New survey findings released today by the CUPE Saskatchewan Education Workers’ Steering Committee (EWSC) show that education support workers across the province are performing a wide range of medical procedures in schools – often without consistent training, clear direction, or adequate support.
The findings were presented today at a media event outside the Saskatchewan Legislature. The province-wide survey, conducted earlier this year, gathered 980 responses from education support workers in 19 school divisions.
“These findings clearly show that the role of education support workers has expanded significantly,” said Karla Sastaunik, chair of the EWSC. “Workers are providing medical and personal care to support students every day, often without the training and supports they need to feel safe and confident.”
Education support workers reported performing tasks such as administering medication, using epi-pens, tube feeding, wound care, and responding to seizures. While educational assistants are most involved, these responsibilities are being carried out across multiple roles, including administrative and library staff.
Training gaps were identified as a major concern, with many respondents reporting little to no training or training not delivered by qualified health professionals.
“This didn’t happen by accident,” said Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “Years of the Sask. Party’s underfunding have left schools stretched thin and short staffed – and education support workers are the ones being left to fill the gaps.”
The findings also highlight growing pressures across schools, with workers reporting increased responsibilities, limited support, and uncertainty around policies and liability protections.
“Education support workers are stepping up to support students with complex needs, but they shouldn’t be left on their own to manage medical responsibilities,” said Sastaunik. “This creates stress for workers and raises concerns about safety for both workers and students.”
In addition to medical procedures, workers reported providing extensive personal care – including lifting, feeding, toileting, and hygiene support – often without consistent health and safety training.
Based on these findings, the EWSC is calling on the provincial government to:
- Create a taskforce with education workers, school divisions, and health professionals to set safe, consistent standards;
- Ensure medical procedures are handled by qualified health professionals in schools;
- Make participation voluntary with full training and support;
- Provide proper training from certified professionals; and
- Establish clear policies, documentation protocol, training, and protections for workers.
“Right now, education support workers are being tasked to do more than ever with less support to do it safely. That’s not sustainable, and this government needs to fix it,” said Peterson.
The survey findings are available here.
The CUPE Saskatchewan Education Workers’ Steering Committee represents over 7,000 education support workers across the province.
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