Communities Can’t Do It Alone: Local Groups Advocate for Basic Income Guarantee
Written by admin, June 16, 2015
June 16, 2015 – Last night over 50 local residents joined Peterborough Public Health and community partners to discuss the idea of a Basic Income Guarantee (BIG) at Traill College. They learned that despite the best efforts of the local governments to address the issue poverty remains a serious concern within the community. When everything is being done locally and the problem still persists it is time to look for alternate solutions.
Carleton University professor Dr. Peter Andrée and Mary Anne Martin, a PhD candidate from Trent University, presented research including a case study that examined the tensions between food access and housing security in Peterborough. It found that despite Peterborough’s best efforts to address the effects of poverty, food and housing insecurity continues to increase. Also presenting is Rob Rainer, an advocate for Basic Income Guarantee discussed the results of a pilot program of guaranteed income in Dauphin, Manitoba during the 1970’s. This trial resulted in better health outcomes, fewer emergency room visits, and more young people staying in school and graduating from high school.
“In Peterborough the very best efforts are being made to reduce food and housing insecurity,” explains Dr. Rosana Salvaterra. “However, we are still struggling with these issues in our community. A basic guaranteed annual income for all could reduce the level of poverty here in Peterborough. This will produce better long term health benefits.”
This event is a partnership between Peterborough Public Health, Nourishing Communities: Sustainable Local Food Systems Research Group (with funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council), Carleton University and Basic Income Peterborough Network.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391