SaskPoliticker met with press in Ottawa to announce a plan to work towards implementing a Guaranteed Basic Income across Canada

“In cooperation with our colleagues in the house from the Pirate Party and on the advice of our financial team and economic advisors, our government has devised a plan for a Guaranteed Basic Income program which will replace many current welfare measures in Canada.”

“Using a report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer from 2020, which observed a Guaranteed Basic Income in Ontario, the program will operate similar to a negative tax, with each dollar earned above the base amount reducing payment by 50 cents.”

“The base rate is 75% of the Low-Income Measure, representing $24,000 for an individual, and $34,400 for a couple, with a $8,600 additional supplement to support those with a disability.”

“The program will replace several complex transfers, tax credits, deductions, and exemptions at both the federal and provincial level, resulting in a single efficient system at no additional cost to government, capable of providing simple and substantial support to Canadians in need.”

“We will be negotiating with each province over the next month to hash out the details at the provincial level, and will update Canadians on our progress as negotiations proceed.”

“To all Canadians in need today, know that your government is ready to support you. No Canadian will live in poverty once this program has had time to take effect. Canada is a nation where everyone should be able to live the dream, to get ahead and thrive. This is just one step towards that dream, but the biggest one that we can take.”