John Clarke – Basic Income: A Way Forward for the Left?

Toronto – 13 April 2017.

The idea of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) has been championed by both progressives and conservatives. Not everyone on the left, however, is behind the idea. Is the UBI a means of redistributing wealth, attacking poverty and protecting workers from technological displacement? Or will basic income serve to advance an agenda of austerity and privatization? This important debate features two speakers speaking in favour of the left support for Basic Income and two against.

Opening remarks: Kikélola Roach, Unifor Sam Gindin Chair in Social Justice & Democracy, Ryerson University. Moderator: Avi Lewis, The Leap.

• John Clarke, Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP) [speaking against]
• Jessica Sikora, OPSEU Local 586 [speaking against]
• Josephine Grey, Low Income Families Together (LIFT) [speaking in favour]
• Guy Caron, MP (NDP) and Federal Leadership Candidate [speaking in favour]

Hosted in partnership with: OCAP, OPIRG-Toronto, OPSEU Local 586, Ryerson Centre for Policy Innovation and Public Engagement, The Leap, Unifor Sam Gindin Chair in Social Justice and Democracy.

Resources:

• Audio from the Q+A
• Leap Manifesto
• John Clarke, Basic Income: Progressive Dreams Meet Neoliberal Realities,” The Bullet No. 1350.
• Selection of news/analysis of Basic Income/Living Wage articles.