The case for universal basic income in post-pandemic Canada

In 1974, Canada conducted a landmark basic income experiment in a rural town in Manitoba. Now, decades later, as countries struggle with high unemployment rates and a global recession in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, debate around whether Canada should have a national basic income has resurfaced.

Critics say Canada can’t afford it. Advocates say it’s the best way to address the social inequities and welfare gaps the pandemic exposed, and maybe even better prepare Canada for the next global crisis.

#GlobalNews

[MrLoobu]

Do you know why so many grown adults are depressed and suicidal/homicidal as hell? Because they arent paid enough to have an adult life and their jobs are horrible and their managers are worse and no one can ignore it 40-80 hours a week while they neglect everything knowing they are doing it for nothing. They have no choice in this confused world.

[blueviserion]

I thought one of the big pillars of UBI was that in a world with increasing automation, this means record profits for corporations who no longer have to pay wages and benefits to the degree that they used to, and thus can be taxed more in order to fund UBI. So, the outcome is that less people will be doing jobs that are unpleasant monotonous jobs anyway, and will still be supported financially so that they can pursue more creative, intellectual activities. Basically an upgrade for humanity.

[cinder]

How about bringing manufacturing back to Canada, away from China and allow the Oil industry to ramp up! Beef up Veterans and Senior citizens guaranteed income, but everyday Canadians don't need a guaranteed income!

[UBIWorks]

Universal Basic Income would speed up our recovery, create jobs, support businesses, and keep Canadians strong. It's been proven to be the economic stimulus we need.

[hgaubaul]

"We will own nothing and be happy" is becoming more and more a reality.

It's amazing how the wealthy and powerful always seems to have the solution to poor people's problem.

The era of experiments 2030

They own and we owe!

[lynns]

Yes. We need universal basic income. Despite what people think it doesn't stop people from wanting to work and contribute to society.

[ccarriere]

All I know is that if I didn't have to worry about bills too live I would be happy to come to work and not feel stressed about a job that doesn't even pay for half the stuff I need

[davidbroadbent]

Thanks, but no thanks. I'll earn my own keep. I'll pay my own debt too; I took it on, I'll pay it off... it's called responsibility.

[Imakulak]

The government provides no cash, taxpayers do

[TheTifier]

If people are willing to put in billions a year into the lottery so that a handful of lucky ducks get rich, we can certainly do the same for a system that guarantees that everyone gets a share of the prize.

[dm]

UBI would actually reduce administrative costs and red tape, for one. Instead of staff needed to implement 4 programs — and the qualification process involved in many of them — you simply need maybe 30-40% of them, and less offices. You wouldn’t need investigators to make sure you’re not abusing disability. You wouldn’t need to bother your doctor to constantly prove to disability that you can’t work. These are all cost savings. As for ways to pay, there are lots of ways to pay, and eliminating corporate welfare is a big one. A trickle up economy is better than a trickle down economy. Give a poor person $50 and they’ll go and buy groceries and Loblaws still gets the money. Give Loblaws a $50 million tax break and they’ll still cut staff pay and hours and raise grocery prices.

[MalcolmAuger]

Increase taxation to millionaires a mega corps and use it to pay for UBI.

[eikotehgrowingmouse]

I'm on disability because, my brain can't handle working the hours needed to make a LIVING WAGE!!!

Disability is hardly even allowing me to live but, it's a SECURED INCOME. Unlike working 2-3 days for 4 hrs . Or, working full time 3 months on, 3 month off because I have a mental stress breakdown. And still barely making enough to survive.... And I know I'm not the only one in this situation!

If I had UBI I could work the hrs that I CAN HANDLE!

Working while on ODSP is a sham pitfall that, they lure you into thinking is better . It's not! They will deduct you down too $525/mth and will review your file every 3 months to see if they can kick you off of it.

[TheTifier]

The Rich & Media: Canada can't afford it!

Correction; the 99% can't afford it on their own. You're all hoarding 90% of the wealth...

[realapproved]

why are all the money images American dollars? Isnt't this about Canada?

[joshmoore]

The whole point of UBI was everyone gets it, and it would just count as taxable income. Clawing it back just discourages people from working. On top of that, it will certainly cause inflation and prices of everything will rise to some degree if everyone has more money to spend.

[gregtremblay]

Disabled since 1990, this help will provide the means to buy new clothes, insteads of just socks and shorts. Not scrambling to keep even every month is the best part. I would like to Thank all who are making this possible.

[AbbieOates]

You work for a news station, do none of you have stock footage of Canadian cash being handled?

[mackfly]

UBI is best approach for child homelessness and to stop kids from going hungry!

[peterp]

Whether we like it or not we are going to need some sort of basic income because for many people it's becoming nearly impossible to find a job, it's no longer about being educated because even the job shortage is affecting people who have an education.