It's Time for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income!
For nearly two years, my team and I have been working alongside basic income supporters, anti-poverty organizations, disability rights organizations, unions, Indigenous peoples, and seniors advocates to put a guaranteed livable basic income (GLBI) at the front of the poverty elimination conversation.
In August 2020, I introduced Motion-46 (M-46) in the House of Commons for the establishment of a GLBI.
The campaign for M-46 gathered 45,000 signatures from folks across the country and mobilized thousands of people around a very clear ask: for human rights and dignity to be ensured for all.
I am so encouraged by the strength of our movement, and the collective will to end poverty in this country. We must move towards a future where all people living in Canada can do so with dignity, security and human rights. This future is possible, it is simply a political choice.
We must legislate a long term and permanent plan that prioritizes people over corporations -- It is time that the rich pay their fair share, and that everyone has access to housing, health care, and a GLBI.
That is why on December 16th, 2021, I introduced Private Member’s Bill C-223, titled: National Framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Act.
The bill proposes a GLBI for all people living in Canada over the age of 17, would not require participation in the workforce or an educational training program, would consider regional difference in the cost of living, and would ensure implementation does not result in clawbacks in services or benefits meant to meet an individual’s exceptional needs related to health or disability.
This is just the beginning. There will be many opportunities for you to join this campaign and take action. In the meantime, continue to talk with your communities about the importance of implementing a GLBI and share the videos and links below.
In solidarity,
