REGINA - The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation says it will work collaboratively with the provincial government following the Sask Party's election win on Monday.
STF has congratulated the new and re-elected members of the Legislature following Monday’s provincial election.
In a statement STF encouraged the parties to “keep public education among their top priorities over the coming weeks, months and years.” STF adds they are committed to working collaboratively to address the ongoing issues in schools.
“The STF has a mandate to advocate for public education,” said STF President Samantha Becotte. “We remain non-partisan and our advocacy is always focused on which policies are best for public education and students. After what has been a very competitive election, we look forward to collaborating with this government to find solutions for the issues students, families and teachers are facing in Saskatchewan’s classrooms.”
“I want to say thank you to STF members and supporters of public education for everything they have done to keep education front and centre throughout this election cycle. We have work ahead to ensure we rebuild relationships and continue our strong advocacy on behalf of Saskatchewan’s students and teachers.”
The most recent legislative session had been a contentious one for STF with its members launching job action over issues including classroom complexity. Members also rejected proposed settlement offers on multiple occasions and it will now be decided by binding arbitration.
During the election STF advisor Ian Hanna, a former advisor to Premier Brad Wall, had come out in support of the NDP and endorsed NDP candidate Tom Kroczynski in The Battlefords against Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill. Despite that, Cockrill won easy re-election.
During the campaign Becotte also spoke out against the Sask Party, speaking to the rally of the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses at the legislature shortly after the election call in early October.
STF itself had been active during the election with its Vote for Public Education campaign, which it says it plans to continue through school board elections on Nov. 13. STF now says their focus will be on that Nov. 13 vote.
They are also looking ahead to the return of the legislature. Becotte said that through the provincial election they had “called on candidates to make three key commitments to students, families and teachers in publicly funded schools: restore and maintain per-student funding, address class size and complexity, and address the growing concerns of violence in the classroom.
“Once the legislature is back in session, it will be time for Saskatchewan’s MLAs to make good on these commitments.”
