EDUCATION AND TRAINING GET GOOD GRADES

Saskatchewan's education system received good grades in October and November according to government polling results released today.

More than three quarters (81 per cent) of respondents in the October poll rated the quality of elementary education in Saskatchewan as adequate or better – with 54 per cent rating it as good or excellent. Seventy-six per cent of respondents rated the quality of secondary or high school education in Saskatchewan as adequate or better.

Approximately three quarters (76 per cent) of respondents in the November poll rated the post-secondary education and training system in Saskatchewan as the same or better than that of the rest of the country. Eighty-nine per cent of respondents rated the quality of Saskatchewan's post-secondary education and training as adequate or better.

Polling results for the 3rd quarter of the fiscal year were released today. Health care topped the list of most important issues facing Saskatchewan in October. In November, health care and agriculture were both identified by 22 per cent of respondents as the most important issue.

In addition to omnibus surveys conducted in October and November, the quarterly report includes polling results from standalone polls commissioned by the departments of Health and Industry and Resources. The total cost for third quarter polling was $59,256.50.

Copies of the polling report can be picked up at Media Services, Room 6, Legislative Building or can be found at www.executive.gov.sk.ca/polling.htm

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For More Information, Contact:

Carey Robertson Media Services Regina Phone: (306)787-5780