Kimberly Rogers Inquest Alerts

Ban the ban

by Beverly Antle
President, Ontario Association of Social Workers

Globe and Mail
Monday, December 23, 2002

Toronto -- Premier Ernie Eves has recently highlighted the fact that he has a social conscience (He's Similar To Harris, Eves Says -- Dec. 18). We commend Mr. Eves for possessing this important attribute. We now look to him for leadership in reversing the lifetime ban on welfare fraud, a harsh policy that imposes "a one size fits all" brand of justice.

Under the previous government, Kimberly Rogers, who died while pregnant and under house arrest for welfare fraud, would not have been charged with a criminal offence for accepting a student loan (which she was required to repay) while receiving welfare benefits.

Mr. Eves should act on his social conscience and implement the jury recommendations in the Kimberly Rogers inquest. These include allowing administrators "to exercise discretion in suspending Ontario welfare benefits in instances that would be life-threatening to clients" and the development of a model to assess whether allegations of welfare fraud should be referred for prosecution (Ontario To Maintain Lifetime Welfare Ban -- Dec. 20).

He should also reverse the policy denying access to student loans for welfare recipients who want to improve their job opportunities and become self-sufficient.

President, Ontario Association of Social Workers,