2012 news releases

For major announcements, decisions, projects or campaigns, SGI circulates news releases to Saskatchewan media.

Saskatchewan students see Damages caused by impaired driving in MADD Canada's new School Assembly Program

Jan. 6, 2012

The main characters may be fictional, but the Damages caused by impaired driving are very real, as Saskatchewan students will see during MADD Canada’s 2011-2012 School Assembly Program.

MADD Canada and provincial partners, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), hosted the provincial launch of Damages today with a presentation for students at Sheldon-Williams Collegiate in Regina today. The Hon. Tim McMillan, Minister Responsible for SLGA and SGI, led the launch and addressed school students and staff.

“SLGA and SGI are proud to partner with MADD Canada to help students better understand the risks and consequences of impaired driving, and help them make responsible choices to keep them and their peers safe,” said Minister McMillan.

SLGA and SGI are jointly sponsoring 35 presentations of the School Assembly Program in Saskatchewan schools.

This year’s program takes students beyond the crash to see the human impact and legal consequences of impaired driving. In the dramatic film, students follow Jesse from his terrible decision to drive impaired through the resulting horrific crash and into the criminal justice system where he faces the consequences of his actions. Jesse’s bright future and plans for university are replaced with the possibility of a prison term and a criminal record. Following this fictional story, students see video testimonials from real-life victims who have lost loved ones in impaired driving crashes.

“Jesse’s story starts off with a situation and a choice that most young people will face at one time or another,” said Denise Dubyk, MADD Canada’s National President. “With Damages and the accompanying curriculum guide, we want to educate students so they don’t end up like Jesse and his friends. We’re giving students the facts and tools they need to make safe choices that help protect them and their peers. With this support of SLGA and SGI, we will be able to deliver this important message to students across Saskatchewan.”

Young people, more than any other age group, are over-represented in alcohol-related crashes:

• In 2008, young people between the ages of 16 and 25 made up 13.7 per cent of the population, yet accounted for almost 33 per cent of alcohol-related crash deaths.
• Young people have high rates of driving after drinking and of being a passenger of a driver who has been drinking or taking drugs.

The School Assembly Program has been a cornerstone of MADD Canada’s youth services since 1994. The 2011-2012 School Assembly Program, Damages, and the French show, Dommages, will be seen by more than one million students across Canada over the course of this school year.

About SGI

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the province's self-sustaining auto insurance fund. SGI operates 21 claims centres and five salvage centres across Saskatchewan with a head office in Regina. SGI also works with a network of over 400 motor licence issuers across the province. Customers can now do some transactions online. Look for the MySGI link under Online Services on your motor licence issuer's website or SGI's website.

About MADD Canada

MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads. For more information, visit www.madd.ca.

About Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority

The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) is responsible for the distribution, control and regulation of liquor and most gaming across the province. Saskatchewan’s retail liquor system includes 79 liquor stores, 190 rural franchises and two specialty wine store franchises. Visit: www.saskliquor.com.