Bravo Peggy ... I have also been inspired to write ... perhaps others
will be as well.  Have also raised the issue with our Baby's Best Start
program and am hoping that the women involved in this program will also
write &/or sign their name to a letter.  Many have been politically
active in the past.

Thanks Peggy, Joanne and others.

Debbie Bang
Coordinator/Researcher
St. Joseph’s Community Health Centre
Consumer Health Information Centre
2757 King Street East
Hamilton, Ontario  L8G 5E4
(905)  573-7777 ext. 8054
(905) 573-4828 FAX
[log in to unmask]
web site: www.stjosham.on.ca


pedwards wrote:

> Bravo Joanne
>
> You inspired me to write as well. I am sharing it to encorage others
> to do likewise.
>
> Dear Premier Harris:
>
> I am writing to express my extreme dismay at your government¹s recent
> announcement of yet another cut to social assistance.  In this case,
> you
> have announced a withdrawal of the $37.00/month previously provided to
>
> pregnant women.
>
> There is ample research to show that pregnant women on assistance are
> very often women at risk of having low birthweight babies due to
> inadequate nutrition, violence and stressful living environments, or a
> lack of prenatal care.  The result is often children with disabilities
> and increased stress on a family that is already having difficulties
> coping with the rising costs of raising children. It also costs tax
> payers money: we all pay for the special care and treatment that low
> birthweight babie
>
> On the other hand, the Montreal Diet Dispensary Program and other
> prenatal assistance programs have clearly demonstrated the cost
> savings of providing assistance to high risk pregnant mothers. The
> Dispensary has shown that for every dollar spent on food and
> counselling for poor pregnant women, nine dollars in subsequent
> treatment costs are saved. I would be happy to provide you with this
> reference if you wish.
>
> The Diet Dispensary has also found that mothers on assistance do not
> waste their money on beer--they spend it on housing or on feeding
> their other children, often to the detriment of their own health.  To
> withdraw any amount of money from a pregnant woman¹s allowance is a
> big mistake. To imply that you are doing it because she will spend it
> on beer is a tasteless insult to all mothers.
>
> As a mother, grandmother and taxpayer, I insist that you reverse this
> policy and follow the federal government¹s lead in providing
> additional support to high risk mothers, not less. Shame on you Mr
> Harris!
>
> I would appreciate a reply to this letter.
>
> Yours truly,
>
> Peggy Edwards
>
> Chelsea Group Communications
> 26 Osborne Street
> Ottawa, ON K1S 4Z9
> (613) 730-0378
> Fax: (613) 730-0379