CUPE 1169

Libraries are community hubs that support literacy, families, job training, learning, and public safety. But the last three provincial budgets have cut funding to Saskatchewan libraries. When paired with the province’s short-sighted decision not to fund harm reduction services, we are seeing a crisis in our libraries which has led to the temporary closure of two library branches in Saskatoon.

“Instead of investing in libraries, Scott Moe and the Sask Party government are downloading costs onto municipalities, forcing communities to do more with less,” said Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “Scott Moe’s cuts prevent libraries from investing in safety, hiring more staff, and ensuring they have proper personal protective equipment.”

CUPE members at Saskatoon Public Library responded to at least 48 overdoses this year, which is double the amount seen in the same period in 2024. In response, Saskatoon Public Library has made the decision to close two branches for the next month.

“As library workers, we love to serve the community. However, the current drug poisoning crisis and the increase in incidents have taken a huge toll on library staff. “The library cannot be the answer for the lack of funding to other support services,” said Michelle Pharis, president of CUPE 2669, the local representing workers at Saskatoon Public Library. “The local is relieved that this action is being taken. Staff are struggling and this will be needed time to figure out next steps.”

CUPE is advocating for all levels of government to come to the table to address the challenges. The city has tried to step up but without the provincial government coming to the table in a meaningful way, they don’t have access to the funding levers to make meaningful progress.

“Library workers and libraries aren’t trained or resourced to be the front lines of the drug poisoning crisis. We need harm reduction services. We need more funding for our libraries to ensure they can remain safe and accessible spaces for all. And we need Scott Moe and his government to do better,” said Peterson.

CUPE represents approximately 650 public library workers across the province who work in three municipal library systems and five regional library systems: Regina, Saskatoon, Lakeland (North Battleford area); Palliser (Moose Jaw area); Parkland (Yorkton area); Southeast (Weyburn area); Wapiti (Central Saskatchewan) and John M. Cuelenaere (Prince Albert).

Floral arrangements were sent to three members who are grieving a loved one and to three members on extended leave for illness.

Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends:

This is one of the defining, critical moments in our lifetime. The unprecedented attack on Canada’s sovereignty is already impacting our way of life, and we must respond in kind. But our response must be about more than just “buying Canadian.” This is our opportunity to reshape the Canadian economy into something that truly works for the people. We must advance public solutions in key sectors like agriculture, transportation, infrastructure, and natural resources, and diversify markets for Canadian products beyond the United States.

Canada’s response must put workers and our communities first.

We will defend our proud tradition of strong, well-funded, high-quality public services for people when they need it, and we will stand up for the right of all workers to good wages, a dignified retirement, and strong union representation. We will defend our sovereignty and our communities.

Stand on Guard

We cannot allow Canada’s response to Trump’s attack on our sovereignty to undermine our values. Add your voice to demand Canada’s response be more than the kneejerk calls for tax cuts, deregulation and privatization from corporate boardrooms and the right-wing.

In Solidarity,

MARK HANCOCK National President

CANDACE RENNICK National Secretary-Treasurer