Ontario Basic Income Pilot Helping Provide More Security and Opportunity

Ministry of Community and Social Services

400 People to Receive a Basic Income This Month, Pilot Launching in Lindsay

Hamilton, ON – Oct 4, 2017

Four hundred people from Hamilton, Brantford, Brant County and Thunder Bay and the surrounding area will be receiving a basic income this month as part of the Ontario Basic Income Pilot (OBIP), giving them the chance to expand their opportunities and job prospects while providing greater security for themselves and their families.

Ontario’s economy is in a relatively strong position, however many people in the province are not feeling that growth in their everyday lives. People are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living and facing “precarious employment” with little job security or benefits.

Launched in the spring of this year, the three-year, 4,000-participant pilot is testing whether a basic income can better support vulnerable workers, improve health and education outcomes for people on low incomes, and help ensure that everyone shares in Ontario’s economic growth.

Progress so far includes:

This month 400 people will receive a basic income payment, with more applications currently being processed. Enrollment in Lindsay will begin next week.
Establishing a Minister’s Advisory Council, led by Susan McIsaac, former President & CEO of United Way Toronto and York Region, which will provide advice and recommendations to the government to achieve successful delivery of the pilot.
Striking a Research and Evaluation Advisory Committee, led by Dr. Kwame McKenzie, CEO of the Wellesley Institute and Special Advisor to the Ontario Basic Income Pilot, which will provide advice and recommendations on the evaluation of the pilot.
Selecting a team of leading researchers, experts and academics led by St. Michael’s Hospital and McMaster University to evaluate the pilot.
As part of the next phase of the pilot, engagement will continue with First Nations and Provincial and Territorial Organizations on a First Nations Basic Income Pilot.

Ensuring everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.