Saskatchewan NDP members Carla Beck and Trent Wotherspoon are again calling for smaller class sizes in light of the new COVID-19 restrictions announced on Tuesday.

As of Friday, indoor gatherings will be limited to 15 people as coronavirus cases continue to rise across Saskatchewan.

“We’ve repeatedly said it is more important than ever to keep our class sizes small so kids can be safe,” said Regina Lakeview Candidate Carla Beck in a release. “But, while we’re reducing gathering sizes in homes to fifteen, Scott Moe and the Sask. Party cuts mean that kids and teachers are still being crammed into classrooms of thirty-five or more.”

Wotherspoon, who is also a former teacher, underscored his party’s commitment to hiring 1,000 teachers, 750 educational assistants and 400 custodial staff, while warning that educational cuts during a pandemic are dangerous.

“All we can trust Scott Moe to do, is what he has always done – and that’s cut,” said Wotherspoon also in a release. “Large class sizes are bad for our kids at the best of times, but when the Chief Medical officer is telling us to restrict indoor gatherings to no more than 15 people, it’s irresponsible for the Sask. Party to keep our kids in classes with more than 30. We need to invest in people – and start by reducing our kids’ class sizes.”