Ontario is moving forward with a basic income pilot this spring

The Government of Ontario has released its report regarding the feedback on how to design and deliver a basic income pilot.

Over 35,000 people and organizations shared their ideas during the consultations, which began in November and ended in January.

According to the province, “basic income is a payment to eligible families or individuals that ensures a minimum income level. It is designed to help people meet their basic needs while supporting long-term social and economic prosperity and security for everyone.”

The government began looking at a pilot that would test how a basic income would benefit people living in different low income situations.

The results of the consultation includes feedback supporting a basic income pilot that:

Includes Ontario residents aged 18-64 living in socially and economically diverse communities, in urban, rural and northern locations
Helps people living on low incomes meet their basic needs
Lifts people out of poverty, with long-term improvements in health, employment and housing.

As well, the province continues to engage with First Nations, urban Indigenous, Métis and Inuit communities “to ensure their perspectives are heard and to tailor a culturally appropriate approach that reflects their advice,” according to the provincial press release.

All the input received through the consultation process is being considered as the province continues to work on introducing a plan for Ontario’s Basic Income Pilot, which is expected to launch in the spring.

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