2016.01EI SUPPORT FOR A BASIC INCOME GUARANTEE
Whereas #1
income insecurity and poverty in Canada continue to grow as social assistance rates across Canada fall far short of income adequacy, precarious employment rises steadily, with automation and artificial intelligence playing an increased role, and working full time no longer provides assurance of living above the poverty line; and
Whereas #2
investments in a basic income guarantee program have proven to help alleviate poverty, support people in their efforts to participate in the economy, decrease societal costs, improve educational outcomes and improve the quality of life and sense of dignity, for individuals, families and children; and
Whereas #3
existing income supplement programs such as the Old Age Security and Canada Child Benefit have proven to help reduce poverty significantly; and
Whereas #4
the federal and some provincial governments are currently very interested in the use and outcomes of basic income guarantee programs, and Ontario’s has committed to undertake a basic income pilot project; therefore be it
Resolved #1
that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy support for a national basic income guarantee program; and be it further
Resolved #2
that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to work with the provinces and territories to consider, investigate and develop a national basic income guarantee program.