Enrollment in Ontario’s basic income pilot gets underway in Lindsay next week.

In-person enrollment sessions will begin Oct. 12-13 where people can complete applications to be part of the pilot.

Minister of Community and Social Services, Dr. Helena Jaczek, was in Lindsay this week touring and visited A Place Called Home, a 19-bed hostel for homeless single adults, couples and families with children. Jaczek spoke with staff and individuals there, about how they could benefit from the pilot. A Place Called Home is one of the community organizations that is supporting the Ontario Basic Income Pilot.

“We are rolling out the pilot in a phased approach,” says Jaczek, “and, as we begin enrollment in Lindsay, we are one step closer to learning whether a basic income will be a better way to support those who need it most, allowing them to make decisions about their future, improving their physical and mental health, and making them better able to participate in their community.”

Lorrie Polito, executive director of A Place Called Home, says “as the director of an agency who has supported the most vulnerable people in our community and generally the most poverty stricken for over 20 years, the basic income pilot can only mean good news.”

“A basic income will improve the quality of life for many individuals,” she adds.

The study, first announced in April of this year, is looking at whether a basic income can better support vulnerable workers, improve health and education outcomes for people living on low incomes, and help ensure that everyone shares in Ontario’s economic growth.

For further information about signing up for basic income in Lindsay, email *protected email* or call 1-844-217-4516.

Progress so far includes:

This month 400 people will receive a basic income payment, with more applications currently being processed. Enrollment in Lindsay will begin after Thanksgiving.

Establishing a minister’s advisory council, led by Susan McIsaac, former president and CEO of United Way Toronto and York Region, which will provide advice and recommendations to the government to achieve successful delivery of the pilot.

Striking a research and evaluation advisory committee, led by Dr. Kwame McKenzie, CEO of the Wellesley Institute and special advisor to the Ontario Basic Income Pilot, which will provide advice and recommendations on the evaluation of the pilot.

Selecting a team of leading researchers, experts and academics led by St. Michael’s Hospital and McMaster University to evaluate the pilot.

As part of the next phase of the pilot, engagement will continue with First Nations and Provincial and Territorial Organizations on a First Nations Basic Income Pilot.

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