The opposition NDP called on the provincial government to replace the Minister of Education, Dustin Duncan. 

The minister spoke to the media on January 5, claiming he had consulted school boards on the return to classes. The Saskatchewan School Boards Association President, Shawn Davidson, responded, stating the government had not reached out to the SSBA. Official Opposition Education Critic Carla Beck says there's a need for open communication.

"There's a need for trust and when you have a minister who is willing to lie, that trust is broken in a way I'm not sure can be repaired," says Beck. 

The return to full-time in-person classes and lack of a plan is what is driving the NDP to request his removal as Education Minister.

"The only one in the country who has not taken additional steps to protect students and staff in our schools," says Beck. 

The Government of Saskatchewan responded to the NDP with a statement in an email, stating that the NDP continues to "play politics by taking pointless and gratuitous cheap shots at Cabinet Ministers."

"Both Premier Moe and Minister Duncan were in northern Saskatchewan today meeting with the La Loche school community and celebrating progress made towards their new school. Much like the teachers and staff in schools across the province, our government’s focus will continue to be on supporting our students," the premier’s press secretary said.

The NDP is also asking the provincial government to take safety precautions outlined in the Sask. NDP’s Safe School Strategy.