Role of an MLA
As a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), my role is to represent you in a Saskatchewan Legislature and to, on occasion help you in navigating government services. Furthermore, I also act as a connection between our community and the provincial government.
Whether you have questions about which government office to contact, feel you’ve been treated unfairly, or are simply unsure about how to get the help you need me and at our office are ready to help. While my main role is representing Saskatoon University – Sutherland, I also serve as a member of Official opposition meaning that I play a key role in holding the government accountable.
As the Shawdow Minister for Advanced Education, I scrutinize the policies, budget, and actions of the Ministry of Education so as to ensure that we have a province that developing a strong secondary institutions that are central to providing government services.
Through my work as an MLA, I advocate for stronger, more transparent, and more effective policies that benefit students, educators, and institutions in our province.
Spring Session and Budget
Now that the spring legislative session has closed, I want to update you on some key developments that will impact both you and your community.
Most notable is the release of the provincial budget. Many community members had hoped to see a budget with real investments in health care and education — investments that would strengthen our province and ensure a better future for Saskatchewan. However, this budget fails to meet any of those expectations.
Despite the government’s claims of record-breaking investments in this budget and their projection of a surplus, the facts tell a different story. When adjusted for projected costs, both health care and education have seen cuts. What’s more, the government’s original forecast of a surplus may now balloon to larger than a $400 million deficit, due in large part to the elimination of a key tax revenue stream.
Tajinder Grewal and Darcy Warrington at the Sikh Flag Raising ceremony at the Saskatoon City Hall
Tajinder Grewal and the USSU advocating for increased funding in advanced education
Advanced Education
One of my responsibilities as an MLA is working on the portfolio of Advanced Education. Engaging with this portfolio has been both exciting and deeply meaningful. I know that there is a high concentration of post-secondary institution — whether universities, colleges, or technical institutes—in this community, meaning that this portfolio has a large impact on this community.
Over the past months, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with a wide range of institutions and stakeholders across the province, including the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, First Nations University of Canada, Sask Polytechnic and Regional Colleges such as Great Plains and Suncrest.
During my work on Advanced Education it has become clear to me that this government’s significant funding cuts have serious implications for advanced education in province. This impact can already be seen by the tuition increases of 3.8% at the U of S and 4% at U of R, as well as the layoffs at Saskatchewan Polytech, both of which are putting more pressure on both students and staff. Ultimately, these decisions are making life harder for people striving to build a better future through education.