March 15, 2024 | Advertise with us

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Good morning and happy Friday! On this day, March 15, 44 BCE, Roman Emperor Julius Caesar was launching a series of political and social reforms when he was assassinated by Brutus and Cassius on the Ides of March. So fun and uplifting!

Here’s The SKoop for today:

• The Saskatchewan Party government leads the nation in performance, but criticism on key issues grows according to new polling,

• Teachers ask for binding arbitration,

• A new Sask. Party candidate in Regina Northeast, and

• A look at Moose Jaw Wakamow!

P.S. Please share The SKoop with your networks. At the bottom of this email you will see a new referral section - share The SKoop and gain points towards winning prizes like gift cards and a pair of AirPods. Thanks!

Sask. government leads nation in performance, but criticism grows on key issues: Angus Reid poll

In its latest report, Angus Reid found a national trend of decline – as Canadians in all provinces “grow more critical of their governments as unresolved issues linger.” Angus Reid reported that a majority of residents surveyed say the government is doing a poor job on education (62 percent), health care (66 percent), and inflation (61 percent).

Saskatchewan’s overall performance leads the country with a score of 42 – 11 points above the current national average but 23 points below its score five years ago. “The Saskatchewan government has consistently outperformed its peers when it comes to residents’ assessments of how it is handling key files,” the report read. “However, it has not been immune to the rising tide of criticism facing all provincial governments, especially on the top issues of health care and inflation.”

(CTV News Regina)

Sponsored by the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association

Teachers federation wants dispute on class size, complexity to go to binding arbitration

The Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation is calling for binding arbitration on issues of classroom size and complexity - the two issues that continue to be the sticking point between the federation and provincial government. A neutral, third-party arbitrator would hear from both sides and then come to a decision that both sides would have to comply with. But both parties must agree for binding arbitration to take effect.

STF President Samantha Becotte said further escalated job action would take effect if the government does not agree to arbitration saying, “To put this in clear terms: if the government refuses binding arbitration, then Minister [Jeremy] Cockrill and Premier [Scott] Moe are choosing to cancel school trips, graduation planning, band festivals, Hoopla and so many more of this year’s activities that bring joy to our students and school communities.”

In response, Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said he was not interested in binding arbitration on classroom size and complexity issues and pointed to the recent pre-budget funding announcement and multi-year deal signed with the Saskatchewan School Boards Association that would address classroom size and complexity.

The stalemate continues.

(980 CJME News)

Sponsored by Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan

Rahul Singh Nominated in Regina Northeast

The Saskatchewan Party will look to bring a new face to the legislature in Regina Northeast after the next election. Rahul Singh was acclaimed as the party’s candidate for Regina Northeast last night.

Incumbent MLA for the constituency Gary Grewal announced he will not be seeking re-election in order to focus his time on his family. Grewal has made news over the last few months for owning hotels that received money from the Ministry of Social Services.

Singh has an MBA in Finance and a MSc in International Business from the University of British Columbia and is very involved in Regina.

The NDP nominated teacher Jacqueline Roy as their candidate last year.

Constituency Spotlight: Moose Jaw Wakamow

Sponsored by Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy

More news and info

• Ward 9 Saskatoon councillor Bev Dubois is running again (Global News)

• Sask. to begin work on Lake Diefenbaker irrigation project (CTV News)

• Register now for the Saskatchewan Public Affairs Forum on April 9th in Regina, hosted by the Saskatchewan chapter of Public Affairs Association of Canada!*

• Saskatchewan premier announces new record in municipal revenue sharing at $340.2M (Global News)

• Harper-era cabinet minister Ed Fast will not seek re-election (Global News)

• Federal government reveals it ordered national security review of TikTok in September (Canadian Press)

_{*Sponsored content from Public Affairs Association of Canada - Saskatchewan Chapter.}

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