As reported in BI News last month, a recent Canadian poll showed support for BIG leading opposition by a margin of 46-42. This result might not give strong indication of public opinion, because voters might not know very much about the policies in the poll. Their opinions are likely to change significantly (either way) as they learn more about the policy.
Rob Rainer of the BIG Push Campaign
However, just the fact that poll was conducted might give a some small indication about interest in BIG among politicians in Canada. The poll was done for The Trudeau Foundation, which was established to carry on the legacy of Canada’s legendary Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau. One of his sons, Alexandre Trudeau, is on the board of the Foundation. Another of his son’s, Justin Trudeau, is the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, and quite possibly Canada’s next Prime Minister. According to Rob Rainer, of the BIG Push Campaign, “That the basic income question made it into their survey suggests the Foundation is quite interested in the subject.” If the Trudeau brothers share that interest, or if organizations such as the BIG Push can capitalize on this potential support, BIG might become a prominent issue in the 2015 federal election, or possibly it will become an issue for a new Liberal government, which has a good chance of taking power in that election.
USBIG, “CANADA: Poll shows support for Basic Income Guarantee leads opposition by 4 percentage points.” BI News, December 13, 2013.
The survey report is online: Environics, “Responsible Citizenship A National Survey of Canadians,” EvironicsInstitute.org, October 31, 2013.
