As governments struggle to adapt half-century-old income and social support programs to new needs and realities, some are calling for the introduction of a basic income guarantee for working-age Canadians. But is a basic income really the best policy response to poverty, precarious work, and unemployment? Is it the best way to build a just and inclusive society?

Basic Income and a Just Society provides a comprehensive evaluation of basic income and its application as a primary social policy tool. Drawing on extensive research and analysis produced for the British Columbia Expert Panel on Basic Income, combined with pan-Canadian data and current evidence, leading scholars examine the various claims made for and against a basic income. They assess its potential to reduce poverty and improve social outcomes, as well as the costs associated with implementing such a program in Canada and how it would interact with existing social programs.

In examining the key arguments advanced by proponents of a basic income, contributors take a hard look at Canada’s social safety net and its strengths and weaknesses, proposing a different path forward – one that entails a full paradigm shift in social policy and rests on providing the bases of self- and social respect to all Canadians.

David A. Green is professor in the Vancouver School of Economics at the University of British Columbia and was a member of the British Columbia Expert Panel on Basic Income.

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Jonathan Rhys Kesselman is professor emeritus in Simon Fraser University’s School of Public Policy and was a member of the British Columbia Expert Panel on Basic Income.

Jonathan Rhys Kesselman's profile page

Daniel Perrin is a public policy professional and founding principal of Perrin, Thorau and Associates Ltd.

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Gillian Petit is a research associate at the University of Calgary.

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Lindsay M. Tedds is associate professor of economics at the University of Calgary and was a member of the British Columbia Expert Panel on Basic Income.

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France St-Hilaire is recently retired after a 30-year career at the Institute for Research on Public Policy.

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"Well known for its balanced, non-partisan research, the IRPP offers a pan-Canadian review of the concept of the ‘strengths and weaknesses’ of Canada’s social safety net but ultimately propose a ‘different path forward that entails a‘paradigm shift’ to best balance economic need and self-respect. Planners take note!" Plan Canada Bookshelf