“Basic income has been tried and tested in Canada and elsewhere, including the 1970 Mincome project in Winnipeg, Dauphin, and other rural locations in Manitoba. We do not need more studies, we need action. What we need is a plan to implement a guaranteed livable basic income, setting out the various steps needed, and an ambitious timeline for their accomplishment.” said Gazan. “Although I am pleased that income guarantees are becoming part of the political discussion, they must be designed in a way that lifts people out of poverty.”
In August, Gazan introduced Private Member’s Motion, M-46, which calls on the federal government to convert the Canada Emergency Response Benefit into a permanent Guaranteed Livable Basic Income. Motion 46 was developed alongside Basic Income Canada Network and Basic Income Manitoba, which included academics involved in the 1970 Mincome project.
Most concerning to Gazan is article 3d(i) of Bill C-273, which provides the option for the federal government to gut the current social safety net, something she has indicated could be devastating.
“Advocates for guaranteed income have been clear that the extension of income guarantees in Canada must be in addition to current and future income supports meant to meet special, exceptional and other distinct needs and goals, rather than just basic needs,” said Gazan. “We need to build on our current social safety net not reduce support for individuals residing in Canada. It must not fall below the floor set by Motion 46.”
“Ms. Dzerkowicz should amend her Bill to make clear that any guaranteed basic income program put in place should strengthen the social safety net, not cutting the support people receive, said Gazan.
On the International Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada, we remember and honour the victims of the mass femicide that took place at the École Polytechnique de Montréal 35 years ago. In this tragedy, 14 women lost their lives and 14 other people were injured, 10 of whom were women...
“Today, on International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, New Democrats reaffirm our commitment to fighting for women and gender-diverse people to be free from violence and to be safe in their own communities...
“Today, we celebrate National Child Day.
On November 20, 1989, Canada adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, committing to upholding the respect, dignity and full potential of all children. In the same year, Canada also unanimously passed an NDP motion to eliminate child poverty by the year 2000. Thanks to families and advocates, we’ve accomplished so much, but this government still has a long way to go to truly lift families out of poverty..."