Ontario doctor says addicts use transit benefits for crack
The lack of oversight in an Ontario support program is allowing addicts to spend money intended for bus passes on drugs, according to an Ottawa addictions specialist.
Since addiction is a disease, many drug addicts receive assistance under the Ontario Disability Support Program, including benefits to help pay for public transport.
But Dr. Mark Ujjainwalla of Recovery Ottawa is concerned ODSP is handing out cheques earmarked for transit without making sure that's how the money is spent. He said the cost of a bus pass in Ottawa is about the same as "10 points" of crack cocaine.
"What these guys all do is, they get a cheque once a month for a bus pass, but they take the cash and they buy crack. So they're in here telling me they don't have a bus pass," he said. Ujjainwalla said he's reached out to the Ministry of Community and Social Services to no avail.
"OK, they need a bus pass. Why don't you make sure they get that bus pass with their picture on it, and make sure they get that bus pass because it's important for them to get to meetings and appointments," he said. "Without it, they're going to do more drugs."
A ministry spokesperson said each ODSP office has discretion on how to dole out funds for transport. The Ottawa office has decided to give its clients the money directly to let them buy a bus pass.
The ministry said it can also set up "an alternative arrangement" for clients who are in need of public transport, but did not say what that arrangement would be or whether that's ever happened.
