HEALTH AND EDUCATION PRIORITIES

Polling results released today show the recent Budget reflects the priorities of Saskatchewan people.

More than three quarters of Saskatchewan residents responding to a January omnibus poll ranked improving the quality of health care (87 per cent) and providing education and job training for young people (80 per cent) as the most important government tasks.

Health and education were the top priorities in the 2003-04 Budget delivered on March 28th. The government increased health spending by 8 per cent to a record $2.5 billion to improve the health and well-being of Saskatchewan families. Education spending will top $1.2 billion this year, a 5.2 per cent operating budget increase.

The majority (61 per cent) of respondents think the Saskatchewan economy is getting better or staying the same (January 2003). Despite Statistics Canada figures that show Saskatchewan's job numbers had increased for an impressive nine straight months at the time the January poll was undertaken, only 20 per cent of respondents were aware of the increase in the number of people employed in Saskatchewan.

Polling results for the 4th quarter of the fiscal year were released today. The report included the results of a January omnibus poll. No omnibus polling was conducted in February or March. The results of a poll conducted in March on fire safety awareness were also released. Results of pre-budget polling conducted in September 2002 were also included in the report. The results of pre-budget polling are withheld from public release until after the Budget is delivered. The total cost for 4th quarter polling was $25,000.

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:

Rob Cunningham Media Services Regina Phone: (306)787-6349