Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) locals 7 and 21, representing nearly 2,000 inside and outside workers at the City of Regina, are calling on the city to protect public services and jobs as proposed budget cuts put the city’s future at risk.
“Public services are the backbone of our city,” said Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “They keep Regina safe, secure, and functional. Cutting jobs means cutting services – and that impacts quality of life for everyone.”
If approved, the City of Regina’s proposed budget will eliminate hundreds of jobs and slash vital services that residents rely on every day with severe consequences.
“Closing pools, arenas, and arts centres, cutting transit and school buses, and ending affordable housing incentives will make life harder and more expensive for Regina families,” said Tyler Hutchinson, president of CUPE 21. “These services are what make our city livable and connected – losing them will hurt everyone.”
“These cuts don’t just affect programs – they affect people,” said David Kelly, president of CUPE 7. “When positions are eliminated, and training is reduced, services slow down, and residents pay the price. Longer wait times and fewer supports will hit families when they need help most.”
CUPE’s written submission has been sent to city hall ahead of the December 17 council meeting.
CUPE represents over 5,000 municipal workers across Saskatchewan.
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