REGINA, Sask. — It’s a new ad campaign describing the lack of investment in Saskatchewan students over the past 10 years.
The Saskatchewan Teachers Federation (STF) showcased the ad on Monday. Each student in the province has received $1,483 less in support from the 2015-2016 school year to the 2025-2026 school year.
“When we are talking about underfunding in public education in Saskatchewan, we're talking about operating funding,” explained STF president Samantha Becotte.
Based on data from previous provincial budgets and the Consumer Price Index, Becotte said the STF analyzed how funding levels have affected support available in schools.
“This might mean that they need to hire additional school staff, like teachers, so that they can reduce their class sizes. Maybe it's hiring additional professional support that is available within school divisions, like occupational therapists, educational psychologists.”
Becotte emphasized that classroom needs have grown over the years.
“We are seeing more significant needs within our classrooms, as well as a wider variety of needs. When we’re talking about violence in schools and the difficulty of managing a classroom, it is very difficult for a teacher on their own to meet the needs of all students when elementary classes have 30 or 35 students or more, and high school classes are nearing 40.”
Students are being affected.
“Whether it’s because they’re going hungry or because they’re sitting in class frustrated because they don’t understand what’s being taught, they know what they need to do, but they just can’t get there. There’s a block in their thinking,” mentioned Becotte.
This has led teachers to feel heartbroken for the current state of schools, she indicated.
“I’ve heard regularly from teachers across the province who have shared that heartbreak. They go home and cry because they care so much about their students and know they can only do so much. They are trying their best, but many teachers are burning out because of the demands being placed on them without the support they need,” said Becotte.
With so much pressure on teachers, Becotte said retention is becoming an issue.
“Many teachers are leaving the profession at a time when we’re dealing with a recruitment and retention crisis in public education. This isn’t isolated to Saskatchewan. We’re seeing it across Canada, with shortages of qualified, certified teachers who want to work in the profession.”
Becotte is calling for further benefits in public education, saying the province would save money as a result.
“A study by the Conference Board of Canada shows that every dollar that's invested in public education saves a government a dollar and 30 cents in other support later on down the road.
In a statement, the Ministry of Education said the province continues to invest in education to support students, families and classroom learning.
“Over the past three years alone, the province has increased school operating funding by approximately 20 per cent,” the government said.
For the 2026-27 school year, Saskatchewan’s 27 school divisions will receive a record $2.5 billion in operating funding, with average per-student funding reaching $13,185 — an increase of more than $400 from the previous school year.
The government also pointed to expanded classroom supports, including 50 additional specialized support classrooms, bringing the provincial total to 108.
“While the STF is presenting its interpretation of education funding data, the government has increased investments in education and continues to make investments in Saskatchewan classrooms,” the government said. “Our focus remains on ensuring students receive the supports they need and that school divisions have the resources required to deliver a high-quality education.”
