The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation called upon the Government of Saskatchewan and the Minister of Education to acknowledge the rate of COVID-19 transmissions within schools, and take immediate action in protecting the health of students and their access to education. 

“Minister Duncan has a responsibility to ensure the safety of students while in school. I urge him to demonstrate the leadership required of his role and implement consistent, logical measures to keep students and our communities safe,” said STF President Patrick Maze in a press release on October 20. “Transmission is occurring in schools and it will not improve without action.”

Maze stated in a press release that provincial COVID-19 data and experiences from the front lines tell the story of an education system already under pressure with students’ needs not being fully met despite the efforts of teachers and school staff. 

“Our health-care system is in crisis. The same decisions that created that crisis are being felt in schools throughout the province. Significant in-school transmission is occurring. Because of the confusion, lack of coordination and system failures, we simply don’t know the full extent,” said Maze. “What we do know is students’ health, mental well-being and education are being impacted for the third school year in a row; we also know what measures can reduce the risk and impact.”

In a letter sent on October 19, the Federation requested the government address the most pressing issues, including breakthrough cases in vaccinated school staff; inconsistent approaches to declaring outbreaks and isolation requirements; increasing difficulties in securing a substitute teacher; and significant delays in contact tracing. 

August 23 was the last time any significant comments were made to the media by the Minister of Education. The Minister defended the government's decision to not require masks in schools across the province before the start of the school year, despite the recommendation by doctors. 

“Teachers are not only burning out, but they are also fearful for the health of those too young to be vaccinated. Youth have made significant sacrifices in this pandemic and deserve better,” said Maze. “I am urging the Minister of Education to immediately address the serious situation in our schools.”

In the same release, the Federation requested the reinstatement of the Education Sector Response Planning Team. The team disbanded with the lifting of all public health measures in Saskatchewan in July 2021. The STF has not yet received a response from the government but is prepared and willing to work alongside government and sector partners to address the health crisis affecting families across the province.