The BI we want
Basic income can mean different things to different people: not all basic income pilots or program designs look the same. Aligning with our core values, BICYN advocates for a basic income that is progressive and justice-oriented, with several key features.
“Basic income” is an umbrella policy with a range of possibilities for design and implementation (read more about that here). While BICYN recognizes that design decisions would ultimately be made by those in government who might implement a program, we advocate for a basic income that aligns with our core principles and values.
BICYN welcomes and encourages meaningful conversations about design considerations and the principles informing our advocacy. This allows our network to refine our understanding of basic income on an ongoing basis - we’ll keep this webpage updated as our principles evolve. We continue to develop our principles with consideration and support from other basic income groups and advocates.
We advocate for a basic income that is:
An income “floor”
A social safety “net” is intentionally structured with holes and gaps, leaving those in poverty to struggle and at risk of falling through.
Rather than a net, a basic income should provide a floor of income support for people in Canada who need and want it, raising people to a level below which they cannot fall.
Income-tested
Basic income should be income-tested and available to those whose incomes fall beneath a certain threshold, including youth. In other words, a basic income should be universally accessible, but not universally distributed.
Rates should be structured progressively based on other earned income - basic income should be designed to ensure that recipients are never worse-off by earning income by other means like work.
Unconditional
Basic income should be provided unconditionally, regardless of where in Canada someone lives, their work status, or whether they meet behavioural conditions.
A commitment to unconditionality also means that basic income should be afforded to people who have been historically and systematically excluded from income support programs (e.g., because of incarceration and/or institutionalization).
Complementary
Beyond income, people require accessible and equitable healthcare, childcare, and housing to thrive. Rather than an “either or” situation, basic income should complement robust social services, including those that have yet to be introduced.
The implementation of a basic income should not come at the cost of other crucial supports and programs.
Sufficient and dignified
Our vision of a basic income is based on the dignity, autonomy, and the worth of each person.
Rates of any basic income should be sufficient for recipients to pay for the necessities of life, participate meaningfully in their communities, and live with dignity.
Implemented collaboratively
The introduction of a basic income should move forward in partnership and collaboration across Indigenous, subnational, and federal governments.
Meaningful consultation with diverse rights holders can help facilitate inclusive and effective design, implementation, and outcomes, as well as ensure that no one is left behind.
BICYN believes a basic income should be a central part of any approach to economic and social justice. We also know that basic income is not a one-size-fits-all, silver bullet solution. While having cash is incredibly important, basic income is not a substitute for other progressive social policies and programs, including a living wage, healthcare, education, pharmacare, or affordable housing.
We want our work to complement - rather than compete with - other movements and organizers who share our values. With this in mind, BICYN strives to work in solidarity with and alongside other activist projects that advance equity and justice.