Basic income is a big blanket for all who need it

As the effects of COVID-19 continue, many Canadians remain in a new, unfamiliar state of economic and social instability, trying to cope with not being able to go to work, go to school, volunteer, and otherwise be a part of their communities.

However, for many, limited incomes and social exclusion are long-standing. In fact, Canada already included three million people living on low incomes before the pandemic started.

When people do not have the means to stay home safely, accumulate supplies, or physically distance from others where they live or eat or work, everyone is affected.

What would Canada be like if everyone had enough income to meet their basic needs like food and safe, decent housing? A Basic Income Guarantee (BIG) is a regular payment made to people through the tax system. It provides enough money so that they can meet their basic needs and live with dignity, even if they are not employed.

Diverse groups currently calling for a BIG to improve our society include health professionals, youth networks, food security organizations, women’s organizations, and faith leaders.

Significantly, 50 sitting Canadian senators from across the political spectrum are urging the federal government to consider a form of basic income to ensure an income floor for all below which nobody could fall, despite work status.

BIG makes sense. With only one criterion, a low income, it would be provided through our tax system which can distribute money quickly and discreetly to people who need it.

Canada does this with the Canada Child Benefit for households with children and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors. People receiving these benefits experience less severe food insecurity.

Contrary to some assumptions, no research has found a jump in people on a Basic Income abandoning waged work.

Furthermore, cost analyses show that Canada can afford it. In providing the Canada Emergency Response Benefit during this crisis, the Canadian government has determined that people require at least $2,000 a month to meet their basic needs.

Now is the time to extend that logic to all people by developing a Basic Income Guarantee.

A Basic Income Guarantee is a proactive response to a crisis, enabling people to stay healthy and providing a stimulus for the economy.

For many, this means they will be supporting local businesses and improving our local economy.

It also means improving people’s health and saving precious health care dollars.

In the same way that Medicare ensures that no one goes without health care because of a lack of income, a Basic Income Guarantee will help ensure that no one lacks the ability to pay for food, safe, decent housing, and other basic needs.

Let’s support our Senate and so many others in creating a more equitable Canada with a BIG blanket that leaves no one out in the cold. Here are some ways to help:

Learn more by checking out the Basic Income Canada Network Primer Series

Talk with your family and friends about the impact of a solid income floor for all.

Write to your MP and political leaders, if this is important to you!

Mary Anne Martin,

Trent University

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