A new report from the Basic Income Canada Network (BICN) details how Canada could improve income security for everyone, with three options for a basic income for adults, while maintaining current child benefits for those under 18.
“We’ve seen interest in basic income grow far beyond theoretical debates. BICN is now frequently asked what it would look like in Canada,” said Chandra Pasma, a member of the BICN Advisory Council and co-author of the report. “Our report clearly shows there are multiple options Canadian governments could use to implement a successful basic income program.”
A basic income is an unconditional cash transfer from government to individuals to enable everyone to meet their basic needs, participate in society, and live with dignity, regardless of work status. The call for a basic income is growing, including from public health and environmental sectors, Nobel laureate economists, marginalized communities and people concerned about precarious work and technological disruption. The urgent need to reduce inequality and its costly consequences has led some researchers, advocates, and politicians to the conclusion that basic income is inevitable.
Statistics Canada’s Social Policy Simulation Database and Model (SPSD/M) was used to model the funding of the options, combining existing resources with changes to the tax/transfer system, including tax fairness measures. All options are based on BICN’s principles and goals–to reduce inequality, including inequality between women and men; prevent poverty; provide everyone with greater income security, including middle-income earners; and ensure the wealthiest individuals and corporations contribute their fair share. Each option in the report, Basic Income: Some Policy Options for Canada, meets these overall goals.
Option 1 is for 18-64 year olds based on household income, operating much like child benefits, with the $22,000/year ($31,113 for a couple) benefit amount gradually reducing as other income increases; seniors benefits remain in place.
Option 2 is similarly income-tested and is for all adults, including seniors.
Option 3 is a universal model, sometimes called a demogrant, that provides the same benefit amount to every individual adult.
“The options vary administratively so don’t get sidetracked by the size of the different up-front costs,” notes Sheila Regehr, Chair of BICN. “It doesn’t mean one is much more expensive than another. The options have similar results for people and they are all funded from similar sources.” The report also notes that other funding sources for a basic income are possible, as well as downstream savings that can help make it even more affordable.
“Basic income in Canada is not a question of possibilities, but of priorities,” said Regehr. “It is clear from child and seniors benefits that it works for many Canadians already. The federal government’s priority now must be to take leadership to make it work for everybody; we are all part of the future of this country.”
To download the full report, click here.
To download a summary of the report, click here.
Please..Basic Income for everyone in Canada, has to happen, Poverty in this Country has to be helped. I personally need help. I live paycheck to paycheck. I get sick and can’t afford a day off to get better.I am behind on my bills,rent is rising and I as so many others are suffering. This should be a top issue next to global warming on the budget this Winter. This is a urgent plea to our Government. Help our struggling citizens have a better life. Have Basic Income for all start back up ASAP. Please
Olá, o meu nome é Leandro Fernandes Marques e gostava de partilhar consigo uma ideia que foi enviada ao parlamento europeu e que foi arquivada em 2012. A fonte de origem para o RBI pode e deve de ser ,no meu ponto de vista, um programa de corretora controlado pela inteligência artificial , no qual consegue produzir valores pré determinados máximos e mínimos( ex: entre 30 a 60 euros diárias) e o qual apanas necessita que coloquem uma vez o dinheiro para gerar renda mensal a todo o cidadão sem interferir nos orçamentos de estado. Se estiver interessado em mais pormenores sobre como funcionária diga me algo. Obrigada. Os grande investidores sabem como o fazer , portanto é uma questão de falar e chegar a acordo. Espero que possa dar uma força a esta ideia pois o filhos de todos dependem disso para existir futuro digno sem guerras .
Hi Leandro,
In English, please.
Thanks,
André
I fully support the idea of an Annual Basic Income. It makes absolute sense and it would eliminate the wide range of programs in existence at present, cut down on needless repetition of services and bring dignity to many of those who receive it.
We must not allow the powers that be , revert to the “old Normal” where the focus is on tax cuts and consequences be damned. We know where that has led us and we must not allow it to continue.
I have always regarded the community I live in as an extension of my home. By that I mean , It is a place where I live and should feel secure. All of this can be best achieved through a living annual basic income for everyone. Keep up the good work.