In recent years, the Provinces of Prince Edward Island and British Columbia have both commissioned research panels exploring the feasibility of provincial basic income programs or policies reducing poverty. On the east coast, the answer was a resounding "yes", though it would require federal government cost matching to make the program sustainable. On the west coast, the report recommended targeting basic income towards two demographics - youth ageing out of care and people with disabilities - while concluding that fixing the existing social support system should be the primary focus of poverty reduction policies.
In this webinar, Hon. Hannah Bell, MLA (Green Party House Leader) for the Province of PEI; Professor J. Rhys Kesselman, co-author of B.C.'s report "Covering All the Basics: Reforms for a More Just Society"; Barbara Halliday, member of Nelson At Its Best Society; and journalist, Emma Paling, explore the benefits and drawbacks of each approach and discuss what these reports contribute to our growing knowledge base on Basic Income in Canada.
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Your Questions Answered by Speakers - Why not a pilot? Why not account for savings to public services? Why did B.C. not reach out to Ontario Basic Income Pilot participants? And more of your questions answered.
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