POLL SHOWS STRONG SUPPORT FOR PROPOSED ESSENTIAL SERVICES LEGISLATION

A province-wide poll released last weekend suggests that two-thirds of Saskatchewan people support the government's proposed essential services legislation.

Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris today said he is encouraged by the strong support for essential services legislation.

"Saskatchewan people have a right to know that, in the event of a strike, essential services like health care will continue to be provided," Norris said. "Essential services legislation exists in just about every other province in Canada, and it's time to move forward with similar legislation here in Saskatchewan."

According to the Insightrix Research poll conducted January 8-13, 67 per cent of Saskatchewan residents support the government's decision to introduce essential services legislation while 20 per cent are opposed. The remainder expressed no opinion.

Norris said the government will continue to consult with interested parties to ensure the proposed legislation is as fair and balanced as possible.

Consultations on the proposed legislation are underway with the public and with key stakeholders. Letters inviting feedback have been sent out to stakeholders and the public can get involved by emailing their comments to legislationfeedback@lab.gov.sk.ca or by mailing them to:

Deputy Minister Wynne Young
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
11th Floor, 1945 Hamilton Street
Regina, SK, S4P 2C8
www.labour.gov.sk.ca

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For more information, contact:

Herman Hulshof
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9715
Email: herman.hulshof@gov.sk.ca