[Maritime Q-Scout]

At the end of the day, I don't like the idea that the government could randomly test me if I was receiving welfare.

If that is the case, does it open a slippery slope?

If I'm drug tested for welfare, shouldn't I be drug tested for EI (receiving government funds for 'free').

If I'm drug tested for welfare can those test results be used in a court of law? The test would be "voluntary" as you have the choice to not apply for welfare (or EI if you accept the premise they are closely linked in kind). So if I'm at a party and someone smokes weed, it could throw off my test results (we have t discussed how trace amounts would affect welfare recipients).

What kind of test blood, breath, hair? If hair, those with long hair are Arab disadvantage as opposed to those who are bald.

All this not to mention you're forcing people into a drug test, something that is (supposed to be) protected under your charter right of unreasonable searh and seizure.

I may not have a problem if you're convicted of a drug offense, as the test is independent of the welfare. But that should be on a case by case basis, not a hard and fast rule.

What about those on welfare that don't have capacity to consent to drug testing. Are they going to be at a disadvantage because they might not understand the complications and ramifications of a failed drug test?

All this without going into a financial cost-benefit analysis.

So, no. It's a bad idea.