Saskatchewan education minister considering school year extension amid teachers vote

REGINA — Saskatchewan's education minister says he's not ruling out extending the school year as teachers vote on whether they want to accept a new contract.

Jeremy Cockrill says job action in recent months has resulted in less instructional time and students deserve quality education.

He says nobody wants to see a longer school year, but he has ministerial powers to make adjustments to the calendar if needed.

Teachers are voting this week on a proposed contract with the government that would see wage increases over the next three years and a commitment to honour promises of more funding for classrooms.

Teachers have gone on rotating strikes and refused to do volunteer activities, including lunchroom supervision and extracurricular work, in pushing for more supports for students.

The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation has been neutral on whether members should accept the deal.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 8, 2024.

The Canadian Press