Anglican Journal
Archbishop Shane Parker, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, has called on the federal government to implement a universal basic income (UBI) “in alignment with the living wage for all Canadians.”
A living wage is the minimum income necessary for a worker to meet basic needs such as food and housing, as distinct from the minimum wage, which is the lowest wage an employer can legally pay their employees.
In an open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne published Dec. 4, the primate highlighted UBI research and advocacy in Canada and other countries that showed its “potential economic and social value.” He cited a pilot project in Ontario that showed improved physical and mental health as well as financial benefits to UBI recipients.
“Like other major faith and secular traditions, we respect the dignity of every human being and seek justice for all people,” Parker said. “Across Canada, members of the Anglican Church live out this calling by offering support and services to people struggling with a growing affordability crisis, including escalating housing insecurity and unprecedented increases in food bank usage.
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