Have Your Say On Basic Income

Is a basic income an effective way to reduce poverty while improving health, housing and employment? The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is asking for your feedback.

In March 2018, Sunshine Coast Community Services Society (SCCSS), Habitat for Humanity on the Coast, One Straw Society, Open Door Group, Sechelt Chamber of Commerce and Vancouver Coastal Health held an in-person Sunshine Coast Poverty Reduction Strategy meeting at Roberts Creek Hall. The meeting featured guided discussions on what poverty looks like on the Sunshine Coast and how the government can best take action to improve people’s lives. There was a wide sampling of voices heard at the meeting, from members of the community who were unaware of poverty issues to those struggling with it on a daily basis.

The top three concerns among the 80 meeting attendees included affordable housing and the lack of rentals on the coast, wages and pension income falling short of cost of living and the lack of affordable child care in our community. (Click here to read the full report)

Based upon the report submitted for our community and other BC communities, the Ministry of Social Development is now seeking feedback on the role basic income plays in reducing poverty in our community while improving overall health, housing and employment opportunities. By their definition, "basic income" refers to a system under which payments are provided to eligible individuals unconditionally by the government. Basic income may be delivered through direct payments to individuals or through the personal income tax system.

The basic income project is part of B.C.'s commitment to developing a poverty reduction strategy. CLICK HERE to share your input on basic income by March 31, 2019.  Learn more about poverty reduction in B.C.

 

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Is a basic income an effective way to reduce poverty while improving health, housing and employment? The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is asking for your feedback.