Pubdate: Sun, 19 Nov 2000
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Page: A16
Section: Letters
Copyright: 2000 The Toronto Star
Contact:  One Yonge St., Toronto ON, M5E 1E6
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Author: Zane Boyd, Hamilton

DON'T FORGET THE WELL-TO-DO

Re: Welfare Drug Test Plan Sets Off Storm, Nov. 14.

Ontario's government doesn't want social services recipients
``shooting their welfare cheques up their arms,'' warns Ontario Social
Services Minister John Baird, ``Anyone who refuses to take treatment
will lose their benefits.''

Given the well-known widespread use of cocaine among the professional
and corporate classes (not to mention alcohol), may I suggest the following:

Before granting any further of its much-touted income and corporate
tax cuts, the government institute mandatory drug testing for all
citizens with a stock portfolio earning more than, say, a hundred grand.

After all, we don't want their hard-earned tax benefits disappearing
up their noses!

To paraphrase Premier Mike Harris, just because somebody's making a
bundle on Bay Street doesn't mean we should give up on them.

``We ought to be doing everything that we can to be providing
rehabilitation and assistance.''

Zane Boyd, Hamilton
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