Dear Doug,

I lucked out! You see Doug, I was a hopeless drug addict. I worked hard and paid lots of taxes but I also had a big issue with drugs. I finally found myself homeless and desperate. Lucky for me, I was able to turn to Ontario for help. I then went to a treatment centre after time in Hospital Detox.

With a lot of hard work and help from OHIP/Ontario Funded programs I got better. Once that was done, I used Ontario Programs and Ontario Works Programs to get myself back into the work force. A key program was the Investing In Neighborhoods Program that allowed me to rebuild my resume and confidence working without my old habits.

So, Doug, many of the programs that you have cut, and plan to cut are some of the main reasons I am alive. They allowed me to get well, and become a productive member of Ontario Society, paying taxes and supporting other addicts who want to get well like I did.

What I mean to say Doug, is this… If I had asked for help with you in charge, I don’t know if I would have lived.

I am grateful to Ontario. When I was sick, and mentally unwell, Ontario took me into its arms and saved my life. It turned me into a hard working honest human being.

Warm Regards,

Mishkin