits from a quality public education system. So that in years to come, we're ensuring we have a successful future for our province. These kids are our future, and we need to invest in them." Becotte continued.
Concerned parents, Peter Gardener and Rachel Engler-Stringer, also shared their experiences and concerns. Gardener expressed support for teachers, acknowledging their dedication despite limited resources.
"We know teachers are doing the best with limited resources, and we want to see them get the resources they need to teach our kids and support our kids." said Gardener.
Engler-Stringer highlighted challenges faced by parents and students, including the increase in class sizes, reduced numbers of educational assistants, limited access to occupational therapists, and the scarcity of librarians in schools. She noted.
"We're seeing what's happening, everyone with kids. We're seeing the class sizes get bigger and bigger, there are fewer EA's, and it's harder and harder to get access to OT, and there's almost no librarians left." she says.
Previous rallies were held in Moose Jaw and Humboldt, with the last mini rally to take place in North Battleford on Nov. 4 outside minister Jeremy Cockrill’s office.
This rally was the first one to occur since the STF announced the results of a vote to authorize job actions.
- With files from Noah Rishaug
