The Sask. Party’s 2026-2027 budget fails community-based organization (CBO) workers, providing only a 2% funding increase – 1% less than last year’s allocation and well below rising costs.
“Our sector is already among the lowest paid in the province, and many CBO workers are forced to take on second or third jobs just to cover basic costs like bills and groceries,” said Christie MacNeill, chair of the CUPE CBO Workers of Saskatchewan. “It is deeply disappointing to receive even less funding at a time when inflation continues to soar.”
During the November 2025 meeting with the Minister of Social Services Terry Jenson, CBO representatives raised serious concerns about the lack of stable, multi-year funding, which undermines organizations’ ability to plan and deliver services effectively. The 2% funding increase also comes with no oversight from the Ministry of Social Services, and there is no requirement ensuring that funding reaches frontline staff, raising concerns about whether workers will see any benefit.
“We called on the government to commit to stable, multi-year funding, enforceable standards for transparency and accountability, and stronger health and safety oversight,” said MacNeill. “Those concerns fell on deaf ears.” CBOs play a critical role in communities across Saskatchewan, delivering vital services such as social support, vocational training for people with disabilities, shelter services, and addictions treatment. CUPE is calling for long-term, stable funding agreements, transparent allocation mechanisms, and investments that recognize the value of frontline workers.