The Saskatchewan government announced Nov. 20 that Holocaust education will be mandatory in the province’s high schools, starting in the 2025-26 school year.
Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario have already included Holocaust education as a mandatory part of their curriculum.
“Antisemitism, unfortunately, is a prejudice that remains a problem in Canada,” said education minister Jeremy Cockrill. “Knowledge of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust is important for our youth as it helps reduce hate and discrimination in society.”
In 2022, 16 antisemitic incidents were recorded by B’nai Brith Canada in their annual audit. Saskatchewan is home to about 2,000 Jews according to the most recent census.
Holocaust education will be included in the renewed Social Studies curriculum and the ministry of education said it will consult the Jewish community about the course.
UPDATE (11/21): Manitoba followed with its own mandatory Holocaust education announcement one day after Saskatchewan.
