Saskatoon Public Schools to lay off 80 EAs after federal funds don’t arrive

Saskatoon Public Schools says it is being forced to lay off 80 temporary educational assistants over the next two weeks after federal funding from Indigenous Services Canada meant to help pay for the positions was not received.

Saskatchewan’s largest school division said families directly impacted by the layoffs were notified that the educational assistants would no longer be working with the division on February 14.

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The funds from Indigenous Services Canada come from the Jordan’s Principal Fund, a child-first legal rule in Canada that ensures First Nations children receive necessary government services without delay.

According to Saskatoon Public Schools, the division managed millions of dollars through Jordan’s Principle from 2019 to 2024. The funds were used for tutoring, psycho-educational assessments and employing educational assistants to support First Nations students.

Charlene Scrimshaw, deputy director of education for Saskatoon Public Schools, said the decision was not made lightly.

“The support provided by these educational assistants has been crucial for students success,” Scrimshaw said in a statement.

“We understand the significant impact this will have on our students, families and staff.”

The school division said it is going to begin advocating to get the funding and explore all avenues to address the situation.

650 CKOM has reached out to Indigenous Services Canada for comment.