I wrote an article about the Sask Party's attack on public education and the greater gears at play beyond so-called parental rights. Important to look at the whole picture. This is all part of the plan to throw public education under the bus and rationalize privatization schemes.
It keeps getting worse. The Sask Party consulted with church leaders about Saskatchewan education instead of... I don't know... Teachers, school trustees, school divisions, universities, SCCs, etc. Wake me up from this nightmare. ๐คฆ๐ผโโ๏ธ
Hope all the CPC leaders rightly denouncing what happened to Chrystia Freeland take a good hard look at themselves in the mirror today. Because eventually, all your rage farming turns into... rage.
#cdnpoli
#skpoli
Proud to stand up for kids' rights with hundreds of other Saskatchewan people. Actual real people, not the ones the Sask Party keeps making up. We will win. ๐๐ป
#loveoverhate
#skpoli
#cdnpoli
Today, the
@SKGov
kicked SK teachers and EAs while they were already down. Instead of being provided with more protection, we've now got less. I spent my lunch hour writing a letter to govt and called the premier's office. School staff are exhausted and deserve better.
#skpoli
Stay classy, rural Sask. Kids don't need to see this and I certainly don't need to see it alongside the highway. Your anger is misdirected. The person you should be mad at is Scott Moe. Stop falling for his rage farming because you're only hurting yourself at this point. Wake up.
Let's call it what it is... Giving everyone $500 is lazy governing. It's a dereliction of the
@SKGov
duty as government to make thoughtful funding decisions that best meet the needs of all Sask people.
Hard to choose out of the hundreds of amazing signs out there today but this one is my favourite. Absolutely phenomenal work from a Regina art teacher.
#isupportstf
@SaskTeachersFed
@PremierScottMoe
Cannot even bother reading this rage farming. Deal with the problems you have created and stop with the corruption and lies. So done with this government.
Negotiate with teachers. Invest in healthcare. Help regular citizens instead of corporations.
Be a better person.
Just a taste of what a few thousand teachers walking around the legislature building looks like in -35 windchill. We're not going to take it anymore! Fund public education now!
#ISupportSTF
@SaskTeachersFed
SK people rallying against EV charging stations points to an utter lack of
@SKGov
leadership regarding the seriousness of climate change. People are hacking on smoke and getting walloped by storm after storm but still fail to make the connection. ๐คฆโโ๏ธ
The decision to require parents to attend school with kids for Covid vaccines oozes privilege. Our govt has no idea about the struggles of low income families or newcomers to Canada. They are making it harder for many families to access vaccines by requiring this.
Me: Feed kids at school.
Reply: No! Parents should get jobs and send their own kids' lunches.
How did we become such an individualistic, uncaring society? You'd think that "feed children" would be a fairly easy thing to rally people around. I vote for meals over marshals.
"Parental rights" is a dog whistle. Parents have always had voice in school boards & SCCs. Absurd Moe pandered to a select few parents but neglected to consult w/ Child Advocate, SSBA, health experts, or teachers. Putting vulnerable kids at risk for political points is a new low.
Iโve been asked what experts we consulted in creating the Parental Inclusion and Consent policy.
I believe the leading experts in childrenโs upbringing are their parents.
It's extremely concerning when the Minister of Ed starts telling schools who they can or cannot invite into classrooms to cover curricular outcomes. This coming from a politician with no educational expertise irresponsibly imposing HIS ideological beliefs.
Booked our flu shots like Dr. Shahab suggested but the appointments were cancelled because the pharmacy is short-staffed due to illness. Not scheduling any more because no one is available to do them. This is what happens when
@SKGov
lets illness run rampant.
Anyone know how many people are 18+ in Saskatchewan? How much money is the govt giving away here? Seems to me that it would have been enough to make a significant dent in addressing the education cuts this province has seen over the past few years.
Dear
@jeremycockrill
,
You have clearly misunderstood the letters that I have sent to you in support of the
@SaskTeachersFed
and public education. Please see the following revisions. Remember, checking sources is critical for ministerial work. Redo and resubmit.
#ISupportSTF
I hope everyone in Saskatchewan is starting to ask themselves the critical question...
Why doesn't the
@SaskParty
want to guarantee public education funding?
#ISupportSTF
Extremely disappointed in school divisions making teachers work from 9-3 with no break. Apparently they can take "lunch" at the end of the day. Good luck repairing those relationships.
Stay strong, Teachers! Public education is worth it. We are powerful. We will win.
#WeAreSTF
"Don't go out unless you have to" is an interesting statement to make while keeping several non-essential businesses open. Who really HAS to go to bingo, a bar or a casino right now?
Wow, Saskatchewan! That was incredible. Did you ever show up!!! We sent a strong message to this government that we care about public education today. This is just the start. โ๐ผ
#skpoli
#MakeNoise4Ed
On this day, the population of Shellbrook, Saskatchewan doubled as Sask teachers rallied at the Premier's office to stand up for public education. Well done! โ๐ผ
#ISupportSTF
This is unbelievable. If families want their kids to attend a private school without regulated, certified teachers, they can foot the whole bill. Public $$ should NOT go to private schools and definitely not Legacy. Get it together,
@SKGov
and
@jeremycockrill
.
As a fully qualified teacher (plus some), finding out the Minister of Ed can just write a letter and make someone a teacher in Saskatchewan is equal parts appalling and disturbing.
It's really not that bad out here this afternoon. Just gotta keep moving. Thank you so much for all the support!! Constant honking. Amazing!!
@SaskTeachersFed
#WeAreSTF
#ISupportSTF
@PremierScottMoe
Wow, it's like a love letter to the far right. All the teachers in Saskatchewan are waiting with anticipation for ours since it's Teacher Appreciation Week and all.
For whoever needs to hear this, STF's work-to-rule is a legal strike action, so teachers would appreciate it if our Charter right was respected. It is not meant to be business as usual. Don't like it? Call
@jeremycockrill
and tell him to negotiate class complexity.
#WeAreSTF
Seems like the winds of change are blowing in Saskatchewan. Media is finally reporting facts as opposed to uncontested SaskParty lies. For the first time in years, I feel a sense of hope.
Keep fighting, teachers. Our students are worth it.
#ISupportSTF
The Saskatchewan NDP have released numbers showing student enrolment has increased by over 15,000 kids, while teacher positions have only increased by one since 2016.
I predict that the Rainbow ๐ณ๏ธโ๐Tent at the Saskatoon Children's Festival is going to be very busy. 2SLGBTQ students deserve to feel safe and included at school and in our community. Bigotry - especially coming from a publicly funded school system - is totally unacceptable.
Wow Regina. Thank you!! To all the labour unions and members of the public who either walked with us or honked on the way by, your support means so much. We are out here for our students and their futures. They deserve better.
#isupportstf
@SaskTeachersFed
Not allowed to live-tweet in the Legislature session, so here's a post-tweet breakdown of my experience as a long-time Saskatchewan teacher.
First, I felt angry and still feel angry. Some teachers could no longer listen to
@PremierScottMoe
blatantly lie and left the gallery. /1
Wore this button into Co-op just now and was bombarded by a man who told me that how the govt has treated education is "disgraceful". (Agreed!)
Next up, the workers wished teachers good luck with our strike/ job action. Feeling lots of support & awareness. ๐โค๏ธ๐
#ISupportSTF
@CateSask
Dear
@CKOMNews
,
This is a gross take and you need to do better as a news organization. We don't need to hear from both sides... very Trumpian. This is beyond disrespectful to former students and adds to their trauma. A retraction or apology is in order.
#LegacyOfAbuse
As much as I can understand parents' anger about school lunch fees, where's the outrage when it comes to staffing cuts, lack of professional supports, and significantly reduced per student funding in recent years? This is about a whole lot more than lunch.
#JustSaying
Let's be clear. Many parents send their kids to independent (private) schools because the
@SKGov
isn't properly funding public schools. This isn't always about school choice. This is the very intentional privatization of education in Saskatchewan.
I was this many days old when I found out a lot of people have no idea what binding arbitration is.
It means that both parties present their case to a third party arbitrator who mandates solutions. The government not agreeing means they believe their position is weak.
So, the
@SaskParty
is disappointed. Guess what? I've been disappointed and demoralized for years knowing we can't meet students' needs. This is not a game. This is real life with real consequences. Our students deserve a LOT better.
#ISupportSTF
Dear Preeceville,
Teachers have been fighting for better ed funding for years and we've had enough. We are angry, too. Direct your anger where it belongs, this govt. Teachers care about kids. The govt does not. They care about privatizing education. Where will that leave you?
This picture is worth at least a thousand words. ๐คฃ
I expect that I had a very similar look on my face on Monday when I had to listen to this guy's drivel during question period.
@STFPresident
#InSamWeTrust
#ISupportSTF
โ๐ผ
.
@jeremycockrill
just out there ensuring that teacher solidarity is stronger than ever.
His comment below is dripping with arrogance, ignorance, and a strong dose of misogyny. Right on brand for the
@SaskParty
so I'll give him that.
#ISupportSTF
Just a friendly reminder that teachers requested binding arbitration BEFORE Hoopla and the gov't said no.
@jeremycockrill
could have saved us all a lot of hardship and chose not to. Why the change?! Long overdue time to bargain classroom complexity parameters together.
.
@STFPresident
nails it...
"I donโt know why the SSBA wouldnโt want [class complexity] enshrined in the collective agreement,โ said Becotte. โItโs really doing the work that they have been ineffective at trying to do for the last several years.โ
Congrats to
@NSTeachersUnion
on ratifying their agreement today. ๐
It includes:
- a full-time counselor assigned to each school by July 31, 2026
- 11.47% over 3 years
- Substitute teachers receive 12% salary increase
- Maintenance of class caps - See below ๐
Looking forward to spending my day with thousands of teachers at the Ledge!! Will be bundled up but say hi if you see me
@jeremycockrill
and
@PremierScottMoe
. You can recognize me by my sign.
#ISupportSTF
@LieslMcconchie
I've killed three wasps so far in my classroom this week so I appreciate this tweet. It's a losing battle when there are no screens or air conditioning. Had this exact discussion with a colleague yesterday. Thank you for your generosity.
My sign for today. Say hi if you see me! Solidarity to Saskatchewan teachers as we fight collectively for our students, the teaching profession, and public education. Remember to use
#ISupportSTF
when you post on social media today.
#WeAreSTF
โ๐ป
244 Sask people in hospitals with covid today including a baby in the ICU. What will it take
@PremierScottMoe
? Is there even an ounce of humanity in you?
Some guy on Rawlco radio thinks that the average teacher makes $110,000 and that was the number on SaskParty billboards. That needed a correction,
@evanbrayshow
. Also, I hope that Tom from Dundurn is okay with buying AC for all schools. My classroom gets to 30+ degrees.
1/ So much to say about these billboards that are popping up around Sask.
First, the STF has met with the government a total of only three times so far. The propaganda in the billboard below was included in a press release immediately after the 1st meeting.
@jeremycockrill
Show us your math on that 23.5% salary demand. I'd love to see it. Then, show us your raises in the past four years and what you expect to get in the next four and let's compare. This isn't about salary but I see you've finally put your gloves on so thanks for finally showing up.
Solidarity!!! Please show your support for teachers out on the picket lines across Saskatchewan today. All children deserve a great education and that's what we're fighting for. Let's do this. โ๐ผ
#ISupportSTF
Today is the day!
Teachers - share photos and messages & tag
@SaskTeachersFed
Parents and public - please show teachers you support them!
Govโt can fix this. They have the funds. We are ready to bargain. They just donโt have the political will.
Our kids deserve better.
I'm voting NO because this gov't is determined to continue privatizing education. I can't in good conscience vote for a contract that doesn't address class size and complexity in a tangible way. Working conditions can ๐ฏ percent be negotiated. Public education is at stake.
@PremierScottMoe
You clearly have no idea what the CLC is. It's an organization that promotes the welfare of unionized workers in Canada. You should attend and learn how to treat workers with respect since this is something you have little idea about based on negotiations with teachers.
@KevinWaugh_CPC
Also, is that
@WarrenSteinley
on the left? He's my MP and I'm not okay with him representing Regina-Lewvan in this way. Nothing about this "protest" is compatible with the caring, diverse neighborhoods he is supposed to speak for.
#disappointing
Congrats to the
@SaskParty
&
@SaskSchoolBoard
for reaching a new level of absurdity to (once again) undermine teachers' bargaining.
The GTBC just signed an agreement with themselves. ๐คฆ๐ผโโ๏ธ Do ANY of you know how bargaining works?
Put.๐๐ผIt.๐๐ผIn.๐๐ผThe.๐๐ผContract.๐๐ผ
#ISupportSTF
I'm an STF teacher and fully support our amazing bargaining team which has spent almost a year putting up with this brick wall of a govt that doesn't care about students or public education. Our bargaining team has incredible poise and determination. ๐๐ป
#ISupportSTF
#WeAreSTF
I am an STF teacher and I am confident that the president, executive, and senior STF leadership are representing my views, listening to teachers, and are standing up for public education. This is a flimsy attempt to create an appearance of division in a unified membership.
Solidarity with teachers across Saskatchewan today as we walk together for our students and a strong, public education system. โ๐ป
#IsupportSTF
#wearestf
@SaskTeachersFed
Okay, I'm getting the ick. There's just something about a bunch of old, white men sharing shoddy graphics and disrespecting the bargaining process with a predominantly female profession. It's offensive and demeaning. It needs to be called out.
#ISupportSTF
Indefinite work-to-rule starting Monday thanks to
@SaskParty
who refuses to ensure that all SK students have a great public education.
Direct the blame where it belongs - a govt who opened negotiations with billboards and have no interest in good faith bargaining.
#ISupportSTF
Seriously?! All that pomp and circumstance to shove this legislation through using the notwithstanding clause and this?! I mean, great because no school division is going to punish a teacher if they don't out a student but what a waste of time, energy, hurt, just everything. ๐
A (mini) mini rally in Regina. In solidarity with everyone rallying for public education in Humboldt and Prince Albert today! Let's go Sask teachers!
#makenoise4ed
#iamstf
#skpoli
I have no interest in advertising the speaker by even mentioning their name. This is the only message that needs to be made clear this evening: Trans Women are WOMEN. Super disappointing
@conexusartscntr
gave a a well known bigot a platform to speak.๐ณ๏ธโโง๏ธ
@PremierScottMoe
Literally the opposite of inclusionary. That's what teachers in public schools have already been doing. You have removed our professional autonomy to make appropriate judgment decisions. Of course, the preference is to involve families, but not all families are supportive.
This isn't justice, it's revenge. This was a tragic accident and Jaskirat Sidhu has done everything possible to make amends. He is not a risk to Canadians and doesn't deserve to be deported. If anyone should advocate for him, it's Premier Moe. This is really unfortunate news.
1. A travesty. He pled guilty to save the victims from having to endure a trial, despite having a defence to dangerous driving charges. He should not have done that. He got no mercy in response.
I wonder what the community response would have been if...
So Sask citizens aren't allowed to speak with their MLAs now? These people look pretty demure. In fact, I've seen more rowdiness in a library. No wonder
@jeremycockrill
is scared to go into a public school.
@SKGov
owes these folks an apology. This is NOT democracy.
#ISupportSTF
@PremierScottMoe
This policy is illegal but keep trying to rationalize it. You'll need all this "data" when you're taken to court on human rights violations and for contravening the UN Convention on Rights of the Child.
Thank you to all the teachers for organizing grads with little fanfare. To be clear, there were NO back-up plans in place from the Minister of Ed beyond telling divisions to force employees to break sanctions. But who cares about laws in Saskatchewan these days, right?!
Thinking of our STF bargaining team today. Behind you ๐ฏ!
Hoping that Moe holds true to his promise and that Cockrill finds a creative way to save face when the government finally puts the funding in the contract.
Will be an interesting day.
#WeAreSTF
#ISupportSTF
Solidarity with teachers in Saskatoon Public and Creighton today who were told to break sanctions by local divisions. โ๐ผ
Teachers have a Charter right to strike and employers must respect that. Work to rule is a form of strike action. It's not meant to be business as usual.
Today was a hard day for the teachers in my school. But we stood up for what we believed to be right. And we followed provincial sanctions. We canโt be sure about the outcome, but we know that we stood up for ourselves and our collectivity.
We knew this wouldn't be easy. I stand with all Sask teachers as we continue to fight together for better learning conditions for our students. I am proud to be a teacher in Saskatchewan and a member of the
@SaskTeachersFed
.
#WeAreSTF
#Solidarity
โ
Another awesome rally for public education. Amazing crowd and lots of community support. Thank you, Moose Jaw! And thank you to everyone who took the time on a Saturday to fight for our public education system. Our students deserve better. ๐๐ปโค๏ธ๐ฃ
#makenoise4ed
#skpoli
#cdnpoli
To whoever needs to hear this... the govt has the $$ for public education. It is about a total lack of political will. They want to privatize and funding public ed ruins this plan. There's plenty of cash for
@SaskParty
priorities. Our kids' education isn't one of them.
#WeAreSTF
I told my Saskparty MLA that his party was trying to frame teachers as greedy. He denied it. I referenced Cockrill's post about so-called salary demands. He looked it up right in front of me and expressed disappointment. Keep the pressure on people. Call, email, etc.
#ISupportSTF
Like most teachers in Saskatchewan, I'll be teaching tomorrow during hateful rallies that directly affect us and our students. Coincidence? I doubt it. Sending strength and support to counter protestors. Thank you for standing up for children's rights and the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
.
@SKGov
and
@PremierScottMoe
, please provide one good reason why a centralized online PUBLIC education system would need to be set up as a crown corporation. Unless you're trying to commodify public education (which I have huge issues with), it makes absolutely no sense.
So when women (and many men) speak up about politics, it makes them "mean girls" who should be better. Right, got it... because the Sask Party really sets that bar high in Saskatchewan on how to behave well. /s I just can't even...
#donnaharpauertired
Saskatchewan teachers still at 95 percent in favour of sanctions after everything we've been through is impressive and shows incredible solidarity. Well done all! ๐๐ป
#WeAreSTF
When teachers are asking for concrete parameters in contract and people ask where the money will come from, look to the millions being siphoned off to independent (aka private) schools for one. The SaskParty subscribes to neoliberal ideology and cares little for public services.
After years of underfunding causing teachers to burn out, it is a miracle that any teacher is still coaching in this province. If you are a family lucky enough to have teachers supporting you and your kids through extracurriculars, now is the time to support them.
#ISupportSTF
Wow, more of this. The absolute disrespect I saw from the
@SaskParty
during session was abhorrent. Glad to see Randy finally address it.
Are there additional punishments possible? Donna's apology was not sincere and Jeremy's storming out is unacceptable. We can do better, Sask.
A wild afternoon in the legislative assembly
#skpoli
: First, the Finance Minister sends a text to the Speaker complaining of unfair treatment. He reads it into the record and forces her to apologize: