Saskatchewan Polytechnic has announced the layoff of 14 employees

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's recent announcement of 14 employee layoffs serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of inadequate funding for post-secondary education. The institution's $15 million budget deficit, attributed to a decline in international student enrolment, is a direct result of the Saskatchewan Party's persistent underfunding of educational institutions. For years, these institutions have been forced to rely on tuition fees from international students to compensate for the funding shortfalls. However, with the recent shifts in federal immigration policy, this revenue stream has dwindled, leaving institutions like Saskatchewan Polytechnic to contend with the fallout.

The layoffs are a painful reality of the difficult decisions that lie ahead. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, and more layoffs are anticipated in the near future. The responsibility for this situation falls squarely on the shoulders of Premier Scott Moe and his ministers, who have consistently neglected to provide adequate funding for post-secondary education.

The consequences of underfunding our educational institutions extend far beyond the affected employees and institutions. It has a ripple effect on our economy, hindering our ability to retain young talent in our province and ultimately threatening our shared future. Saskatchewan deserves better. It is imperative that our leaders prioritize investment in post-secondary education to ensure a bright and prosperous future for our province.