Poverty in Canada is widespread and our current social programs do not eliminate poverty; they treat and perpetuate poverty.

Ending systemic poverty means rethinking the system. Canada is among the richest countries in the world. We have the resources and talent to create a truly just society. Canada’s social safety net was developed almost 50 years ago. There have been no bold innovations since the government of Lester B. Pearson. It is time for the next major innovations – pharmacare and Guaranteed Liveable Income. We can eliminate poverty and create a healthier, stronger Canada.

The current poverty band-aid system encourages an underground economy, in cash-only transactions, to avoid the claw back of poverty payments. We need to shut down the underground economy and ensure proper taxation. It will cost far less than we pay now to maintain densely bureaucratic social systems and cover the many other costs poverty imposes on our society.