Photo: Michael Hampson basic income recipient who died after Premier Doug Ford cancelled the Ontario basic income pilot plunging Michael back into poverty trying to survive on Ontario Disability Support Program payments Credit: Jessie Golem
This encore presentation keeps front and center the fact that Ontarians desperately need a universal unconditional standard of living (UUSL) — aka universal “basic” income.
Today, I’m in conversation with Elaine Power, Professor at the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen’s University. Power’s research focus is issues related to poverty, class, food and health.
Power also co-authored the brilliant book, The Case for Basic Income – Freedom, Security, Justice with journalist Jamie Swift.
Photo: Book cover of The Case for Basic Income – Freedom, Security, Justice Credit: Canadian Course Readings
During our conversation we discuss the role an unconditional basic income (UBI) can play in addressing systemic poverty, class, food and health issues — also known as the social determinants of health.
A UBI, not only means freedom from scarcity, but the freedom to decide what to do with your income and more importantly, with your time and energy.
We discuss the role Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) as well as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) have played in lifting senior women and children out of poverty.
Photo: Hamilton recipient of the Ontario basic income pilot that was prematurely and unnecessarily cancelled by the Ford Conservatives Credit: Jessie Golem
Power also explains the vital role that Doughnut Economics plays in creating an equitable economy. The groundbreaking vision of English economist and feminist, Karen Raworth, Doughnut Economics argues the need for a balance between ending poverty and advancing humanity in direct balance with the environmental life supports that make planet earth inhabitable. Ultimately, Power acknowledges that it will be public pressure that gets Canadians the UBI they are willing to fight for.
Photo: Alison Aberdein fighting for the basic income she, and many others, deserve Credit: Lorna Aberdein
Ontario UBI advocate Lorna Aberdein agrees with Raworth and Powers. Aberdein’s daughter, Alison, is one of so many Ontarians trying to survive on Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) payments of about $1,300 per month. ODSP allocates 30 per cent of Alison’s meager income for covering rent in a corporatized housing market that is out of control and refuses to recognize housing as a human right. And, even if rent is taken out of the equation, how many Ontarians could realistically survive on $1,300 per month — let alone, during this time of rampant inflation?
Aberdein emailed her MP asking them to support Bill C-223 for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income put forth by NDP MP for Winnipeg Centre, Leah Gazan. Bill C-223 would have lifted millions of Canadians out of poverty ensuring every Canadian lives with dignity. Unfortunately, the bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
Senator Kim Pate championed Bill S-233 an Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income. Bill S-233 passed its second reading on April 18, 2023, but has not progressed. That prompted Aberdein to contact Ontario Senators asking them to support Pate’s bill.
This was Aberdein’s letter:
“Dear Senators,
I am writing to you today to respectfully request that you pass Bill S-233. I strongly support a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income (GLBI) in Canada and have been actively working towards making it a reality.
I am a member of Basic Income Waterloo Region (BIWR) and a parent of an adult daughter, Alison, with Down syndrome who receives ODSP, an income that is well below the poverty line.
A basic income would allow her to live an ordinary, everyday life with enough money for food, clothing, entertainment, and a modest vacation. It would allow Alison, and so many others without adequate income, to live with dignity, be healthy and participate in their community.
I'm sure you are well aware that income is the most important determinant of health. And it has been demonstrated numerous times that a basic income relieves poverty. This is an historic moment that has been a long time coming. Please don't keep Alison, and some many other Canadians, waiting any longer.”
Add your voice and let Senators know it’s time to send Bill S-233, the Act to develop a national framework for a GBLI to the House of Commons where if passed, it will become law.
Photo: Ontario basic income recipient in Thunder Bay who used the additional money to pay for medication and vet bills for her seeing eye dog as well as triple mix so she could grow more of her own food Credit: Jessie Golem
For those still unconvinced now’s the time for a GBLI, listen to my interview with Ron Hikel, political scientist and management consultant who has been championing a GBLI since the 1970’s here.
Because, as Power, Aberdein and Hikel know, NOW is the time for an unconditional universal basic income! Ask Ontario candidates where they stand on this pivotal issue. And, then vote accordingly on February 27.
View Jessie Golem’s brilliant photographs of the folks from Hamilton, Lindsay and Thunder Bay who thrived on an unconditional universal livable basic income before the Ford government unnecessarily and prematurely cancelled the pilot plunging them back into dire poverty while leaving them committed to debts like paying for post-secondary education, training and higher rents at her site: Humans of Basic Income.
Be sure to check out filmmakers Luke Mistruzzi and Simon Brothers’ exceptional 16-minute documentary A Human Picture and then book a viewing at info@hamiltonpoverty.ca
#BasicIncomeNow #TheManitobaStory #HumansofBasicIncome #AHumanPicture #BasicIncomeWorks #PowerlineFilms
Music: Real Estate by UNIVERSFIELD is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License. freemusicarchive.org.
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