POLLING RESULTS RELEASED

Most Saskatchewan residents agree lowering business taxes is the right move, according to polling results released today.

The survey found that 66 per cent of people polled agree that lowering business taxes will result in more businesses being established in the province, and the same proportion feel existing businesses will expand. The poll also showed that 60 per cent of residents think lowering business taxes will create jobs in Saskatchewan and 76 per cent believe that more jobs will lead to youth remaining in the province.

The poll was conducted prior to the release of the provincial budget in March 2006 by Fast Consulting at a cost of $16,900, and is part of the government's release of polling results for the fourth quarter of 2005/2006. The research is used to develop, deliver and improve programs and services.

The survey also found that a majority of Saskatchewan residents are under the misconception that Provincial Sales Tax applies to several goods and services that are currently exempt, such as restaurant meals (58 per cent), movie tickets (53 per cent) and gasoline (82 per cent).

Another poll released today found that a majority of Saskatchewan residents (59 per cent) think that the health care offices or facilities they have visited are well run and a strong majority (75 per cent) feel they are treated with respect when they receive health care.

Polling commissioned by Saskatchewan Environment found that Saskatchewan residents who own a home, cottage or business, in or near forested lands, recognize the importance of taking steps to reduce the risk of wildfire to their property or business and 47.4 per cent would access wildfire safety information from the department. The survey found that 60.7 per cent of these respondents recall seeing or hearing the Saskatchewan Environment fire awareness message "Be prepared...Don't let your fire go wild" during the past year.

The total cost of all government polling for the fourth quarter of 2005/2006 is $70,810. The next release will be in July, 2006 and will cover the period from April 1st to June 30th. All government polls can be found at www.executive.gov.sk.ca/polling.htm.

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For More Information, Contact:

Marie Trafford Media Services Regina Phone: (306) 787-0963 Cell: (306) 539-0379