From Poverty to Hope, then Back Again…

Nearly six months ago, the new provincial government broke an election promise and announced the cancellation of the Ontario Basic Income Pilot. The research project was transforming the lives of 4,500 participants in four communities. Basic Income Pilot participants will receive their last basic income payments on March 25th, 2019, two years earlier than the pilot was supposed to end.

Results from the pilot’s initial baseline survey are now disclosed and reveals that participants were hoping to break the cycle of poverty and enhance employment opportunities, stabilize their housing, eat healthier and improve their health. The baseline survey is below and does not include any personal data of basic income participants: