It’s too early to speculate on that, Daniel Schultz, a spokesperson with the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Service told Buzzfeed Canada. How a full-fledged basic income program would be paid for is currently unknown.

“We’re conducting the pilot to try and figure out all of that," Schultz said.

But some proponents of a basic income say it doesn't have to be a drag on government revenues.

"Basic income will have the biggest impact on the lowest income folks, who tend to spend new income as soon as they get it," said Ellis. "That has an immediate stimulative impact on the economy, encouraging new spending, new hiring, and increased tax revenue.”