National Framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Act

Summary#

Bill C-253 would create a new Act, the National Framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Act. It would require the Minister of Finance to develop a framework for a guaranteed livable basic income program; the stated goal is to support dignity and security and help reduce poverty and income inequality. The bill does not itself create or pay a basic income benefit.

• The Minister must consult federal and provincial officials, Indigenous elders and governing bodies, and other relevant participants and experts while developing the framework.
• The framework must set out how to determine a livable income for each region, based on the cost of goods and services needed for a dignified and healthy life.
• It must include national standards for health and social supports to guide implementation in every province.
• It must provide that education, training or labour-market participation is not required to qualify, and that implementation does not reduce services or benefits for exceptional health or disability needs.
• The framework must be for people over 17, including temporary workers, permanent residents and refugee claimants. The Minister must report on it to Parliament within one year after the Act comes into force, then review and report on its effectiveness every year after an initial two-year interval.

What it means for you#

• People over 17, including the groups named in the bill: The framework must cover them. This bill would not itself give anyone a payment, establish an application process or create a present-day right to income support.
• People receiving health or disability supports: The framework must include measures to prevent implementation from reducing services or benefits meant to meet exceptional health or disability needs. The bill does not itself change those services or benefits.
• The Minister of Finance: Must develop the framework, consult the listed groups, prepare and table the required reports, and publish the initial framework report online within 10 days after it has been tabled in both Houses.
• Provincial representatives and Indigenous participants: The Minister must consult them during framework development. The bill does not set out a process for them to approve the framework or require provinces to deliver a program.

Money#

No cost information is in the available material.

• The bill does not set a benefit amount, authorize payments to individuals, or specify program funding.
• It does require the Minister to develop the framework and prepare reports, but gives no estimate for staff, consultation or other costs.

What is unclear#

• The bill does not say how or when the framework would become an operating program, or who would deliver or pay for it.
• It does not set benefit amounts, detailed eligibility rules, application procedures, payment timelines or appeals.
• It does not define “livable basic income” or “exceptional needs.”
• It does not explain how the national standards would interact with existing provincial programs, or how the requirement to avoid reductions would be ensured.
• The bill does not state when it would come into force.

Case for#

• The bill appears intended to develop a national approach to income support while accounting for different costs across regions.
• Requiring consultation with governments, Indigenous governing bodies and experts could bring different perspectives into the framework.
• The framework must not make work, education or training a condition of qualifying, and must address protection of services for exceptional health or disability needs.

Case against#

• The bill sets out planning and reporting duties, not a funded benefit. It does not ensure that a basic income will be delivered.
• The framework’s key terms and practical rules are left open, including the amount people would receive and how eligibility would be determined.
• The bill does not specify who would fund or administer a future program, or how its standards would affect existing provincial services and benefits.