Why do basic income pilots never become permanent?
May 11, 2024
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Health economist Evelyn Forget discusses the failure of basic income pilots in Canada, including the Ontario program. She explores the impacts of basic income on individuals, societal beliefs, and work incentives, advocating for universal basic income to address economic instability and promote well-being.
Basic income is a cash transfer aiming to meet living expenses for low-income individuals.
The premature cancellation of Basic Income pilots disrupts financial support and highlights socio-economic challenges.
Deep dives
Story of Sweethearts Murders in Victoria, Canada
The podcast explores the tragic narrative of three teenage girls who were murdered within 12 months in Victoria, Canada. The eerie atmosphere of fear surrounding the victims is highlighted, painting a haunting picture of vulnerability. The victims, portrayed as sweethearts, symbolize innocence lost to heinous crimes, capturing the darker realities lurking in society.
Cancellation of the Ontario Basic Income Pilot
The podcast delves into the abrupt cancellation of the Ontario Basic Income Pilot initiated by the Liberal government and dismantled by the subsequent conservative administration led by Doug Ford. The cancellation occurred prematurely, disrupting the three-year program that aimed to provide financial support to participants in select regions. The podcast discusses the socio-economic implications and the challenges faced by those relying on the program.
Defining Basic Income and its Proposition
Exploring the concept of Basic Income, the podcast defines it as a cash transfer from the government to individuals and families to meet basic living expenses. It emphasizes that Basic Income targets lower-income individuals, gradually decreasing as other income sources increase. The unconditional nature of Basic Income, not contingent on employment status, is underscored as a key feature with the potential to alleviate financial hardships.
Impact and Feasibility of Basic Income Programs
The podcast delves into the impacts and feasibility of Basic Income programs, drawing insights from historical and contemporary experiments. Expert discussions with health economist Evelyn Forget shed light on the positive outcomes associated with Basic Income initiatives, such as improved health and reduced poverty rates. By examining real-life examples like the Vancouver pilot, the podcast underscores the transformative potential of Basic Income programs in enhancing well-being and social outcomes.
In 2017, the Ontario Liberal government instituted a basic income pilot where participants across the province would receive $1,400 a month for three years. That project has since been cancelled, but basic income, as an idea, continues to be brought up as a potential solution to our money problems. So, could it be? And how would it work in practice?
Jordan invites health economist Evelyn Forget from the School of Medicine at the University of Manitoba on to find out. Forget has been studying the effects and feasibility of basic income for many years. She's also written books on the subject, including "Basic income for Canadians, from the COVID-19 Emergency to Financial Security for All."
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