On April 18th, the Senate voted to send Bill S-233 - the National Framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Act - to be reviewed by the Senate Standing Committee on National Finance where they will discuss the merits of the bill as written, propose changes, and hear from expert witnesses. This is a significant step forward.
A bill needs to pass in both the House and the Senate to become law. Bill S-233's sister bill, C-223 has been introduced but is waiting for an opportunity to be debated. You may contact your MP directly or use this advocacy tool on UBIWorks website to encourage the movement of these bills.
Letter from Floyd Marinescu of UBI Works
Last week we asked you to help us by contacting Senators and asking them to send Bill S-233 committee. Thousands of you did, and it worked!
One Conservative Senator, speaking in opposition to the bill, said they had received an unprecedented number of emails in support of the bill. Despite his caucus not supporting the proposed legislation, they still sent it for further review in committee. This is exactly the outcome we had advocated.
Now, Bill S-233 will be reviewed by the Senate Standing Committee on National Fiance where they will discuss the merits of the bill as written, propose changes, and hear from expert witnesses.
Our attention now turns to the House.
As a refresher, for a bill to become law it needs to pass in both the House and Senate. Luckily, Bill C-223, S-233's sister bill with the exact same text, has already been introduced in the House and is awaiting an opportunity to be debated. Now we need to encourage our elected representatives to follow the example of the Senate.
It may seem repetitive to keep sending emails like this but it does work. This bill was first introduced over a year ago and there are literally hundreds of other bills from this session alone, competing for attention and priority. We need to remind MPs that we haven't forgotten about it and that their work should reflect our will.
Thank you for keeeping faith, however long the road may be.
Floyd Marinescu - UBI Works
Since 1972 The United Church of Canada has been advocating for a guaranteed livable income for all Canadians. Recently, our Region of the Church, which is called Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters, created a short video to highlight the work currently going on.
You can watch that here. If you want to learn more about the Church's position on this important matter go to the website.
As the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty approaches (October 17), we wanted to reach out and share with you some updates and encourage your participation.
Currently, we are seeing a growing number of municipalities (Moncton, St. John's ...) signing resolutions in support of a Guaranteed Livable Income (GLI) with active United Church involvement in some campaigns. Is your city/town considering this? Is there a local effort to connect with?
A bill, S-233, to develop a national framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income is currently in Second Reading in the Senate and has also been introduced into the House of Parliament, C-223. To learn more and show your support, you can go to UBI website.
This coming Sunday, the eve of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is an excellent opportunity to draw attention to the call for a Guaranteed Livable Income (GLI). Worship resources are available on our worship page. As well, Ellie and Clarke Topp of Bells Corners United Church drafted a "Minute for Social Action" on the GLI for their service on Sunday and offer it for your use too. If you would like to receive a copy via email, please email me (lneale@united-church.ca).
Let's keep working towards a Guaranteed Livable Income. If you wish to become more active, please reach out and we can connect you with a GLI network member and let you know about national monthly meetings. Also good to connect with local/provincial network of Basic Income Canada.
Most Canadians support Basic Income, but don't want to pay more taxes to fund it.
I want to let you know that we can pay for it without taxing the vast majority of Canadians, while promoting productive investment and economic growth in Canada.
This plan would have little to no impact on most Canadians and would lift 1.6 million families out of poverty, make life more affordable for 7.4 million people including workers, and build a floor to help all Canadians in times of transition - all while growing Canada's economy.
A new report by UBI Works shows how to pay for a Basic Income without costing most Canadians, with contributions from the financial sector ($15B), fewer tax breaks for large companies ($19B), and fewer subsidies used by the wealthiest ($18B).
POVERTY COULD BE ADDRESSED WITH GUARANTEED LIVABLE INCOME FOR ALL CANADIANS: Click Here for more.
GUARANTEED LIVABLE INCOME Saint John City Council is the latest to join Fredericton and Moncton in approving a motion asking the mayor to write to the Prime Minister and both Federal and Provincial government leaders to work towards a guaranteed liveable income for all Canadians.
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