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 babies need.

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