June 7, 2016
Dear valued members of SCIC,
As you know, the provincial budget came down last week. I'm very sorry to report that, because of its fiscal situation, the Government of Saskatchewan has decided to end its 42 year partnership with SCIC.
This decision will have a major impact on SCIC. Up until now, we have received approximately $410,000 per year from the provincial government, the bulk of which is funding allocated to you, our Members, through the Matching Grants in Aid Program (MGAP) and smaller funding opportunities. A portion of the provincial funding has covered some administrative and salary costs for SCIC.
Related: Media Release "Budget cuts end 42-year
partnership between Province and humanitarian groups"
André Magnan, Board President, and myself met with Christa Ross, in the Ministry of Economy, this morning to receive details on how the funding arrangement will be wound up. Although the government has agreed to provide a small amount of operational funding until September 1st, 2016 and to honour commitments SCIC has already made, no further disbursements will be made for MGAP. André and I will be meeting with our Minister, Jeremy Harrison and other Ministry Officials in the next week to request that they reconsider the decision.
In all likelihood, the decision is final and we will need to decide how to move forward in SCIC's best interests. Thankfully, we receive funding from Global Affairs Canada for much of the programming and public engagement we do. However, with the loss of provincial funding, we will need to consider substantial restructuring.
SCIC will work to maintain a strong relationship with the provincial government and will examine possibilities for forming a different type of partnership with the Province of Saskatchewan. We are committed to maintaining a strong network of international development agencies and other allies in our province. To this end, we will continue to highlight the amazing work that our Members do across the Global South and locally and continue to organize networking and capacity building events.
SCIC and our members are no strangers to adversity and having to adapt to difficult situations. This is, of course, very unfortunate news, but I trust that our Board, our Staff, and you, our Members, can work together towards achieving SCIC’s vision, a province of engaged global citizens working towards an end to global poverty.
I encourage all of you to share your reaction to this news with your MLA’s, your partners, and your allies. We would like to hear from all of you, and are prepared to answer any questions you may have.
The spirit of SCIC has withstood 42 years. Its strength is in its members.
In this spirit we remain,
Jacqui Wasacase, Executive Director, SCIC
André Magnan, President, SCIC
What can you do?
- Contact your MLA and let them know you do not support these cuts to Saskatchewan's international development program. Not in the province? Contact Premier Brad Wall
- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper
- Share the news release and your reaction to it via social media and email
- Share your thoughts on the impact of these cuts on SCIC members' work. Send them to [email protected]