WELFARE PLAN

Three Rs lead to opportunity

The provincial government's plan to introduce math and literacy testing for
welfare recipients -- in addition to screening for drug and alcohol
addictions -- is drawing predictable criticism from the opposition and
poverty advocates.

Liberal MPP Michael Gravelle said mandatory testing for the three Rs "only
serves to perpetuate ugly stereotypes about people on social assistance."
Gravelle said tying welfare payments to remedial courses -- in the event a
recipient fails math and literacy testing -- shows that government is
"addicted to welfare harassment."

In a similar vein, Josephine Grey, of the group Low Income Families
Together, said that the literacy program is "an example of very
shortsighted thinking and very punitive behaviour"

What these views neglect is the very stark reality facing some welfare
recipients -- without basic skills in either reading, writing or
mathematics, their chances of ever finding meaningful work are almost
non-existent. For able-bodied adults, welfare was never envisioned as a
permanent sinecure, but a stop-gap program that would provide public
assistance until recipients can return to the workforce.

The real tragedy of welfare is allowing people to continue on a path of
hopelessness and self-destruction. And while some may see the Tories'
welfare agenda as harsh, it marks the first time any Ontario government has
tried to break the cycle of dependence that can trap welfare recipients.

"We want to break down the barriers to employment. Whatever stands in their
way -- whether it's a lack of experience, poor reading skills or an
addiction to alcohol or drugs -- we think our government should help," says
Social Services Minister John Baird.

Without question, the majority of welfare recipients should welcome the
opportunity to develop basic skills. At the same time, the government must
follow through on its commitment to quickly provide training.

As far as drug and alcohol testing goes, the already announced program is
not meant to arbitrarily select people for testing, but to do so only after
a caseworker suspects substance abuse. Again, if drug or alcohol abuse is
preventing a welfare recipient from returning to work, or the abuse is
threatening their well-being, then society has a responsibility to help
these individuals.

Since the Harris government began reforming welfare during its first
mandate, the number of people dependent on the system has fallen by more
than 500,000. The key to this reduction has been the reinforcement of a
message that a job leads to self-esteem, satisfaction and a better life.
Remedial training and drug counselling are additional tools to make the
system work better for both recipients and taxpayers.