NEWS RELEASE  

July 6, 1994                                                                                                                        For Immediate Release 

BREITKREUZ RELEASES SURVEY RESULTS  

Garry Breitkreuz, MP (Yorkton-Melville), released the results of his first survey of constituents on several important moral issues being debated in Canada today. Over 1500 questionnaires were returned and over 650 completed surveys which had names and addresses have now been analyzed. Preliminary survey results have been sent with a thank you letter to all those constituents who provided a return address. The remaining questionnaires are being analyzed this summer. 

Constituents who responded are in favour of reinstatement of capital punishment (82%), are opposed to abortion on demand(70%), are opposed to euthanasia and doctor-assisted suicide(52%); and, are opposed to redefining marriage to include two people of the same sex(92%). See detailed results attached. A scientific poll completed by the University of Saskatchewan in the Yorkton-Melville constituency using the same questions varied only slightly, confirming the validity of the responses expressed in the constituency questionnaire. "Reform Party principles require Members of Parliament to vote the wishes of their constituents on moral issues and I will use the survey results when these issues are debated in the House of Commons," said Breitkreuz. 

Many constituents expressed their appreciation for being given the opportunity to "vote" and comment on these important moral issues. Many also used the opportunity to tell their MP of other concerns they have including demands that the government must stop spending more money than it receives by making cuts in the following areas: MPs pensions, funding for foreign countries, funding to special interest groups, funding for Natives, funding for bilingualism and multiculturalism. A number also demanded that steps be taken to eliminate the abuse in the Unemployment Insurance Program. Others felt that the government response to the problems in the agricultural sector was inadequate. 

Many respondents commented that the Criminal Code and the Parole Board need revision including: tougher penalties, particularly for young offenders; longer jail terms--without parole; more rights for victims and fewer rights for criminals. In fact, some residents asked if those who break the laws of society should have any rights. Finally, many people expressed opposition to the government's laws which restrict the rights of law-abiding, responsible gun owners. 

Breitkreuz added, "Constituents should not wait for the next questionnaire to make their views known. Parliament is scheduled to resume sitting on September 19th and I hope many constituents will call, write or visit my office with their ideas, opinions and concerns about the way Canada is being governed. I hope to talk to many people while I make my rounds of the constituency this summer. If you give me an earful this summer, I will make sure your views are heard in the House of Commons this fall," promised Breitkreuz. 

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For more information please call: 

Yorkton:- (306) 782-3309 

Ottawa:- (613) 992-4394