LINDSAY (November 28, 1996) - Anti-poverty activist John Clarke, of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, debated Fp president Robert Metz in a lively exchange moderated by host John Panter on the Cable 10 program, Search For Understanding.

"Our theme for the next half hour is politics and poverty," Panter began, "and the impact of the Mike Harris government on the economy of Ontario. We're going to ask the question: 'what can government do about poverty?', and we might even try to define what poverty is."

"Poverty represents a conscious attack on working people by governments," argued Clarke, "and Mike Harris is the prime example, the cutting edge, of that agenda."

Metz suggested that the proper role of government with respect to minimizing poverty would include policies of lower taxes, an end universality in social programs so that limited resources can be directed to those in need, the right to work legislation, and an easing up on labour legislation and labour monopolies that restrict jobs.

"Mr. Metz, ten years ago, would have been regarded perhaps as someone crying in the wilderness," said Clarke. "But I'm struck by hearing him speak how far governments over the last ten years have moved precisely in the direction he's talking about. Deregulation, privatization, the removal of programs, the weakening of things that were regarded as social rights a number of years ago."

Metz and Clarke spent the balance of the half-hour disagreeing on every issue raised, but the debate did end on one point of agreement: both opposed the concept of workfare, though for entirely different reasons.

Readers interested in obtaining a video copy of the debate are invited to get in touch with us for details.

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