People in Hamilton who were part of the Basic Income Pilot Project say they’re shocked and angry after the province cancelled the program yesterday. Today the government is defending its decision. Suggesting the program discouraged participants from finding work.
Joe Marczi has been getting $1,900 a month since February from the basic income pilot project, and was expecting that money for the next 3 years.
He’s one of about a thousand Hamiltonians receiving guaranteed income through the study. Money he says was helping him and his 15 year old daughter get on their feet.
It’s about $600 more a month than he received on disability.
The program aims to provide enough money for people to meet their household and health costs.
The Director for the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction says it has been working.
But Social Services Minister Lisa Macleod says the Tory government hasn’t said exactly when the program will be wrapped up, leaving those like Joe Marczi wondering what’s next.
About 4,000 people were involved in this program from a range of cities, people living on less than $34,000.
Single participants get up to $17,000 a year and couples $24,000. The money reduced if they were earning income.
