Basic income rally set for Wednesday
A “Basic Income Now Rally” is set for noon Wednesday at the Healing Totem, on Front Street at the corner of Main Street, in downtown Whitehorse.
A “Basic Income Now Rally” is set for noon Wednesday at the Healing Totem, on Front Street at the corner of Main Street, in downtown Whitehorse.
The Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition (YAPC) will host the event to raise awareness of Basic Annual Income, a key issue in the current federal election campaign.
A Basic Income (BI), sometimes known as the Guaranteed Annual Income (GAI), is defined as: “a regular, reliable distribution of money from government to people, to help ensure total income sufficient to meet common, basic needs.
“The distribution is made without regard for whether recipients have paid labour or not, though total income can be factored as to whether a person receives Basic Income.”
In the Yukon, a BI program would need to be built in collaboration with the community and amongst all four levels of government.
“Despite being one of the richest countries in the world, there is so much need in Canada, in many ways,” coalition co-chair Helen Slama said Monday.
“My lived experience includes a couple times when the cold breath of significant financial uncertainty blew on the back of my neck. I was lucky, while so many others have not been.”
Wednesday’s lunch-time rally will include several speakers, including Yukon Senator Pat Duncan, who has supported the BAI along with 50 of her Senate colleagues.
Several people will be sharing their stories of what BAI could mean to them when it’s implemented.
The Yukon’s federal candidates have been invited to come and listen to the speakers.
The coalition hopes this rally will start the public conversation about Basic Annual Income in the Yukon and inform the implementation of Recommendation 5.7 from the Putting People First final report.
That is, design and implement a guaranteed annual income pilot, in collaboration with the coalition and potential funding partners such as the federal government, health and social research programs and others.
The coalition is encouraging people to walk to the Healing Totem from all directions with their placards and signs; a visual and active convergence of community members who believe it is time for a Basic Income.
Comments (42)
Up 6 Down 11
I'm not for it or against it but on Sep 20, 2021 at 10:03 am
A simple google search explains what it is and isn't .... at it's most basic, it's a guaranteed income without a means test. We've already got types of it here in Canada, including Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement which is basically UBI for people over 65. So before people freak out, maybe we should all understand better what UBI is and what it could be,
Up 4 Down 16
Rolf on Sep 19, 2021 at 4:03 am
To avoid the needs of the many being subjugated for profit enjoyed by a few in a responsible manner vote Liberal.
The great Liberal proletariat will rise up now and steer the ship through the treacherous waters on behalf of all Canadians regardless.
Up 14 Down 6
Al on Sep 18, 2021 at 12:15 pm
@ chris fox
That's easy to answer. Once you get the a-holes leftist Libs & NDer's giving way money - that is how it all started. Thank Tommy Douglas and Trudeau Snr for this bloody mess - they started it!
Since then it is like stepping in goose crap you just keep slipping and sliding your way through it!
Up 2 Down 2
Rick on Sep 18, 2021 at 12:12 pm
@ math teacher
The Star put my follow-up note in the other article (that was likely my error). Any MT here it is so you need not worry about my Math skills:
"Actually I cheated... I rounded up just to make the supporters feel good. The reality was .1% (yup that is 1/10th of 1%). Sure is a huge majority! I suspect the Lieberals here will just turn themselves inside out to accommodate their wishes, of course at the end of pointed spear from their trustworthy soul mates the No Dam Party."
Up 21 Down 3
Chris Fox on Sep 18, 2021 at 11:44 am
PFFFFT !
I exist so I should get a free house, free food, a free vehicle and lots of extra cash
to entertain myself ?
When did so many people become so lazy and self-entitled ?
Up 18 Down 2
Jim Dandee on Sep 18, 2021 at 11:39 am
It is somewhat gratifying to read the down to earth and objectively intelligent comments regarding this insane proposal coming from our far left politicians.
These ideas must be treated with the critical disdain they deserve.
Up 7 Down 2
Math Teacher on Sep 18, 2021 at 7:58 am
Rick, I hate to point this out to you but your 'basic math' is way off. 40 people is 1 percent of 4,000 not 40,000, rather 40 people is .001 percent of 40,000. Back to school for you bud! Don't feel bad we've all been there at one time or the other and at least you didn't use your last name!
Up 13 Down 2
Juniper Jackson on Sep 17, 2021 at 4:44 pm
Anie:, So well said.. just lending my support to your comment.
Up 14 Down 5
Pierre on Sep 17, 2021 at 3:27 pm
Yukon’s the next banana republic.
Up 31 Down 1
Anie on Sep 17, 2021 at 3:19 pm
Resident said "We're supposed to make things better for the next generation. You should want your kids to have an easier time. If the goal of society isn't to eliminate the need to work for basic needs, what's the point?"
Say what? I sure didn't get that memo. As a parent, my job was to raise children who would pay their own way and contribute to making their world a good place. As an adult, my responsibility is to, again, pay my own way and try to not harm anyone through my decisions. But it has never been my responsibility to make things better for the next generation, and I sure as hell don't intend to contribute to a philosophy that says we don't have to work for basic needs. Of course, when someone is incapable of providing for their own basic needs, that's a different story. But eliminate the assumption you will provide for yourself? Not on my dime.
Up 9 Down 1
Resident on Sep 17, 2021 at 1:58 pm
@Yukon David
Yes, that's usually the general idea. UBI would replace welfare payments. If you want more, you go earn it.
Up 11 Down 3
Rick on Sep 17, 2021 at 1:23 pm
So, let's do some basic math. If we have 40,000 people in the Yukon and then we have 40 of those 40k show up at a rally demanding GI that translates into 1% (one percent). I don't know about you folks but 1% is not even close to anything but zero.
Up 18 Down 4
Yukon David on Sep 17, 2021 at 9:07 am
Why do we need Basic Income when we have social assistance? We certainly don't need both. Are they suggesting we ditch social assistance for Basic Income?
Up 3 Down 7
Blocked on Sep 16, 2021 at 6:24 pm
justsayin: @'Basic income nullifies natural selection..' Social Darwinism, same theory as Adolph. A 19th century out of shape twist on evolution. We've had the same brain for 200000 years + Welfare isn't going to change it. Nuclear radiation and plastic definitely will.
Up 22 Down 11
Resident on Sep 16, 2021 at 2:40 pm
I've worked non-stop straight out of high school. Chose not to go to university because I couldn't afford it. Chose not to have kids because I couldn't afford it. Never had a handout, worked two jobs if that's what it took to pay the bills.
The world owes me nothing but that doesn't mean I have to be an envious douche. I don't know if basic income is a good answer, I'm not advocating one way or the other.
Up 23 Down 8
comen sense on Sep 16, 2021 at 12:14 pm
To Natalie, two years ago the PM gave Venezuela 50 million to help them out. Everyone accepts the die hard liberals see the excessive spending even before the pandemic. They are really out of control and sad yes it is election time buying votes. How can the Conservatives compete or function normally if they win and take over this nightmare of a national dept.
Up 29 Down 6
Groucho d'North on Sep 16, 2021 at 11:31 am
"Diversity is our strength" That way government can pander to the mosaic of Canadians by buying their votes with our money cause you can only legalize pot once.
Up 41 Down 6
Natalie on Sep 16, 2021 at 9:03 am
Does everyone realize that the federal Liberal government is currently borrowing 424 million dollars every single day? It works out to almost 3 billion additional dollars into debt Canada is now going each week and that is before crazy ideas like this guaranteed income. Canada is already headed for bankruptcy Venezuela style and we have people at the trough asking for more like there's no tomorrow.
Up 52 Down 5
Just noticing! on Sep 15, 2021 at 8:45 pm
I attended the meeting today at noon on the waterfront.
Looking around at the crowd, the thing that stood out, I didn’t see any Filipino’s or East Indians. Oh Yea! Now I know why, they were all working at JOBS.
“When half of the people don’t work because they know the other half of the population will take care of them, and the other half of the people won’t work because other people live off their hard labour, that is the beginning and the end of any country.”
Up 43 Down 5
Yukoner ‘71 on Sep 15, 2021 at 6:05 pm
@Resident, so the the world owes you a living eh? I work so you eat? Get real.
Up 10 Down 8
Rolf on Sep 15, 2021 at 5:09 pm
The YAPC concern for those on fixed income is underwhelming.
Up 39 Down 10
Chris Fox on Sep 15, 2021 at 4:34 pm
Welfare not paying enough ?
How many people from other countries are working hard in WH because the lazy locals don't think they have to ?
Up 8 Down 61
Resident on Sep 15, 2021 at 12:58 pm
You can debate the pros and cons of such an idea but don't use the argument, "it was hard for me so it should be hard for you."
We're supposed to make things better for the next generation. You should want your kids to have an easier time. If the goal of society isn't to eliminate the need to work for basic needs, what's the point?
Up 22 Down 5
JustSayin' on Sep 15, 2021 at 11:51 am
Stolen from social media
Basic income nullifies natural selection.
Up 66 Down 6
yukon girl on Sep 15, 2021 at 10:36 am
Right and where's the incentive to work to make your life better? The most financially unstable I have been was when I worked three jobs. Two part time and one full time, to make ends meet. I learned many lessons regarding budgeting, etc., that you cannot learn without experiencing some financial insecurity. A program like this should be last resort and I'm afraid of it becoming the first choice.
Up 67 Down 6
The Frontier Spirit eh? on Sep 15, 2021 at 9:59 am
Wow, just wow.
Can you imagine that within one generation we have gone to this?
Remember those "olden days" of the 70s and 80s where it was normal to have to carry water in, some had outhouses, everyone was self sufficient and helped each other out.
What have we become? If you are looking for the government to be your mommy and daddy then perhaps it's time for some self reflection of what value you have as a human being. Seriously. Please note, this isn't a jab at people who genuinely can't work, who have mental or physical issues preventing them from earning a living, those are the people we should want to take care of.
This is a jab a those who would rather bitch and moan about how bad life is and collect SA their whole lives with zero interest of bettering themselves.
This sort of program will only enable these people more, I mean why try if you can just get some $$ from Ottawa and lead a meager existence?
Up 64 Down 6
Matthew on Sep 15, 2021 at 9:20 am
Or, get a skill that's needed and WORK for your money, hard concept I know..
Up 34 Down 5
Salt on Sep 15, 2021 at 9:02 am
This seems like a kindness to some, but it is simply the necessary counterpart to the creation of our political/corporate aristocracy. They need to create a permanent serf class to provide their services and consume their products. Give them just enough bread and circuses to prevent them from pushing for real political reform.
Up 28 Down 6
Groucho d'North on Sep 15, 2021 at 8:38 am
I hope the Income Tax regulations are amended to support this new funding innovation because there is no net value if government provides with one hand and takes away with the other.
Up 7 Down 30
Karl Marx on Sep 15, 2021 at 6:17 am
From each according to their ability, to each according to their needs, is a good idea!
Up 68 Down 8
Dave on Sep 15, 2021 at 4:27 am
This is what people want when they won’t take one of the many local jobs that are advertised and going unfilled. My adult nephew who spends his life playing video games and smoking Trudeaus legal dope thinks it’s a great idea as it’s a real inconvenience to him to have to go work for a couple weeks every now and then.
Up 43 Down 5
Bingo on Sep 15, 2021 at 4:18 am
Isn’t welfare guaranteed income?
Up 52 Down 7
Juniper Jackson on Sep 15, 2021 at 12:42 am
We already have a 'something' for nothing program, people who want to live without ever having earned the right.. it's called "Welfare". And, I am not talking about the people in real need, I'm talking about the career welfare bums.
How do you propose to fund a 'basic income'? The Feds talked about eliminating Old Age Pension, phasing out CPP, eliminating welfare, disability, and funding a basic income for everyone with that pool of money.
Right now, so many people don't want to work. They want to stay home, smoke their pot, or do their drugs, or booze, and then, die sometime. Trudeau is using this as an excuse to bring in millions of people 'to do the jobs Canadian's don't want to do'. Like.. chambermaids, cleaning toilets. I think it's highly disrespectful to think that anyone, of any race or country wants to do those jobs. But, we do them because we need to make a living. Jeez, there are a lot of people allergic to work for their livelihood. And, no government will ever be able to eliminate welfare. There are those who will get their basic income, buy dope, then go to welfare, food bank, shelters for food. Some will even take that bag of food, sell it in the alley for cash, and go buy more dope or booze. I SO don't want to see what's coming.
Up 52 Down 8
Bud McGee on Sep 14, 2021 at 10:02 pm
Sounds like Communism re-branded.
Up 57 Down 7
Joseph campbell on Sep 14, 2021 at 9:20 pm
What ever happened to the term "welfare bums? Was that not politically correct enough?
Up 61 Down 8
moe on Sep 14, 2021 at 7:15 pm
Every loser who doesn't want to contribute to their community but wants to "live off the land" with a trust fund, is going to come up here. This is another NDP Peter Pan idea - never grow up, mommy and daddy will pay for everything! I'm SPECIAL! I'm surprised Kate White didn't demand it in exchange for the Liberal MLA's pensions.
Every day it's more announcements about making the Yukon more attractive for dysfunctional people, and every day there are more posts and stories about armed robberies, thefts, and hard working people having a difficult time accessing medical care or paying for housing. The priorities up here are getting really disgusting. At some point the majority, who don't have time to play patty-cakes with the NDP and the Anti-Poverty Coalition, are going to get fed up.
Up 38 Down 3
JustSayin' on Sep 14, 2021 at 5:47 pm
One word... inflation
Up 52 Down 8
Jeff Donaldson on Sep 14, 2021 at 5:02 pm
What a Joke!
More Wasted money out the door!
Pathetic!
So much work in this Territory it is just a sign of very sad things to come!
Up 48 Down 8
simon on Sep 14, 2021 at 4:51 pm
isn't it just a different name for welfare?
Up 60 Down 7
Karl on Sep 14, 2021 at 4:44 pm
Is this group implying that we should pay for a bunch of louts to sit at home, smoke weed and play video games all day?
Up 58 Down 9
Al on Sep 14, 2021 at 4:05 pm
Hm, yes I am old school. I am proud of my upbringing - it was not easy. No silver spoon. We never had much when I was growing up BUT my parents and siblings and I worked to keep the family healthy, roof over our collective heads, food and clothed. You notice I mentioned the key word "worked" - no freebies from the government. An established work ethic that was, and is, based upon a simple philosophy of "if you want something you work for it - but best make sure you "need it".
From where I sit that is no longer a philosophy for folks in the Western world. It does not occupy anyone's thinking anymore. Instead it is based upon individual greed for materialistic things or living beyond one's means.
I will never subscribe to our society guaranteeing anyone's income. Do like millions do everyday - work. If you have to clean sewers - do it. If it is too menial for you, get yourself educated and pull yourself up and move on. It is not my or society's responsibility to house, feed, cloth or look after your needs. Oh yes, it may be hard but at least you will nurture some self worth and be able to hold your high without grovelling in the trough of freebies because perhaps you may be too damn lazy. Far, far too many people right now are on the receiving end of a steady flow of my money. It needs to stop by shutting of the bloody tap. As an example, if you can't afford to have children right now - don't. It is not your right to expect everyone else to make sure you, and yours, are looked after.
There's lots of work out there. Go get a job - if it means you have 2 or 3 so be it. At least you will be contributing to our society in a meaningful way. You will earn the respect of a huge majority of folks.
One final thing: I have yet to have found the pot at the end of the rainbow or that elusive money tree. Take note they are fairy tales.
Up 27 Down 59
dick on Sep 14, 2021 at 2:56 pm
I think The Yukon would be a perfect place for this program. After all, almost everyone here, is on some form of guaranteed income, funded by the feds, directly of indirectly. Just gotta spread it out better.