The general concept is that the government would ensure that all citizens have enough income to cover basic needs. One option for such a program is for the government to set a basic amount, such as $18,000 a year, and people whose income is less could receive payments to bring them up to that level.
The federal Liberals have committed to a poverty-reduction strategy; the cabinet member responsible, Minister for Families, Children and Social Development Jean-Yves Duclos, is a leading economist who has studied basic-income options for years, although the party has not explicitly committed to the idea.
A spokesperson for Mr. Duclos said the Minister is monitoring the debate.
The idea was tested briefly in Manitoba in the 1970s and is gaining momentum in Europe.
Ontario provided few details on its plans, other than to say it will work with communities, researchers and others this year on how to design the test.
Advocates of the concept say Ottawa should work with the province, given that the two levels of government have overlapping responsibilities when it comes to providing programs for low-income Canadians.
“We’re absolutely delighted that we’re seeing this forward movement on the idea of a basic-income guarantee,” said Ian Culbert, executive director of the Canadian Public Health Association, a non-profit advocacy group that has been campaigning in favour of a basic income. “It’s a perfect opportunity for the federal government to partner with Ontario to see how they could work together and provide that as a model for other jurisdictions.”
Ottawa should work with Ontario on guaranteed-income strategy: advocates - The Globe and Mail
