NORTHEASTERN MPPS OPPOSE DRUG TESTING FOR WELFARE RECIPIENTS

The provincial governments decision to make drug testing mandatory for
welfare recipients has some wondering if they're under the influence
themselves.

It's one of the most backwards things they could do, said Timmins-James Bay
MPP Gilles Bisson. Its disgusting.

The provincial government resurrected a controversial plan recently to test
Ontario's welfare recipients for drug and alcohol addictions. The Tories
tried to introduce the plan last year. The measure will force addicted
recipients to submit to treatment in order to get their cheques.

Our program will be mandatory and those who refuse treatment will cause
themselves to be ineligible for welfare, Social Services Minister John
Baird said.

The plan will be phased in beginning next year starting in three to five
municipalities, then expanding to all 47 municipalities across Ontario over
the following four years. The governments plan also includes mandatory
literacy testing for those who receive welfare.

Temiskaming-Cochrane MPP David Ramsay said the government is just looking
for someone to pick on.

It's about time we kicked those people again, said Ramsay. That must be
what theyre thinking.

Ramsay said Harris likes to play politics.

He identifies groups in society people have very strong reactions to, said
Ramsay. He plays to groups that support him by tweaking those issues.

Bisson agreed.

Its the belief of the conservative government that the majority of people
resent welfare recipients, said Bisson. Theyre trying to tap into that.

Ramsay said Harris has been picking on teachers. But now hes looking for
someone else.

Education seemed to be his target the last couple of years, said Ramsay.
But hes gone too far. Its backfired and hes trying to draw attention away
from that.