Cancelling basic income pilot is a step back

Ontarians need more compassion toward the less fortunate, writes Shkimba

I have to add my voice to the chorus of outrage that is loudly decrying the provincial government’s decision to scrap the Ontario Basic Income Pilot project. This has nothing to do with me; I have no stake in it, yet I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me. I can’t imagine how those who are part of the pilot feel.

We’ve heard some of their stories the past several weeks, about how people are getting a new lease on life, a better apartment, are enrolling in school, are working to fulfil their dreams, something they couldn’t do on the subsistence budget on which they were precariously living.

I am sorry that this government has taken this path. But in true Canadian fashion, I offer an apology that’s not mine to make. I didn’t vote for this government. In fact, most of Ontario voters didn’t vote for this government. But here we are struggling under a broken democracy. But that’s a different drum.

There was a campaign promise in place to complete the pilot, but that didn’t matter. The Conservatives cite the “realities of government” as the cause for cancellation. That excuse is so worn, it’s become invisible. The reality is the same today as it was last week; it’s the government’s priorities that have changed.

With all the rollbacks and cancelled programs cut by this government they should maybe consider a name change to the Regressive Conservatives for there is nothing progressive about them.

I can’t add anything brilliant or game-changing to the discussion. As far as I’m concerned, the testimony of the people in the pilot itself is the best evidence for continuing it to completion. The support for the program is strong; universal basic income is offered as a way through to the future. The pilot would provide the data to help us best do that. We are experiencing a shift with workplace technology not seen since the first steam engine was unveiled at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Unsettled times are ahead. It would behoove us to use our smarts and prepare for the future.

What troubles me greatly is the discourse surrounding the topic. “Money for nothing” is the refrain echoed by those who fail to extend themselves beyond their own experiences. The blinkers they wear narrow their perspective, they think everyone is like they are: “If I can do it, you can, too.” We fail to recognize the role that luck plays in our lives. The evidence is clear; success has more to do with luck, providence, or good fortune, than it does skill, determination or commitment, although those qualities can’t but help the effort. Think not? Consider the career of our fearless premier: would Doug Ford be where he is right now if not for the good fortune of being the son of an ex-MP; or of inheriting the business his father started?

I was fortunate to have been born to parents who stayed together in a good marriage, into a family that fostered love and loyalty. My parents pushed me and my siblings to get educated and get a job, they didn’t really care what as long a we were happy. I experienced little to no adverse childhood events that push so many out of families and onto the streets. I was both privileged and lucky. I was lucky I found my first real job through a friend and I was fortunate to have the support of colleagues and mentors in pursuing my career goals. I was really lucky to score a job at McMaster University that I stayed at until retirement. I am lucky to have no discernible disability, aside from my poor vision. But I could trip on a stone, fall down and hit my head at any time and all that would be gone. I’m lucky I haven’t hit my head. Yet.

We are all here but for the grace of God — or as some would say — luck. Good luck, bad luck.

Luck can turn your world upside down. Luck is that which is outside of your actions. For example, good luck got people into the basic income program, where they could leverage that good luck with their plans and goals for the future. Bad luck pulled the rug out from under them.

It would do us all well to remember the role that luck plays in our lives, especially as we cast aspersion toward others for not making the grade. Remember that we’re all just a hit on the head away from incapacitation.

We need more compassion toward the less fortunate, not more vitriol. They get enough of that already.

Margaret Shkimba is a writer who lives in Hamilton. She can be reached at menrvasofia@gmail.com or you can “Friend” her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @menrvasofia