PEOPLE WITHOUT A VOICE NEED HELP, NOT CRITICISM

I'm sick and tired of complaints about panhandlers, drug addicts and
the homeless on our streets. I've had enough of hearing about the
inconvenience, the mess, the trauma and the embarrassment they cause
for our citizens and our tourists.

It's time we placed the blame where it belongs. It belongs in the lap
of our provincial government, which does not provide adequate
services and housing for people with mental health problems. It
belongs in the lap of the provincial government welfare system, which
is punitive and forces unemployable people onto the streets -- people
who a few years ago were offered medical services and extra grants,
which made life possible outside of begging in the streets.

Let's stop complaining and start demanding that something be done for
those who have no voice. We will all benefit in the end.

Anna Elphinstone

Halfmoon Bay