This week’s federal budget has overwhelmingly focused on tax breaks and benefits for those with most. Meanwhile, Canada also loses tens of billions of dollars each year due to expensive and inadequate responses to those trapped in poverty.
“It doesn’t have to be this way,” said Senator Kim Pate, sponsor of Bill S-206, which proposes the development of a national framework for guaranteed livable basic income. Many Senators agree and, last night, voted in support of committee study of Bill S-206.
Guaranteed livable basic income—cash transfers sufficient to live on and available to those in need—has been long advocated in Canada, including by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, based on its proven ability to reduce poverty and inequality, improve health and prevent crime, among countless other social and economic benefits.
Bill S-206 would bring together Indigenous, federal, provincial and municipal governments and communities to design a roadmap for implementing a national guaranteed livable basic income. The bill will return to the National Finance Committee, which studied a previous version of the legislation last Parliament.
The Senate’s show of support for Bill S-206 comes as the National Advisory on Council on Poverty has highlighted the urgent need for this type of measure in response to rising poverty in Canada during challenging economic times.
“I look forward to further study with my Senate colleagues regarding how this feasible and affordable policy option can help Canada build up communities and economies by investing in those with least, providing pathways out of poverty, and empowering people to live and contribute,” concluded Senator Pate.