The provincial government has announced a pilot project to test the idea of introducing a Basic Income (BI) in Ontario. BI is essentially a minimum income paid to residents, regardless of employment status or their eligibility for Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) payments.
OPSEU has expressed concern over the idea for a number of reasons. If implemented, a Basic Income would have an impact on social services, and all public services; it would certainly mean change for OW and ODSP staff.
OPSEU members are encouraged to participate in government consultations on the proposed Basic Income Pilot. To attend a meeting, you must register online here. For more information, please contact A/Communications Officer Roz Gunn at rgunn@opseu.org.
Find your local meeting:
Cobourg
January 11, 6:30 p.m. Cobourg Community Centre, 750 D'Arcy Street
Hamilton
November 22, 6:30 p.m. Crowne Plaza Hamilton Hotel & Conference Center, 150 King Street East
Kingston
January 9, 6:30 p.m. Thrift Lodge Kingston, 1187 Princess Street
Kenora
January 17, 6:30 p.m. Kenora Recreation Centre, 18 Mike Richards Way
Kitchener
January 10, 6:30 p.m. Bingeman’s Conference Centre, 425 Bingemans Centre Drive
London
January 31, 6:30 p.m. Central Library, 251 Dundas Street
Oshawa
January 16, 6:30 p.m. Best Western Plus Durham Hotel & Conference Centre, 559 Bloor Street West
Ottawa
January 24, 6:30 p.m. RA Centre, 2451, Promenade Riverside Drive
Sault Ste Marie
January 18, 6:30 p.m. Delta, 208 St. Mary’s River Drive
Sudbury
December 12, 6:30 p.m. Lexington Hotel & Conference Centre, 50 Brady Street
Thunder Bay
January 19, 6:30 p.m. Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites, 17 Cumberland Street North
Toronto
November 29, 6:30 p.m. Scarborough, Delta, 2035 Kennedy Road
Toronto
December 13, 6:30 p.m. The Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road
Windsor
January 30, 6:30 p.m. WFCU Centre, 8787 McHugh Street