GOVERNMENT POLLING RESULTS RELEASED

Almost all Saskatchewan adults believe that alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to life-long disabilities in children, according to polling results released today.

Ninety-seven per cent of respondents believed that using alcohol during pregnancy could lead to life-long disabilities in children. However, understanding of the term "alcohol use" appears to differ among respondents, as 25 per cent still thought there was a safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

The polling also showed that far fewer people participated in activities to help prevent drinking during pregnancy, such as choosing not to drink in order to support a pregnant spouse, family member or friend (six per cent) or offering non-alcoholic beverages to someone who is pregnant (three per cent).

The poll was commissioned by the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute and funded by Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) as part of its on-going efforts to raise awareness and increase prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

The $7,490 poll was conducted by Norsask Consumer Interviewing and is part of government's release of polling results for the second quarter of 2005/2006. Included in the release were management surveys conducted for a number of government departments, agencies and Crowns. The research is used to develop, deliver and improve programs and services.

Among the findings:

• Ninety per cent of Saskatchewan people prefer smaller, regular rate increases from Crown utilities rather than larger, less frequent increases. Most people (62 per cent) agree that revenue from rate increases should contribute to health care, education and agriculture;

• Seventy-two per cent of respondents agreed that Centennial celebrations in Saskatchewan helped build a sense of pride in the province.

• Two thirds of respondents (67.5 per cent) felt the Saskatchewan economy was either getting better or staying about the same.

The total cost of all government polling for the second quarter of 2005/2006 is $38,596. Government had no polling to release in the first quarter of the fiscal year. The next release will be in January 2006 and cover the period from October 1st to December 30th, 2005. Government polls can be found at http://www.executive.gov.sk.ca/polling.htm.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jay Branch Media Services Regina Phone: (306) 787-6349