Legislative Report
April 6, 2023

Record Funding for K-12 Education

Saskatchewan is growing at a pace not seen in more than 100 years, recently reaching an all-time population record of 1.21 million. With this rapid growth, we now have over 189,000 students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 schools in the province, the most we have seen in over 20 years.

Growth that works for everyone means every student receives the best possible education. That’s why our government made significant investments in education in the provincial 2023-24 Budget, totaling a record $4 billion.

This year’s budget includes a record $3.1 billion for the Ministry of Education to fund schools, early learning and child care, and libraries. Saskatchewan’s school divisions will get a record $2 billion in operation funding. Funding will maintain the over 200 Educational Assistants hired since September 2021 and allow them to continue providing student support in our classrooms.

The Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation (Sask DLC) will receive $23 million for startup and operational costs. Sask DLC will offer unique learning opportunities for students by offering over 180 courses for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students, including several unique high school electives. Grade 12 completion and electives are available to adult learners as well. Registration is now open for the 2023-24 school year at SaskDLC.ca.

Several capital projects are being funded this year, including a new school to replace and consolidate the elementary and high school in Carlyle. A new K-12 Francophone school will replace École Valois in Prince Albert, and a new Francophone elementary school will be built in Saskatoon. Several schools across the province will also be renovated and a site has been chosen for the new Harbour Landing school.

These new capital education projects are in addition to 15 new school builds and seven renovations already underway across the province. Investments in schools ensure our facilities are prepared for continued growth and can provide quality learning opportunities for students into the future.

Investments in Early Learning and Child Care

Our government will invest $382.4 million in early learning and child care this year to support young families. This funding, through a partnership with the federal government, reduces parent fees for regulated child care to $10 per day as of April 1, three years ahead of schedule. Funding will also support continued efforts to add more child care spaces and programs for early childhood educators.

Increased Funding for Public Libraries

Public libraries will receive $11.6 million to support the services they provide to communities across the province. This includes an increase in grants to public libraries for resource-sharing services. A new investment of $200,000 will refresh the province’s collection of multi-lingual materials and add more materials in Indigenous languages. These investments in public libraries continue to support learning opportunities in our growing and diverse province.

Post-Secondary Education Funding Increase

Post-secondary education funding has increased by 3.3 per cent in this year’s budget for a total of $764.8 million. This includes a 90 per cent increase for infrastructure projects. Funding will go towards planning and design for Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s campus renewal project in Saskatoon. Investments will also allow for renovations to the University of Saskatchewan’s dental clinic, as well as equipment and renovations for expanded health programs across the province.

Our government will expand training programs for key health professionals with a $25.2 million investment. Beginning this fall, 550 new seats will be added to 18 high-priority health training programs. Funding will also support the continuation of a 150-seat expansion in nursing programs to further address needs in the health sector. These expansions will increase educational opportunities for Saskatchewan students while generating interest in the health sector in our province.

Post-secondary students will benefit from $47 million in student supports. This year, the Student Aid Fund and Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship will increase, and an investment of $50,000 will provide new Indigenous Language Scholarships. The Graduate Retention Program will continue to support students who remain in the province to work with up to $20,000 in tax credits. Our government’s post-secondary investments contribute to further growth by supporting students as they put down roots in Saskatchewan communities.

Investments in education are investments in our province’s continued growth. Ensuring students at all levels have access to learning opportunities is growth that works for everyone. To learn more about the 2023/24 Provincial Budget visit Saskatchewan.ca.