I am thankful for the motion put forward, at this past weeks Board of Health meeting, by my council colleague Marty Carr, that is in support of a guaranteed basic income for Canadians.
The motion asks that the Ottawa Board of Health supports the concept of a Basic Income Guarantee for all people over the age of 17 in Canada to help combat low income and economic vulnerability within our community; and that, the Ottawa Board of Health calls upon the federal and the provincial governments to collaborate on the introduction and implementation of a national Basic Income Guarantee program for all people over the age of 17 in Canada; and that, the Chair of the Ottawa Board of Health write a letter to the Government Representative in the Senate, and the Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance sharing the Board’s support for this legislation and calling on these leaders to prioritize the passage of Bill S-233.
In addition, the motion asks that the Chair of the Ottawa Board of Health write a letter to the Prime Minister and copy to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Government House Leader sharing the Board’s support for this legislation and calling on these leaders to prioritize the passage of Bill C-223.
Supporting a guaranteed basic income (GBI) for Canadians is essential in addressing both immediate needs and long-term societal benefits.
GBI can significantly reduce poverty and income inequality. By providing a reliable source of income, it ensures that all Canadians can meet their basic needs, reducing the economic strain on vulnerable populations. This approach targets those whose income falls below a livable level, providing a safety net that current social assistance programs often fail to offer effectively .
GBI also has positive implications for health and social well-being. It can address systemic inequities exacerbated by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Racialized communities and individuals in precarious employment situations would particularly benefit from the stability and support offered by GBI, helping to mitigate long-standing inequities in income and opportunities.
