Next Steps on the Road to Basic Income i
Next Steps on the Road to Basic Income in Canada
James P. Mulvale & Sid Frankel
Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba
Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare 27 (3), pp. 27-50, Sept. 2016
ABSTRACT
Canada has had recurring debates about guaranteed or basic income over several
decades. This article outlines reasons for implementing basic income in the
Canadian context-reducing poverty and inequality, addressing precarious
employment, and building an ecologically sustainable economy. Recently there
has been a strong renewal of interest in basic income in Canada. Expressions of
interest have come from the Liberal federal government elected in 2015, from
provincial governments, from political parties not in power, and from municipal
governments. Support for basic income also is found in a growing range of
prominent individuals and organizations. While basic income advocates are
encouraged by recent developments, several large and complex questions remain
on how this approach can be implemented in Canada. These questions
encompass the specifics of design, delivery, funding, and political support. How
can basic income build on existing income security programs and leave Canadians
better off in the end? How can we ensure that basic income is not used as an
excuse to cut vital services such health care, social housing, early childhood care
and development, and social services for those with disabilities and other
challenges? How can basic income be set in place in Canada, given its complicated
federal-provincial nexus of responsibility for delivery of, and funding for social
programs? The article concludes with principles that might help guide the
implementation of authentically universal, adequate, and feasible basic income
architecture in Canada.
James P. Mulvale & Sid Frankel
Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba
Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare 27 (3), pp. 27-50, Sept. 2016
ABSTRACT
Canada has had recurring debates about guaranteed or basic income over several
decades. This article outlines reasons for implementing basic income in the
Canadian context-reducing poverty and inequality, addressing precarious
employment, and building an ecologically sustainable economy. Recently there
has been a strong renewal of interest in basic income in Canada. Expressions of
interest have come from the Liberal federal government elected in 2015, from
provincial governments, from political parties not in power, and from municipal
governments. Support for basic income also is found in a growing range of
prominent individuals and organizations. While basic income advocates are
encouraged by recent developments, several large and complex questions remain
on how this approach can be implemented in Canada. These questions
encompass the specifics of design, delivery, funding, and political support. How
can basic income build on existing income security programs and leave Canadians
better off in the end? How can we ensure that basic income is not used as an
excuse to cut vital services such health care, social housing, early childhood care
and development, and social services for those with disabilities and other
challenges? How can basic income be set in place in Canada, given its complicated
federal-provincial nexus of responsibility for delivery of, and funding for social
programs? The article concludes with principles that might help guide the
implementation of authentically universal, adequate, and feasible basic income
architecture in Canada.