NDP MP submits motion to convert CERB to permanent basic income

The motion was tabled in the House of Commons by Winnipeg Centre MP Leah Gazan with the intention to turn CERB into a liveable basic income.

Motion-46 intends to make up for inequalities that became "worsened by the pandemic."

"COVID-19 has demonstrated that we do have the resources. We must ensure all individuals in Canada can thrive in dignity and that means making investments to ensure basic human rights for all," Gazan noted.

Gazan has been working on the motion with the Basic Income Canada Network and Basic Income Manitoba.

A basic income—also referred to as guaranteed minimum income—can be provided as a universal payment, or a benefit that lowers as a person’s income increases.

"Canada’s income security system has always contained many gaps, inequalities and inefficiencies, which have been worsened by the pandemic," noted Sid Frankel, a board member of Basic Income Manitoba.

"A guaranteed livable basic income would solve these deficiencies and increase the sense of security and well-being of all who live in Canada."

The motion asks Canada’s federal government to work alongside provinces and territories as well as indigenous peoples to provide the liveable annual income.

CERB is currently set to finish in October.

Last month, the parliamentary budget officer noted that it could cost approximately $98 billion to provide most Canadians with a permanent basic income.