BEECH HILL – A collective of grassroots community organizations here recently took its call for the implementation of a guaranteed livable basic income across the country to the Municipality of the County of Antigonish.
Wyanne Sandler and Rev. Natasha Brubaker – representatives of the Antigonish Coalition to End Poverty (ACEP), which sent a letter to Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston earlier this year expressing concerns that financial support for those living in poverty has fallen well below inflation – made a presentation to council at its committee of the whole meeting April 28.
Sandler outlined that, in 2010, a collection of groups and individuals – realizing they were working in silos and could be more effective as a “united front” – came together and formed the ACEP, with an eye towards “addressing the root causes” of the issues people were facing.
Outlining the high rates of child poverty and food insecurity in the province, which are amongst the highest in the country, are “incredibly shocking and disappointing,” according to Sandler.
“We cannot keep up with the need,” she offered of how initiatives such as the Antigonish Community Kitchen and Pantry – with its many partnerships – are providing as much as possible.
Sandler noted the increases in all walks of life, including seniors, families, students and the unhoused.
“It is just a Band-Aid solution,” she stressed of what they are able to do.
Sandler suggested the guaranteed livable basic income would offer a “way to get at the systemic roots.”
They envision a system similar to the federal Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement programs, along with the CERB that was offered during the height of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Brubaker noted another prototype would be the Canadian Child Benefit.
She explained, in an increasingly growing gig and contract economy, workers do not have benefits such as long-term disability and employment insurance “to help bridge the gaps.”
“People need a sufficient income to meet basic needs,” Brubaker said, describing a potential guaranteed livable basic income as “the floor rather than a ceiling,” explaining it would be income tested and based “only on what you earn.”
She outlined one of the key issues is, in the existing system, people receiving social service benefits end up making less if they are employed, describing it as “counter-productive.” With a basic income system, it would be a proportional system.
The co-chairs explained that the idea of providing a guaranteed livable basic income is nothing new, pointing out the concept in Canada dates to a pilot project established in Dauphin, Manitoba in the 1970s, which offered “positive results,” such as continuing education, better health and decreased crime rates.
“And, the monies stayed in the local economies,” they noted.
Coincidentally, Coun. Richelle MacLaughlin said her family was part of that initiative.
“It took a lot of pressure off my parents,” she remembered, describing the boost as “huge” for her them and their farm.
MacLaughlin also noted how money was spent locally; more residents had more to visit restaurants and do other things.
She said a guaranteed livable basic income is a “non-judgmental way of levelling the playing field.”
Noting that there have been 170 studies carried out in North America, including seven in Canada, which indicate that such a program provides an “economic boost and not a drain.”
As an example of growing support, Sandler noted an all-party and Mi’kmaq agreement in P.E.I. for creating a basic income model.
Sandler and Brubaker pointed to the importance of presenting a “consensus statement,” in asking the municipal council for its support.
They noted how the county and Town of Antigonish have been “recognized as leaders.”
Sandler offered the “impacts of poverty really fall at the feet of the municipal level,” even though they are the responsibility of the provincial and federal governments. The effects are felt on the ground at the grassroots.
The ACEP requested that the municipal council pass a new resolution, which would be submitted not only to provincial and federal officials, but also post it on their respective sites and “work with other municipalities.” They provided county council with a proposed resolution that would make the municipality part of an Atlantic statement.
As part of her ministry with Parish of Three Harbours, Brubaker indicated – more and more – she receives calls from people who “need help.”
Describing it as a “constant stream,” she said, “There is a real need – it is heartbreaking.”
Brubaker also reflected on her experience. Noting that she was fortunate to have a safety net when she had to take a one-year leave of absence while having cancer treatment.
“I don’t know what I would have done,” she said, noting how “stress works against healing.”
With a guaranteed livable basic income, those types of financial binds could be avoided.
During the discussion, Coun. Gary Mattie (District 9) offered that “things are getting harder,” recalling how when he was in his mid-20s couples and families were buying homes, which is becoming increasingly difficult, if not impossible, in these days.
Council and their guests also discussed issues such as the threshold and how such a system would be financed. The ACEP representatives noted how the system could be funded by a decrease in costs in areas such as healthcare.
“We know people are struggling … falling through the cracks,” Deputy Warden John Dunbar, who represents District 7, said.
MacLaughlin, while noting her desire to get the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities involved, said it is important to have something with “good teeth,” while providing a “larger voice” to the cause.
For more information regarding the Antigonish Coalition to End Poverty and its work, visit endpovertyantigonish.ca
