Teachers' federation, government of Saskatchewan sign new collective agreement
CBC
Saskatchewan teachers and the provincial government have signed a new collective agreement, officially bringing an end to the long-running labour dispute.
Teachers in the province have been operating without a contract since August 2023.
Last month, an arbitration board ruled that class complexity was required to be part of the new contract. However, the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) and provincial government were directed to hold further talks around class complexity provisions.
The deal signed today means that language has been formally worked out.
STF President Samantha Becotte said the negotiations over the past month were "incredibly productive."
"Probably our two most productive days throughout the last nearly two years," said Becotte in a phone call this afternoon.
Becotte remained tight-lipped on the details around the wording of the class complexity, saying she had yet to communicate the information to the STF's members.
What she did confirm is that the language includes provisions for "additional teachers in schools across Saskatchewan."
That will be in addition to a $20 million per year class complexity fund that will be used to address class complexity issues in local school divisions.
The agreement was also welcomed by Education Minister Everett Hindley.
"We appreciate the work and collaboration of the bargaining committees to achieve this result and are pleased to have a new agreement that provides certainty for teachers, students and their families," said Hindley in a statement.
The deal agreed to Friday means that Alberta is now the only province or territory that does not have language addressing class complexity in its collective bargaining agreement.
Last month's arbitration decision also awarded teachers a salary increase of nine per cent over three years: four per cent retroactive to Sept. 1, 2023, three per cent retroactive to Sept. 1, 2024, and two per cent of as of Sept. 1, 2025, STF says.
Becotte believes the contract is a win for teachers and students, even if it doesn't meet everything teachers needed.
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running Game
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing Game
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic Game
While their investigation continues, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in St. John's has lifted the shelter in place order for residents in the area of Thorburn Road.
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the southwest region of New Brunswick.
Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre faced the critical glare of the mega-popular Radio-Canada talk show Tout le monde en parle on Sunday in an attempt to woo francophone viewers, with the Liberal leader being pressed on his cultural awareness of the province and his Conservative rival differentiating himself against perceptions in Quebec he is a "mini-Trump."
Corey Perry had a goal and an assist, Connor McDavid had two assists and the Edmonton Oilers beat Winnipeg 4-1 on Sunday night, hours after the Jets wrapped up their first Presidents' Trophy as NHL regular-season leader.
Alberta's child and youth advocate is concerned that a new advisory position in her office could weaken her office's autonomy and potentially endanger children.
A six-year-old girl is dead and two other children are in hospital following a hit-and-run collision in Surrey's Fraser Heights neighbourhood Sunday afternoon.
A political scientist says Pierre Poilievre's open resentment toward offshore tax havens and corporate jets likely isn't enough to sever his Conservative Party's relationship with business leaders.
The Kamloops, B.C., school district may cut nearly 80 staff positions as it faces a $5.79-million budget shortfall for the 2025-26 school year, according to preliminary figures.
Some Holland College students say they're disappointed by the school's program cuts, but remain hopeful of a solution.
Visitors to the Liberal campaign office in Calgary East are greeted by a smiling picture of one of the longest-serving Conservative MPs.
Sunday is the last day the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool will be open — a place where Yellowknifers have been able to swim, soak and steam for nearly 37 years. The daughter of the building's namesake said she'll probably mark the day by visiting the space, shedding a tear and taking some photos.
Two Liberal Party staffers attended last week's Canada Strong and Free Networking (CSFN) Conference where they planted buttons that used Trump-style language and highlighted division within the Conservative Party.
George Fernandez's nephew, Gian Mabborang, says his uncle was a hard-working man who did all he could to provide for his family, especially his 15-year-old cousin, Fernandez's daughter, Margarette.