Hear stories about how basic income transformed lives: Virtual webinar

The Basic Income Canada Youth Network (BICYN) and the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction are hosting a free virtual webinar on November 17 at 7 p.m. (est) celebrating the end of #BasicIncomeBoughtMe, a social media campaign raising awareness about how Ontario Basic Income Pilot participants spend their basic income. 

Between 2017 and 2019, 4,000 people in Hamilton, Lindsay and Thunder Bay tested whether a basic income could help stabilize housing, improve wellbeing and provide employment opportunities. The pilot was prematurely cancelled after the current provincial government was elected.

“The #BasicIncomeBoughtMe was a project aimed at raising awareness about basic income as a feasible, progressive policy option,” says BICYN co-chair Chloe Halpenny. “In amplifying the stories of those with lived experience, the campaign emphasizes the power of choice that comes with financial security, while challenging harmful stereotypes about poverty, social assistance, and basic income. We are so excited to celebrate the success of this campaign.” 

Tune in to the webinar to hear from special guests, win prizes, and catch the Canadian premiere of “A Human Picture” – a short documentary about four participants in the prematurely-cancelled Ontario Basic Income Pilot. Speakers include Senator Kim Pate, MP Leah Gazan, director and producer Simon Brothers, and former participants in the Ontario Basic Income Pilot Jodi Dean, Luis Segura, and Joshua Hewitt. 

Register for the event here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yWmDvdpaS0GxzS693hH3xw

About Basic Income Canada Youth Network

The Basic Income Canada Youth Network (BICYN) is a non-partisan network of young people (under 35) who volunteer their time and expertise to mobilize young people to advocate for and celebrate the benefits of basic income through education, community-building, and activism. For more information about BICYN visit https://www.basicincomeyouth.ca

About the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction

Founded in 2005, The Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction works locally, provincially and nationally on policy and systems-level change to achieve long-term solutions to poverty. The Roundtable is formed by volunteers from across Hamilton and includes leaders from the business and non-profit sectors, from government, education and faith communities as well as individuals who experience poverty daily. For more information about the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction visit https://hamiltonpoverty.ca