A final report from B.C.’s expert panel on basic income recommends against implementing a universal income program in British Columbia.
The 500-page report, which makes 65 recommendations, concluded that a cheque from government cannot effectively answer the complex and diverse needs that exist in B.C.
“A basic income is a very costly approach to addressing any specific goal, such as poverty reduction,” reads the panel’s final report.
“We have concluded that moving to a system constructed around a basic income for all as its main pillar is not the most just policy change we can consider.”
In its place, the panel recommends dozens of short- and long-term policies that reform and better coordinate current systems of support. Enhancing support and services for young adults and low-income families, reforming disability assistance and temporary assistance, housing support and improvements to benefit delivery are among the recommendations.
"B.C. needs a mixed system that applies different approaches in different circumstances," note the authors, which include academics from the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University and the University of Calgary.
Nicholas Simons, minister of social development and poverty reduction, said Thursday the ministry is reviewing the panel's recommendations closely.
The BC NDP committed to further exploring universal basic income as part of the party’s 2017 pact with the BC Green Party. The agreement specifically mentions a basic income pilot to test whether such a program could reduce poverty, and improve health, housing and employment.
Government struck the B.C. expert panel on basic income in 2018.
The panel's final report concluded that a basic income pilot project is not warranted, in part because the short-term nature of a pilot cannot provide evidence on potential long-term impacts.
