Saskatchewan Teachers' Union Advocates for Enhanced Per-Student Funding in Upcoming Budget
The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) is calling for continued improvements to per-student funding as the provincial government prepares to table its 2026-27 budget this Wednesday. This comes after what the union describes as encouraging changes in education investment over recent years.
Union Leadership Expresses Optimism About Funding Direction
Samantha Becotte, president of the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation, stated, "We've been encouraged by the change of course that we've seen from our provincial government over the last few years, and specifically the improved investment that we've seen to per-student funding in the last two years' budgets."
The STF calculates per-student funding based on head count enrollment and operational funding provided to school divisions, according to information available on the organization's website. This methodology forms the basis for their advocacy efforts as budget discussions intensify.
Recent Education Funding Context and Historical Allocations
In the previous budget, approximately $4.43 billion was allocated for education across Saskatchewan, making it the second-largest budget category after healthcare, which received roughly $8 billion. This substantial allocation reflects education's traditional position as a major component of provincial spending.
For the 2025-26 fiscal year, about $3.5 billion was specifically earmarked for the Ministry of Education itself, representing a 5.5 percent increase over the 2024-25 allocation. From this amount, $130 million was designated to fund a new collective agreement with teachers and address growing enrollment numbers along with classroom challenges.
Background of Labor Relations and Contract Negotiations
This funding increase followed a lengthy labor dispute between the provincial government and the teachers' union. The parties eventually reached a retroactive three-year collective bargaining agreement on April 3, 2025, which remains in effect until August 31 of this year.
Becotte noted that negotiations typically begin prior to contract expiration and expressed that the STF is "excited" to engage in conversations about a future agreement. While uncertain whether the upcoming budget will include specific figures for a new contract, she emphasized that the government is obligated to fully fund whatever agreement is ultimately reached between the parties.
Looking Forward to Budget Announcement and Future Discussions
As Saskatchewan prepares for Wednesday's budget release, education stakeholders will be closely monitoring the government's commitment to per-student funding. The teachers' union has positioned this as a critical measure of continued progress following what they view as positive developments in recent years.
The budget announcement comes at a significant moment in the education sector's relationship with the provincial government, building on recent funding increases while addressing ongoing challenges related to enrollment growth and classroom resources.
