Science misapplied: mandatory addiction screening and treatment for welfare recipients in Ontario

ID:	HARP-350
Title:	Science misapplied: mandatory addiction screening and treatment for welfare recipients in Ontario
Source:	Canadian Medical Assn Journal , v.165(4) Ag 21’01 pg 443-444
Parties:
Dispute Resolution Organ:
Year:	2001
Pages:	0
Author(s):
Keywords:	alcoholic beverages, Canada, child benefits, economic, social, and cultural rights, employment, government, human rights, right to housing, social security, United States, health, Ontario, mental health, social welfare, housing, drug
Abstract:	The Ontario government has singled out welfare recipients with the effect of stereotyping them as particularly affected by substance abuse problems. A study of participants in 5 social service programs in the United States indicated that rates of drug and alcohol problems in welfare recipients were no greater than those among the general population or among people who did not receive welfare benefits. A report from the 1990 Ontario Health Survey found that living in subsidized housing was negatively associated with substance use. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto has reported that 70% of drug users are employed. Obsessed with addiction, the Ontario government is neglecting the many legitimate barriers to employment. Child care responsibilities, the dependence of elderly parents on employable children, transportation costs, unaffordable housing and the unavailability of jobs that pay even minimally adequate wages all represent barriers for which the Ontario government has provided little relief.
Secured:	False
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