Provincial minister of social development and poverty reduction Nicholas Simons has issued a statement in response to the expert panel on basic income’s report to the government.
“I thank the expert panel for its hard work over the past two years to produce its comprehensive report, Covering All the Basics: Reforms for a More Just Society,” stated Simons.
“The panel was appointed in July 2018 to assess the feasibility of a basic income and basic income pilot in BC, and to examine how basic income principles could be used to improve our existing income and social support systems.”
Simons stated the panel has recommended changes to BC’s existing social supports and services to address the complex needs and unique circumstances of individuals and families instead of pursuing a basic income model or pilot.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how important a strong social safety net is to protect people and the economy,” stated Simons. “The panel has made 65 recommendations on how to improve our existing support systems.
“We are now reviewing the recommendations closely as we build an economic recovery that supports all British Columbians. We continue to implement TogetherBC, the province’s poverty reduction strategy, to help reduce poverty and improve social inclusion.”
