Another day on the picket line for teachers across the province including those in the Horizon School Division who gathered again in Humboldt's downtown core. They joined thousands of counterparts who assembled at the Legislature in Regina during the Budget delivery. 

The teachers and the government appear to be moving no closer to a return to the table with each side accusing the other of putting the brakes on over the inclusion of class size and complexity in the provincial agreement. A preliminary look at the provincial budget, which teachers and the public previewed through Premier Scott Moe’s social media channels, is no cause for comfort, said STF President Samantha Becotte from Regina. 

“Since the Premier made the unusual move of announcing education funding two weeks prior to budget day, we have had time to dig into the numbers,” says STF President Samantha Becotte. “Instead of showing a real commitment to improve student learning conditions and teacher working conditions, Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill and Premier Scott Moe are making things worse, and that’s tremendously discouraging. Students, families and teachers deserve transparency, accountability and predictability in their publicly funded schools, all of which are sorely lacking from this government.” 

In her statement, Becotte went on to state that the 8.8 percent increase in funding announced in the budget from the previous year actually contributes to an overall decline in funding over time. The statement cites funding dropped from 15.1 percent in 2017-18 to 14 percent in 2024-25. 

Meanwhile in Humboldt, the teachers' numbers were bolstered by members of CUPE Local 4799 and its president, Marie Moore. The union represents the support workers in some Horizon Division Schools.  

“We can see the need for supports in the classroom,” said Moore during the Wednesday walkout. “Classroom composition has drastically changed over the years, and government funding hasn’t kept pace. We feel that it’s important because we work so closely with the STF staff; any gains that they make will help us to provide the much-needed supports for all students to be successful in their education. 

Moore said the members of the Local took a vote on participation, and it agreed to provide support for members coming out to rally. Moore said the union would do so once again this Friday as Horizon Division teachers once again gather in Humboldt during their rotating walkout.  

Classes and school transportation in the Division will be suspended on Friday with the continuing job action.