Know More – What is Universal Basic Income Canada Bill S233/C223 ?

October 26, 2023

SPS Canada

S-233 in the Senate and C-223 in the House of Commons are bills promoting a “Guaranteed Livable Income” for all Canadians, essentially a form of universal basic income. They call on the Canadian Finance Ministry to create a national plan to provide a basic income for anyone over 17 years old, including temporary workers, permanent residents, and refugee claimants. These discussions happened on October 17, which coincided with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

What exactly is the Universal Basic Income Bill? 

Although it is being interpreted as the Universal Basic Income Bill, it is actually a guaranteed, livable basic income bill.

Difference between Universal Basic Income and Guaranteed Livable Income

Universal basic income (UBI) is when everyone, regardless of their wealth, gets the same amount of money each month. The government later uses taxes to make sure higher-income people who didn’t need it end up paying it back. 

On the flip side, Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) is about giving all Canadians a basic income to help them live with dignity. It’s an income plan that provides monthly payments only to low-income individuals and families, helping them escape poverty and become self-reliant. 

 The S-233/C-223 bill suggests creating a ‘National Framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Act.’ This law would provide a basic income to all those authorized to work in Canada to help them escape poverty. This includes Canadian citizens, indigenous people, temporary workers, permanent residents, and refugee claimants.

The bill outlines a few key ideas for this framework

Figuring out how much money people need to live in Canada decently in different parts, considering the cost of necessary things like food and housing,

Setting national rules for healthcare and support services that work together with the basic income program in every province

Make sure that you don’t have to work or go to school to qualify for this basic income. 

Ensuring that getting the basic income doesn’t mean you lose other help you might need if you’re sick or have a disability.

Why is Guaranteed Livable Income Bill important? 

Supporters of the Guaranteed Livable Basic Income bill anticipate that it will play a significant role in reducing poverty and enhancing income equality, healthcare, and education outcomes. 

Moreover, this legislation is seen as advantageous for individual families and communities. It serves as a safeguard for the most vulnerable members of society while also aiding the shift towards an economy that addresses climate change and other critical issues. 

Once established nationwide, this program will guarantee the respect, dignity, and security of all Canadians. 

Origin of the Bills 

In 2021, bills for this program were first introduced in both the Senate and the House of Commons. Senator Kim Pate brought forth S-233 in the Senate, starting with the first reading on December 16, 2021, and the second reading on April 18, 2023. As of today, October 17, 2023, the bill is under consideration in the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance. 

In the House of Commons, Leah Gazan, a member of parliament from Winnipeg Centre, introduced a similar bill on the same date, December 16, 2021. 

To explore the potential implications of these policies and learn more about your immigration options, reach out to SPS Canada Immigration. Visit our website at www.spscanada.com or give us a call at 9586226232. Our experts are here to assist you in navigating the evolving landscape of income support and immigration opportunities in Canada. 

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