Union Raises Concerns Over Medical Procedures in Schools
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Saskatchewan Education Workers Steering Committee is raising alarm over what it describes as school workers performing medical procedures that fall outside their professional scope. Committee chairperson Karla Sastaunik held a press conference in front of the provincial legislative building on June 2, 2026, to highlight the issue.
According to Sastaunik, education assistants and other school staff are increasingly being asked to carry out tasks such as administering medications, managing feeding tubes, and performing catheterizations without proper training or certification. This practice, she argues, not only crosses professional boundaries but also poses serious risks to student safety.
"We are seeing a troubling trend where school workers are expected to perform medical procedures that require licensed health professionals," Sastaunik said. "This is a crossing of boundaries that puts both students and staff in vulnerable positions."
The union is calling on the provincial government to clarify roles and responsibilities, provide adequate training, and ensure that appropriate medical personnel are available in schools. They emphasize that while they support inclusive education, the current approach is unsustainable.
"We want to support students with complex needs, but not at the expense of safety and professional standards," Sastaunik added. The union plans to meet with the Ministry of Education to discuss potential solutions.
