Senator Kim Pate

Why a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income?

We introduced Bill S-233 in the Senate of Canada the same day MP Leah Gazan introduced identical legislation, Bill C-223, in the House of Commons. We aimed to show the cross-Chamber multi-party support and collective need for guaranteed livable basic income for all in Canada.

We see a guaranteed livable basic income as one component of a robust, responsive and comprehensive economic, health and social wellness system, inclusive of universally accessible housing, childcare, education, pharma, dental and mental health strategies. These measures must work together to reflect and promote the principles of public administration and accountability; universal accessibility; comprehensiveness with respect to meeting basic needs; and portability during short-term absences from one’s home province or territory.

By guaranteed livable basic income, we mean a cash transfer sufficient to allow people to afford adequate food, housing, clothing, transportation and other necessities.

Instead of mimicking existing systems like social assistance schemes that police recipients and keep people in poverty and on the brink of crisis by providing too little to survive, guaranteed livable basic income would support equality, choice and dignity. It would aim to reach those most in need, allow people to rebound out of poverty and participate in society without the spectre of being left homeless or with no support.

The bills call on the federal government to develop a plan for implementing a guaranteed livable basic income at a national level and accessible to anyone in Canada who is over the age of 17 years and in need.

Existing supports such as social, health, education, and training opportunities could continue but, like labour market participation, would not be required in order to qualify.

The guaranteed livable basic income envisioned by the bills would work alongside, not replace, vital health and social supports such as medicare, pharmacare, dental care, housing and labour protections, access to education, and other financial supports such as those available to responding to particular needs of Indigenous Peoples, those with disabilities, seniors and others.

Please join us and show your interest in helping support guaranteed livable basic income and Bill S-233. You can tell political leaders that this issue matters to you by signing the petition HERE or by clicking the image below.

Status of Bill S-233

Status of Bill C-223

Text of Bills

Beyond the Basics Fact Sheets

Speeches

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