Released on February 2, 1996
Premier Roy Romanow today said that Saskatchewan people have respondedpositively to the opportunity to provide input into policy and budget
decisions through the Preparing for the New Century public input
project.
"Through public meetings, electronic town hall forums, survey responses
and the Internet we have heard from thousands of people in communities
throughout Saskatchewan," Romanow said. "The level of detail and
thoughtfulness in many of the responses has been especially
gratifying."
As of February 1, more than 1,000 surveys had been completed and
returned and nearly 3,000 people had participated in public meetings or
one of the four satellite-linked town hall forums.
"This kind of response by residents is proof that Saskatchewan people
want to be involved in government decision-making and will make an
extra effort to do so. This intense level of caring about our province
is one of the reasons that Saskatchewan is the best place in the world
to live."
The premier noted that the response on the Internet also demonstrates
that Saskatchewan is adapting well to the technological age. As of
February 1, the Preparing for the New Century Internet web site has
recorded 345 visits and 130 surveys have been returned through the
Internet.
The general comments received on the web site have been posted,
anonymously, on the site for those who want to see what others have
said. In addition, a number of questions have also been posted to gain
a response from those interested in a more in-depth discussion.
"The public response to date has been strongly in favour of preserving
Saskatchewan's social programs such as health care and post-secondary
education. Residents also want the provincial government to more
strongly oppose federal changes to Canada's social programs and to
propose alternatives. In addition, the message is clear that
Saskatchewan people do not want their provincial government to return
to the days of deficit budgets and are not in favour of increases in
taxes for their families or small businesses."
This was the final week for most activities under the Preparing for the
New Century project. The final SCN forum was held on January 28 and
people are asked to mail in their surveys by February 7, 1996. Surveys
will continue to be collected next week and the toll-free line will
remain open for ten more days for people who want to request a copy of
the final report.
"The task is now to take all of the information received and review it
as the cabinet begins its budget decision-making process over the next
two weeks. Later this month, I will report back to all Saskatchewan
residents in a province-wide broadcast on what the government has heard
and indicate how we intend to act on the choices people have made,"
Romanow said.
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For more information, contact:
Dave Burdeniuk
Media Relations
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-6349