Human Resources committee  Okay, I'll be careful, but thank you. That was in Jackson's Point. On January 1, 2000, at 12:01 in the morning, I made that decision purposely. My life had spiralled down into 22 mental disorders, 3,000 milligrams of medication, institutionalization in psychiatric group homes, jails, shelters, streets, back alleys, blah, blah, blah.

Human Resources committee  I've already written a book.

Human Resources committee  In 50 words or less?

Human Resources committee  I'll take that one very quickly. What I was always taught is that the shortest way to get a problem done is the easiest route from point A to point B. The first thing you want to do is create a clear channel. The federal government, the provincial governments, the territorial governments, the regional governments, and the municipal governments need to work together, and there needs to be a clear access to the authority, the funders, right down to the front line.

Human Resources committee  Thank you. As far as literacy goes, when you give somebody the ability to write their name, or when you give somebody the ability to pick something up when they understand what they're reading, you empower that person. My job requires me to be out and about in the community on a regular basis, and I'm proud to be out there.

Human Resources committee  Honestly, yes and no, because the front-line workers have the desire to be there. The programs are in place. They're sitting there. They're waiting to go. But the funding machine is chugging forward and holding back. So although moneys are there, they're there at a trickle. Because they're there at a trickle, we must drive you up the wall, because they come out a little at a time, a little at a time.

Human Resources committee  Thank you. My name is Daniel. I am really honoured and excited to say that my boss, Dr. Hutchinson, asked that I come and speak here. I'm not a professional in any way, and I have no degrees of any kind, but I have a perspective that's mine, and I'm going to give it to you for free, sort of.