How would a basic income transform your life?

Why we need a GBI

In Canada, we provide income security for low-income seniors through Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). We supplement the incomes of low-income families with children through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and we provide those who qualify for the Canada Disability Tax Credit with a Canada Disability Health Benefit. In light of the affordability crises, the government is now providing a new tax benefit for groceries and other essentials.

These benefits, however, are not sufficient to raise people out of poverty, nor do they prevent people from falling into poverty. The latest data from 2024 (Statistics Canada), indicates that 11% of our people live below Canada’s official poverty line, including: seniors (5.9%); children (11.5%); persons with disabilities (12.6%); Indigenous persons not living on reserve or in other Indigenous settlements (18.1%); racialized groups (15.5%) and unattached individuals (those not living as an economic family, who are living alone or with others with whom they are unrelated (26.4%). Yet Canada’s #1 sustainability goal is to end poverty.

Canada needs to create an income floor sufficient to end poverty, enabling everyone to meet their basic needs. This is why we advocate for a livable Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI).

Who we are

Basic Income BC (BIBC) was created to join the many organizations and individuals across Canada advocating for a livable Guaranteed Basic Income for all Canadians and residents of Canada who need it, sufficient to raise everyone out of poverty, and to eliminate the risk of falling into poverty.

We know there are many in BC who support this call. We invite you to join BIBC and strengthen the basic income movement in BC and across Canada.

A two-pronged approach is needed to make a livable GBI a reality in Canada:

• First, we must convince the federal government that we need to build a social safety net that is part of the Build Canada Strong strategy. While addressing economic priorities and protecting our sovereignty, we must also protect people and our environment. It’s not just about the economy – a strong, resilient economy needs strong, healthy people and a healthy and sustainable environment.
• Second, every province and territory must enter into discussions with the federal government to determine how a new federal livable GBI benefit will harmonize with their provincial income assistance system (welfare) program to deliver both a sufficient and accessible benefit available to all Canadians and residents of Canada when they need it.

Call to Action!

We call on our federal MPs and Senators, and our provincial/territorial Legislators to rebuild our social safety net for the 21st Century, with a livable Guratneed Basic Income (GBI) as a cornerstone of our economic, social and environmental resiliency. 

Today, a tariff war with America threatens Canadian jobs and livelihoods and worsens the affordability crisis. Income security is now a major concern for many Canadians as we face 21^st Century threats to our health, our safety, our security and to our very sovereignty as a nation. We are living in unstable and chaotic times, and a strong social safety net that provides a stable reliable income support for all of us when we need it, is critical to our national sense of safety and wellbeing.

We need a new and improved social safety net that provides BOTH an income floor AND social supports and services that ensures no one is left behind. It is what Canadians need and what our communities want in order to transition from risk to resilience. 

We support a Guaranteed Basic Income Demonstration Project in Prince Edward Island that could be scaled up to a national benefit and income security for all working-age adults, when they need it. Read here how this demonstration project aligns with Prime Minister Carney’s priorities.

We need a livable Guaranteed Basic Income NOW!

Questions?

To learn more about BIG see Frequently Asked Questions about a basic income guarantee.

Or email us with your questions at basicincomebc@gmail.com.

Join us!

We invite you to join us and support the movement for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income for all working-age adults who need it.