BAIRD TAKES TOUGH STANCE ON WELFARE

Social Services Appointment Is Criticized By NDP

A 30-year-old neo-Conservative has taken over the weighty and often
controversial portfolio of community and social services.

John ``Rusty'' Baird yesterday said he planned to carry through with
Conservative party election campaign promises on welfare reform,
including a contentious proposal to test and treat recipients
suspected of abusing drugs.

``We obviously want to move forward with the campaign commitments that
we made and I'm looking forward to playing an important part of the
jobs-and-economic-growth agenda,'' he told reporters after a
swearing-in ceremony in the Legislature.

Asked if he thought his reputation as ``one of the more conservative
Conservatives'' was considered by Premier Mike Harris in his
appointment, Baird responded: ``You'll have to ask him.''

His appointment to the social services ministry immediately drew
criticism from NDP Leader Howard Hampton.

Hampton said Baird's appointment is a sign of a ``more right-wing
government'' and a less compassionate future.

``I think you're going to see an even harder line, even tougher
circumstances for people who are poor, people who are disabled, people
who are vulnerable. I certainly don't think Mr. Baird's going to be an
advocate for anyone in that situation,'' the NDP leader said.

Baird said he wants to take time over the summer to brush up on his
ministry's policies.

``I'm going to be working over the next few weeks to get a better
handle on the issues the ministry faces. It affects a lot of really
vulnerable people and I think I owe it to them to take the time to get
a better grasp of the issues,'' he said.

Baird is the youngest member of cabinet, but he insists he has the
experience and background to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

``I've been a member for four years now. I've played a lot of roles.
I've worked on the cabinet subcommittee on welfare reform at the
ministry of finance, so I bring a commitment to the government's
agenda in this regard,'' he said.

Prior to being elected to the Legislature, Baird worked in various
departments in Ottawa with the federal government.

The bilingual MPP for Nepean-Carleton, near Ottawa, was also appointed
minister of francophone affairs.

Baird did not directly respond to concerns raised over drug testing
and mandatory treatment for addicted welfare recipients. Social
services groups have expressed fear addicts might be kicked off
welfare if they don't kick the habit. And they say drug treatment
works best if people are personally motivated, not coerced.

Michael Shapcott, of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada,
said he wanted a meeting with Baird to demand that the new minister
address the ``homeless disaster.''

``I think the reality is Mr. Baird can't pretend that it's business as
usual regarding welfare,'' he said.

``The policies of the Harris government have had a pretty savage
effect on welfare recipients in the past four years.''

The appointments appear to contradict the olive branch Harris seemed
to extend on election night, Shapcott charged.

Peter Clutterbuck, co-director of the Community Social Planning
Council of Toronto, said he was hoping for improved relations between
the ministry and groups like his.