Passion Power

The US reached a stark milestone this month of 100,000 people dying of drug overdoses in one year. That is 275 overdose deaths every day.   In Canada, 20 people die every day from overdose. It is considered immoral in some circles to demand anything from an addict which helps not the addict or the city.   In Michael Shellenberger’s book, San Fransicko, why progressives ruin cities he writes that calling the problem homelessness rather than open air drug scenes you neglect the fundamental problem which is lack of a system and planned strategy for helping people off the streets. The homeless have a life on the streets high on meth, shooting heroine and smoking fentanyl.   No one can coerce them into getting treatment because they don’t want treatment and public intoxication isn’t a crime anymore because they don’t want addicts in jail.   Public officials are finding out quickly that ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away. Shelters have rules and cities shou...

 How is a person with disabilities, mental health issues and addictions supposed to improve their lot in life when the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits get clawed back whenever they go out and work for extra income.  We discriminate because we don’t understand the struggle is real for so many Canadians trying to live on $1100 per month or less. Under this benefit, they can earn an extra $200 per month before the government starts clawing back the benefits. With no incentives, no encouragement, job coaching or family support such as transportation or childcare for example, how is it possible that someone can lift that boot off their neck?   It takes a toll on someone’s health trying to get basic needs met, trying to reach out to people who do not listen, trying to do the right thing and make good decisions.  Throw in some addiction, depression and violence and you have yourself a taste of what it is like living hand to mouth year after year afte...

The government is very good at sending cash to large numbers of people every single month. Perhaps they might get better at helping people integrate back into the workforce. People will try and figure out a way to increase their household income but if the government takes it back where’s the incentive for working? We’ve grappled with this dysfunctional system for decades. Where do we even begin to encourage more people to step out of these poverty traps. I see job postings everywhere. A friend of mine has a store and can’t find employees. A family member on Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) won’t work because they will deduct from his cheque. People on benefits should be motivated to work. If you are collecting benefits and would like to get yourself a part time job for some extra spending money or to save up for a larger item this initiative should be celebrated but instead the system discourages it by deducting 50% off the amount earned after the first $200. It’s a...