NBFL Opposes Cuts to Educational Services in New Brunswick

The New Brunswick Federation of Labour (NBFL) opposes the cuts to New Brunswick’s school districts. These cuts will have a major impact on students, education workers, families, and communities.

“The elimination of positions and services in our schools will not lead to better outcomes and stronger skills building for our children,” says NBFL President Chris Watson. “Instead, it will weaken support for students and educators and disproportionately impact rural and vulnerable communities.”

On May 22, the New Brunswick Federation of Labour sent a letter to Minister Claire Johnson, outlining our opposition to these cuts and requesting a meeting to discuss.

Cutting staff and resources from our school districts, when educators are already stretched thin, is short sighted. Students are facing increased mental health issues, and New Brunswick literacy rates are among the lowest in Canada. There is a decrease in English reading assessments in Grade 4 students throughout the province.

Education is an investment in our province’s future and a basic human right for all New Brunswick children. Cuts to learning and development services for children goes against what the Holt government committed to in its platform.

“The NBFL stands in solidarity with all education staff and concerned families who are speaking out against these damaging cuts,” adds Watson. “We urge the provincial government to reverse its decision to cut services in schools and commit to a well-funded, robust, publicly accountable education system that puts student success and community needs first.”

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The New Brunswick Federation of Labour represents approximately 40,000 unionized private and public sector workers across our beautiful province.

For information, contact:
Chris Watson
President, New Brunswick Federation of Labour
(506) 663-9123