The Western Standard
The concept of universal basic income (UBI) is being debated in Canada with two bills currently before the Senate and Parliament.
After the temporary Canada emergency response benefit (CERB) set the framework for a national basic income program, politicians are debating the feasibility of creating a standard livable wage for Canadians.
In December, Bill S-233 was introduced by Sen. Kim Pate and the similar Bill C-223 was tabled as a private member bill by NDP MP for Winnipeg Centre Leah Gazan. Both aim to establish a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income for Canadians over the age of 17.
Senate and private members’ bills are rarely successfully passed.
UBI would essentially provide Canadians with a regular monthly payment from the government with no conditions attached, unlike employment income or old age security where what you earn outside of that benefit payment can be clawed back based on rising income levels.
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