Lindsay is one of three communities in Ontario Canada chosen for a Universal Basic Income pilot project. The Lindsay Advocate has been reporting events in the community and helping to promote this project
As a proponent of UBI, I have watch with interest in the implementation of this study ... even if I disagree with its process. A UBI should be paid universally.
If you are on Ontario Works, ODSP, or just ‘working poor,’ don’t hesitate to apply for basic income – there’s still time and it’s meant for everyone who needs it – not like the stigma that exists with welfare. You might even own a business that’s struggling, or perhaps you’re a farmer – it doesn’t matter your circumstances.
This study is targeted toward people with financial difficulties but a true UBI study should include a cross-section of all people in the population: both rich and poor. Just supplementing people in need does not address all the issues that arise with this ... aside from the obvious one: giving money to people without money makes their life better.
The only thing that really needs to be included with such a project: The requirement of employment. The colonists that landed in Virginia in 1604 learned that one the hard way...
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
The colonists in Virginia did not have to pay land taxes which we Canadians and Americans (I assume) have to pay ... even if a person rents an apartment (pass through tax via landlord). They also paid taxes on imports (I think there was a little kerfuffle around tea) but not on the potatoes they plowed from the land. In that sense, the colonists were starting at zero while the average person today starts at about minus $11,000 (in Canada).
Instead of thinking it a form of charity, consider it a form of dividend payment. My ancestors have lived in Canada since the early 1600's, while native peoples have lived here for thousands of years. Each of us have contributed to raising the equity of this society by settlement, by fighting in wars, by indirectly writing the laws which govern us. Everyone who purchases something in Canada pays to improve its equity by paying taxes. Now that Canada has reached a certain level of prosperity, then it should be willing to pay a dividend to its stakeholders.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
@dwarrilow2002 I think you are spot on UBI should be exactly what the name suggests 'Universal' irrespective of who a body decides is more deserving than another individual.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
One of the arguments about giving money to the rich is the perception that they don't need it. In Canada five Canadians are as rich as 30% of the population. Paying those people a basic income would represent the salary of part of one government employee of the 23,000 currently administering the Employment and Social Development department.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Very useful thank you again
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit