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In June, a national referendum will decide whether Switzerland moves forward with a basic income for all its citizens. In the Netherlands, five cities are to launch pilot projects. Finland, too, has announced large-scale experiments. Closer to home, the idea is gaining traction at both the provincial and federal levels. This is good news.

Basic income aims to ensure no one falls below a minimum standard of living, regardless of employment status. Under the plan, all members of society receive a monthly cash transfer into their bank accounts, no conditions attached, replacing other forms of social assistance and all the bureaucracy that goes with it.

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Premier Philippe Couillard has indicated he is serious about studying basic income as a possible model for Quebec. He has given the mandate to Employment and Social Solidarity Minister François Blais, whose book Un revenu garanti pour tous is a reference in the research community.