Basic Income means freedom, security, justice -- and hope! 

Today, I’m in conversation with Elaine Power, Professor at the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen’s University. Power’s research focus is issues related to poverty, class, food and health.

Power also co-authored the brilliant book, The Case for Basic Income – Freedom, Security, Justice with journalist Jamie Swift.

In our conversation we discuss the role basic income can play in addressing systemic poverty, class, food and health issues.

An unconditional basic income, aka standard of living, not only means freedom from scarcity, but also the freedom to decide what to do with your income, and perhaps more importantly, with your time.

We discuss the role Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) as well as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) have played in lifting senior women and children out of poverty.

Power also explains the vital role that Doughnut Economics plays in creating an equitable economy. The groundbreaking inspiration of English economist Karen Raworth, Doughnut Economics argues the need for a balance between ending poverty and advancing humanity in direct balance with the environmental life supports that make planet earth inhabitable.

Ultimately, Power acknowledges that it will be public pressure that gets Canadians the basic income (BI) they are willing to fight for. BI advocate Lorna Aberdein agrees.

Aberdein’s daughter, Alison, is one of so many Ontarians trying to survive on Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) payments of about $1,300 per month. ODSP allocates 30 per cent of Alison’s meager income for covering rent in a corporatized housing market that is out of control and refuses to recognize housing as a human right. And, even if rent is taken out of the equation, how many Ontarians could realistically survive on $1,300 per month — let alone, during this time of rampant inflation?

Aberdein recently emailed her MP asking them to support Bill C-223 for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income put forth by NDP MP for Winnipeg Centre, Leah Gazan. Bill C-223 will lift millions of Canadians out of poverty and ensure everyone lives with dignity.

Senator Kim Pate has also put forward Bill S-233 an Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income. Since Bill S-233 is further along in the process, Aberdein took the initiative to contact Ontario Senators asking them to support Pate’s bill.

This was Aberdein’s letter:

“Dear Senators, 

I am writing to you today to respectfully request that you pass Bill S-233. I strongly support a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income (GLBI) in Canada and have been actively working towards making it a reality.

I am a member of Basic Income Waterloo Region (BIWR) and a parent of an adult daughter, Alison, with Down syndrome who receives ODSP, an income that is well below the poverty line.

A basic income would allow her to live an ordinary, everyday life with enough money for food, clothing, entertainment, and a modest vacation. It would allow Alison, and so many others without adequate income, to live with dignity, be healthy and participate in their community.

I'm sure you are well aware that income is the most important determinant of health. And it has been demonstrated numerous times that a basic income relieves poverty. This is an historic moment that has been a long time coming. Please don't keep Alison, and some many other Canadians, waiting any longer.”

Add your voice and let Senators know it’s time to send Bill S-233, the Act to develop a national framework for a GBLI, to the House of Commons, where, if passed, it will become law.

As well, NDP MP Leah Gazan’s private member's bill for a GBLI, Bill C-223, is fast approaching second reading in the House of Commons. Let MPs sitting in the House of Commons know that you support a GLBI by signing this petition.

Because, NOW is the time for a universal, unconditional Basic Income!

#BasicIncomeNow #TheManitobaStory #HumansofBasicIncome #AHumanPicture #BasicIncomeWorks #PowerlineFilms

Music: Real Estate by UNIVERSFIELD is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License. freemusicarchive.org.