DRUG AND LITERACY TESTS FOR WELFARE CLIENTS?

Alberta could be urged to test welfare clients for substance abuse - or to
see if they can read and write well enough to get a job - says the man
leading a review of the province's support systems.

"We are looking for creative ideas - thinking outside the box," said
Edmonton Castledowns Tory MLA Thomas Lukaszuk. He's the chairman of an MLA
committee studying welfare programs in the province.

And it's not just about money, he said. "What we are trying to determine
is not only the rate of benefit but any barriers that prevent those
employable clients from going to work."

Beginning Oct. 1, Ontario will test the literacy skills of some of its
430,000 welfare clients. Those found lacking must attend classes to improve
themselves, or lose their welfare.

It's part of a plan that also includes drug and alcohol testing. "They are
really taking the bull by the horns back there, aren't they?" Lukaszuk said
of Ontario's plan.

"If there is another province or jurisdiction doing something that has
proven effective, I am more than willing to look at it."

And, as the former chairman of a welfare appeal board that convinced the
province to stop clawing back tax refunds from welfare clients, he's
willing to face any catcalls that result.

"I look forward to that type of criticism," Lukaszuk said, adding he sees
illiteracy and addictions as barriers to employment.

But Lukaszuk said he's waiting to hear what Albertans want from their
welfare system.

"Since we haven't received any (public input) yet, everything is on the
table and nothing is on the table."

Jim Gurnett, a former New Democrat MLA and now manager of community
services for the inner-city Bissell Centre, said he hopes the notion of
forcing people into drug and literacy tests stays off the table.

"We're telling people, 'You behave yourself in the way we tell you and we
will give you just enough to get by,' " he said. "I don't think that's the
kind of society most people want to see."