Ontario to try giving poor a basic income

[shenmue]

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39675442

[MichMan]

1. Is that in addition to current government assistance?

Article doesn't really say. Is that in addition to, or in lieu of any other cash benefits?

If in addition, just being selected to receive $16K in extra cash is almost like having a winning lottery ticket in a way for those selected.

[C_eh_N_eh_D_eh]

3. Partially.

Here's the CBC News story.

A single person could receive up to about $17,000 a year, minus half of any income he or she earns. A couple could receive up to $24,000 per year. People with disabilities could receive up to $6,000 more per year.

People who receive medical and dental benefits from the province under other welfare programs would not have to give those up.

[Hoyt]

2. Will be interested in following. We gotta find some solution soon. Canada is going to build a wall

to keep desperate or envious Americans out. Although I don't think the guaranteed income is something anyone would make a goal unless they really, really needed help. I know there are people making much less. I think for lower income people, they should be able to keep more, if not all, of any income they earn, at least up to some limit.

Good luck Ontario.

[C_eh_N_eh_D_eh]

4. Why would Wynne start a 3-year study now?

It's not going to be enough to save her party from losing next year's election, and the Conservatives will probably cancel this program before it has a chance to show results.