Federal Election Called for September 20th

On August 15th, Gov. Gen. Mary Simpson approved PM Justin Trudeau's request to dissolve Parliament, triggering an election for September 20th.

Read more here.


Guaranteed Income Bill Introduced in US Congress

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) introduced a bill that would send monthly payments — or "guaranteed income" — of up to $1,200 for adults and $600 for children following pilot programs across the U.S.

The proposal is is "designed to build a 21st-century economy that is reflective of Americans’ everyday needs."

Read more here.


Basic Income Bill C-273 Reading on June 14th

Julie Dzrerowicz, the Liberal MP for Davenport, will have her first hour of second reading for Bill C-273 this Monday, June 14th. You can watch the debate through CPAC.

Bill C-273 requires Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland to create a national strategy for a Guaranteed Basic Income, including potential partnerships with provinces to determine how best to structure and implement a Basic Income.

The bill includes support for dedicated Basic Income research into: how it would affect the efficiency of government; how it could support entrepreneurship, job creation, and civic action in a new economy; and how it would impact Canadians and our communities.

You can visit UBI Works to add your name to the petition supporting C-273.


Kim Pate Asks How Government Plans on Implementing plans for Guaranteed Livable Income during Senate Question Period

On June 8th 2021, during the Senate Question Period, asked how the federal government is preparing to implement its commitment to guaranteed livable income in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan.

 

Sen. Pate, who has been a strong supporter of basic income and Indigenous justice, asked the government what steps they were taking towards this goal. Marc Gold, the government's representative in the Senate, highlighted the Budget 2021 commitments of $2.2 billion over five years to implement concrete measures in his response.

 

The Parliamentary exchange can be found here.

Read more

OBIN and Basic Income Canada Youth Network to Host Workshop on Talking to Politicians about Basic Income

On Monday June 28th at 7 pm ET, OBIN and Basic Income Canada Youth Network will be hosting a webinar about how to talk about basic income to politicians. The workshop will share some how-tos and best practices for advocating for a basic income with your elected officials - from how to get a meeting to key points to cover while you're there. The workshop will also feature special guest Ted McMeekin (former Ontario cabinet minister) to share with us a politician's perspective of what makes direct advocacy effective.

Click here to register - we hope to see you there!


The Case for Basic Income Book Launch

 

Between 2017 and 2019, 4,000 people in Hamilton, Lindsay and Thunder Bay tested whether a Basic Income could stabilize housing, improve wellbeing and provide opportunity.  A powerful new book tells the stories of some of those courageous basic income participants.

Join Basic Income Hamilton for a virtual book launch on 3 June 2021 at 6:30 pm

 

Read more

Guelph Arts Council calls on the federal government to establish basic income

Guelph Arts Council (GAC) called on the federal government to establish a guaranteed basic income for everyone.

“We agree that basic income is essentially a human right,” said GAC executive director Patti Broughton. “When people have their basic needs met and have a certain level of a modest financial security, it can really put people in a better place to improve their lives, to find work, to start new businesses, to resume or continue their art practices.”

Read more

The Power Plant/CARFAC BI Panel Discussion


On May Day, Saturday, May 1st at 2 pm, a panel speaking on basic income & the arts will take place. The panel was co-organized by Toronto's The Power Plant Contemporary Gallery website and CARFAC-Ontario (professional visual artists union).

The panel will be moderated by Jason Samilski, Managing Director of CARFAC Ontario, and will explore what a Basic Income Guarantee is, how it would benefit artists and all Canadians, and how artists are well-positioned to provide leadership.

Read more

Basic Income and Small Business Video

Small Business Enterprises (SMEs) create most of the jobs in Canada. A basic income would provide a fallback for startup owners. Rob Evans is one entrepreneur who has done his research and is convinced that a basic income is good for the country. Further information can be found in THE CASE FOR BASIC INCOME FOR SMALL BUSINESSES section.

Read more

2021 Liberal Convention Endorses Basic Income

Liberal delegates to the party's policy convention have overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution calling for the establishment of a universal basic income (UBI) in Canada. It was adopted by 77 per cent of attendees at the virtual convention.

 

Read more