The official opposition pointed out what it calls a lack of additional funding for both the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina during the final session of the legislature today (Thurs). Advanced Education Critic, Carla Beck says the U of S is scrambling to make ends meet and workers’ pensions are on the line and under funding at the U or R had the school on the verge of a strike.

The Minister of Advanced Education, Tina Beaudry-Mellor, countered that the U of S received over $329-million in operating revenue and another $13.2-million for preventative maintenance and renewal. She added that 57 per cent of the university’s operating revenue comes from the province, which is the 8th highest in comparable universities and well above the national average. Beaudry-Mellor also highlighted support for Sask Polytech and First Nation and Metis institutions.

Also during today’s session, NDP Leader Ryan Meili questioned the government’s tally of the average classroom size for Kindergarten to Grade 12 at 19. He believes that’s not true and requested the SaskParty track the numbers, because some schools are dealing with serious over crowding with not enough teachers. Premier Scott Moe argued that for every 20 students entering the system in the last 10 years another teacher has been added and during that same time 46 schools were added.

Mental health and addictions support for children was also discussed, with Health Critic Danielle Chartier pointing out that Saskatchewan has the second highest rate of children being admitted to the hospital for mental health issues and we lead the provinces when it comes to kids being admitted for mental health issues related to substance abuse. Minister of Health, Jim Reiter, realizes there is more work to be done, but says resources were dramatically increased with the latest budget and many of the announcements in the budget address mental health and addictions issues. Chartier says the announcements for more resources barely scratch the surface.