Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, has issued the following statement in response to the expert panel on basic income’s report to government:

“I thank the expert panel for its hard work over the past two years to produce its comprehensive report, Covering All the Basics: Reforms for a More Just Society.

“The panel was appointed in July 2018 to assess the feasibility of a basic income and basic income pilot in B.C., and to examine how basic income principles could be used to improve our existing income and social support systems.

“The panel has recommended changes to B.C.’s existing social supports and services to address the complex needs and unique circumstances of individuals and families instead of pursuing a basic income model or pilot.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how important a strong social safety net is to protect people and the economy. The panel has made 65 recommendations on how to improve our existing support systems.

“We are now reviewing the recommendations closely as we build an economic recovery that supports all British Columbians. We continue to implement TogetherBC, the province’s poverty reduction strategy, to help reduce poverty and improve social inclusion.”

Learn More:

Read the final report, Covering All the Basics: Reforms for a More Just Society:
https://bcbasicincomepanel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Final_Report_BC_Basic_Income_Panel.pdf

Read the Province’s poverty reduction strategy, TogetherBC:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/initiatives-plans-strategies/poverty-reduction-strategy/togetherbc.pdf