Universal basic income is an urgently needed measure
As a former Diocese of Toronto social justice and advocacy consultant, I was delighted to learn of the Primate’s support for a Universal Basic Income in line with a living wage for all Canadians. This measure is urgently needed to help lift up “the least of these” in our midst , people most severely affected by Canada’s affordability crisis. I’ve met people whose lives were enriched by the extra income they received during Ontario’s Basic Income Pilot Project several years ago. It made a real difference in their lives, such as by being able to return to school, eating better food, moving into decent housing, and being able to start a business. It gave them hope that their lives could be better. It’s not surprising that a widespread movement for basic income has arisen, led by groups such as the Basic Income Canada Network.
A proposal to increase the incomes of people in poverty speaks with special urgency to us as Christians, since compassion and a belief in the dignity of every person underlies our faith. It’s especially important that we advocate for basic income at a time when the plight of millions of Canadians living in poverty demands more public attention and resources.
I was disappointed that you gave so much space to a dogmatic critique of the basic income proposal, making it sound as if this is a conservative, status quo proposal. It’s nothing of the kind. Based on an adequate standard of living, it would involve redistributing wealth from more affluent Canadians to people who desperately need additional income. It’s not a panacea to end poverty, but is an important measure for doing so.
Murray MacAdam
Peterborough, Ontario
