by Guest Contributor | Feb 5, 2014 | News
A group, working within the Liberal Party of Canada, is gathering support, hoping to get the party put the call for a basic income pilot project into the party’s official platform at the party’s convention in February 2014. The group is also willing to work with Canadians connected to other parties or without part affiliation.
More information about the movement go to: https://www.basicincomepilot.ca/
-Jamie McCaffrey
by Karl Widerquist | Feb 1, 2014 | News
The Green Party of Canada has endorsed Basic Income in its platform, “Vision Green.” Section 4.12, “Eliminating Poverty,” endorses Basic Income in principle and supports a gradual transition toward a Basic Income with expanded conditional and categorical programs.
Section 4.12 of Vision Green is online at: https://www.greenparty.ca/vision-green/p4.12
Green Party of Canada
by Karl Widerquist | Jan 13, 2014 | News
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.
by Karl Widerquist | Jan 13, 2014 | News
Rob Rainer, on behalf of Basic Income Canada Network released the inaugural campaign plan for The BIG Push—an effort to move the Basic Income Guarantee (BIG) into the political mainstream in Canada. See an earlier story that appeared on BI News on Nov. 17, 2013.
Rob Rainer
The plan was approved last Thursday evening by the Board of Directors of BICN. It identifies 46 tactics supporting the three external campaign goals and three internal goals, the latter concerning team building, communications and fundraising. Much of the campaign effort in 2014 will be aimed at the Canadian federal parliament, working towards the 2015 federal election when there is opportunity to make basic income a prominent feature of that contest. According to Rainer, “There is ample work to be done in raising public awareness and building public support for a BIG. Happily, there are encouraging signs of growing awareness and materializing support.”
“[O]vercoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.” -Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), from BICN
A modest budget of $300,000 for 2014 has been established in support of the plan. BICN expects that to reach this will require extensive fundraising, with expectation that much of the funding will materialize from individuals. They also aspire to raise funds from faith groups, unions and professional associations. According to BIEN, “Any leads for funding prospects and any support for helping us meet and surpass our revenue targets will be deeply appreciated.” Rainer writes, “If you have any questions about any aspect of the plan or would like further information, please contact me. Thank you for your keen interest in basic income: let’s make 2014 a breakthrough year for basic income security for all Canadians.”
For more information:
See the BIG Push Campaign website: https://www.thebigpush.net/
Or the Campaign Plan and Budget (in PDF for): https://www.thebigpush.net/uploads/2/2/6/8/22682672/the_big_push_campaign_plan.pdf
Or contact: Rob Rainer, Director, The BIG Push Campaign at: rob.causeworth@gmail.com
The BIG Push Campaign of the Basic Income Network Canada
by Karl Widerquist | Jan 12, 2014 | Research
Citizens for Public Justice presents an “infographic” (an illustrated poster) comparing Canada’s current welfare system to a Guaranteed Livable Income (a form of BIG). The image is reproduced below.
Citizens for Public Justice, “Infographic: Guaranteed Livable Income in Canada,” Citizens for Public Justice, December 2013.
The Case for a Guaranteed Income
