Ahead of the official start of the election campaign, we asked our readers what the most important issues were facing the province. One of the biggest issues facing Saskatchewan, according to those who took part in the poll, is education.
As part of the campaign, each political party releases the platform of what they will do if they form government. This is what each party has said, so far, when it comes to education.
Saskatchewan Party
So far, the Saskatchewan Party has not announced anything in terms of education as part of their platform. However, that will likely change as we get closer to October 28th, and this will be updated to reflect any announcements that they make.
NDP
The NDP have already committed to investing $2 billion into education to reduce class sizes, hire teachers and education workers, and support students with complex learning needs. The NDP have also committed to building new schools, including one in White City and one in Moose Jaw if they form government. There would also be fast-tracking of projects that are already underway. The NDP is also promising to implement a healthy school food program.
Sask United
Sask United will introduce opt-in policies for education to encourage parental involvement in the classroom. They would also move to ensure there would be no ideology in the education curriculum, with an emphasis on reading, writing, mathematics and an accurate representation of history. They would also defund any post-secondary institution that doesn’t uphold freedom of expression on campus. Standardized testing will also be introduced to help understand student performance.
Progressive Conservative
The Progressive Conservative Party will ensure that only public schools receive public funding. As well, they will implement a breakfast and lunch program, and address and resolve the issues of class size and complexity. The PC platform also calls on taking politics out of the classroom with the repeal of the “Pronoun Bill”, ensuring teachers have the proper resources, and reducing or eliminating fees families pay out of pocket.
Green Party
The Green Party’s platform says they will compel contracts with teachers to be negotiated transparently and constructively and to reduce the workload on teachers to help with job satisfaction and staff retention. They will also support a future-facing curriculum that will see trade and skills-based curricula included in high schools and an integration of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, among other things. They will also phase out funding for private schools over five years, and integrate Catholic and public school boards.
Buffalo Party
So far, the Buffalo Party has not announced anything in terms of education as part of their platform. However, that will likely change as we get closer to October 28th, and this will be updated to reflect any announcements that they make.