Staff and students from Ignite Adult Learning Corporation joined NDP MLAS at the legislature on Wednesday to call on the province to help keep the centre open.
Last week, the Regina based education and skills training centre announced they were closing at the end of September due to lack of funding.
According to its social media post on April 9, the centre has received funding from provincial and federal governments, grants, and private donors for the past 30 years.
The GED program was discontinued across the country in May of 2024, so the centre had to offer an Adult 12 diploma instead. Because of this, the program became longer, and a reduced number of students were able to register, which required more funding.
However, the program had its funding cut in the most recent provincial budget, so the board of directors made the decision to close the centre.
“We need about $940,000 a year to operate,” explained Ignite’s executive director Dellice Saxby. “Immigration and Career Training is offering $250,000 and that’s not a difference I can make up.”
Ahead of legislative proceedings on Wednesday, NDP MLA Nicole Sarauer held a press conference to highlight the importance of the centre, which helps at-risk youth and young adults get back on their feet.
During question period, Sarauer directed her concern directly to Deputy Premier Jim Reiter, asking him if he will reverse the cuts.
“We’re joined today by dozens of people from Ignite adult learning. For years, their program has worked directly with folks living on the margins, getting them a good education and into good jobs, but the staff party government cut their funding,” she said.
Reiter said shutting down was Ignite’s idea, and said he believes there may have been some miscommunication.
“Ministry officials advised me that they were prepared to have discussions to renew the agreement with Ignite … and we’re informed that Ignite had decided to wind down their operations,” he said.
“If that’s not the case, Mr. Speaker, I’d be happy to have senior officials from the ministry, I’d be happy to arrange a meeting with them, with officials from Ignite, and discuss a contract moving forward.”
Speaking to reporters after question period, past graduate Marie Morris said the program at Ignite has turned her life around.
“Before I came to Ignite I was really struggling with addiction and I was really down on myself. I wasn’t going anywhere in life and I went to Ignite and they showed me care and love,” she said.
Tanya McNeice, a recovering addict who now serves as Ignite’s Board Chair, also credits the centre for helping her get a new start in life.
“I learned purpose and self confidence and that ability has taken me through every journey since then,” she explained.
Ignite has assisted about 70 students a year with education and other supports to keep them in school.
Only about half of the 25 students left in the program will have time to complete their Grade 12 before the program ends in September.
The students are hoping talks with the government proves successful.
