Pubdate: Mon, 04 Dec 2000
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2000 The Ottawa Citizen
Contact:  1101 Baxter Rd.,Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 3M4
Fax: 613-596-8522
Website: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/
Author: Ian Shaw

THE POOR CAN'T AFFORD TO ABUSE DRUGS

It seems the Harris government never tires of parading "common-sense" ideas 
before the public as though "common sense" somehow makes up for a lack of 
education, skill, understanding and intelligence.

Let's look at the plan to initiate mandatory drug-testing for welfare 
recipients.

Drug addiction is expensive. If the average "poor" addict spends $100 a day 
on the addiction, he or she requires a minimum of $36,500 a year. Add 
another $10,000 for food and shelter and we have a group of individuals 
who, by one method or another, are generating incomes of $46,500 each year.

Welfare provides how much of that ... $6,000? Obviously, drug users are not 
relying on welfare payments. Theft, prostitution and drug dealing are the 
usual income sources.

Does it really seem reasonable that substance abusers will suddenly flood 
treatment facilities because Mike Harris forces them to come up with a few 
bucks more? Do you think they will submit to drug tests and thereby risk 
identification to the police? They will, of course, drop off the welfare 
rolls voluntarily. The drug abuse will not stop. However, their other means 
of generating income will certainly increase.

I'm thinking about putting bars on my windows.

Ian Shaw,
Rockland
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