A Letter to Advance Bill C223 for a National Framework on Basic Income
Honourable Members of Parliament,
We implore your urgent attention and support for Bill C223 as it progresses to its second reading. As members of Poverty Free Thunder Bay, we represent a collective of thoughtful individuals and organizations seeking to insure no one in Thunder Bay and across the country has to live in poverty.
Having delved extensively into numerous studies, reports, and the real-life struggles faced by those entrenched in poverty, it is abundantly clear that poverty not only devastates the lives of those directly affected but also undermines the very fabric of our society.
The current social safety nets are inadequate, leaving many without the means to meet their basic needs, perpetuating a cycle of hardship that burdens not only individuals but entire communities.
In 1948, Canada endorsed the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, affirming every individual’s right to a standard of living adequate for their health and well-being. Yet, today and in the face of emerging challenges such as AI, robotics, and the growing climate crisis, our existing systems are failing to adapt, disproportionately impacting those on the lower rungs of the socio-economic ladder.
Here is one of many examples of the positive impacts identified from various liveable basic income programs: recipients improved their health, which reduced health costs and the strain on health care staff. Thus, individuals and communities are the beneficiaries.
Bill C223 represents a pivotal opportunity to address these pressing poverty related issues through the development of a National Framework for a Livable Basic Income Program. This initiative, spearheaded by the federal government in collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous elders, governing bodies, and other stakeholders, seeks to comprehensively assess and address the shortcomings of our current social support systems.
Through a systematic approach, Bill C223 aims to identify the gaps in our existing safety nets, quantify the regional needs of our most vulnerable populations, and design a sustainable framework for a basic income program. One that fosters dignity, resilience, and inclusivity for all Canadians. By undertaking cross-sectoral collaboration and public engagement, this initiative offers a pathway towards a more equitable and prosperous future for our nation.
We urge you, as elected representatives entrusted with the well-being of our citizens, to throw your full support behind Bill C223. By advancing this legislation to its second reading and eventual passage into law, we can embark on a transformative journey towards building a more just, compassionate, and prosperous society for generations to come.
Thank you for considering our urgent and evidenced based appeal.
Your work on behalf of all citizens of Canada is much appreciated. Merci.
Sincerely,
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Thunder Bay / Binesii M’wikwedong
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