Saskatchewan court reserves decision on challenge of school funding ruling

REGINA – Saskatchewan’s Appeal Court has reserved it decision on the province’s challenge of a ruling that prohibits funding of non-Catholic students attending separate schools.

A judge ruled in 2017 that provincial funding for non-minority faith students attending separate schools infringed on equality rights and religious neutrality.

The government contends that Catholic and public schools are both part of the education system and religious neutrality should mean providing funding for public education for all.

On Wednesday, the Good Spirit School Division argued in support of the 2017 ruling.

It says public schools have a mandate to accept and accommodate all students and Catholic schools do not.

Lawyers for the government have said legislation that sets out the rights of separate schools doesn’t draw a link between attendance and religion. (CTV Regina, The Canadian Press)