3 in 5 support universal basic income in Canada as high as $30K/year

The concept of a universal basic income in Canada has earned more attention over the past couple of years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). According to a study by the Angus Reid Institute earlier this year, 59% of Canadians support proposals for universal basic income programs at $10,000, $20,000 and $30,000 annual income.

The highest amount of support for universal basic income in Canada comes from Quebec (66%) and the Atlantic provinces (65%), while the lowest level of support comes from Alberta (42%), the only province with more support against a universal basic income program than for one. Both Liberal (78%) and NDP (84%) voters are overwhelmingly in favour of basic income. Conservative support for the program is roughly one in four, at 26%.

While the majority of Canadians (61%) believe the wealthiest in the country should fund the universal basic income program, only a quarter (24%) of those with the highest income would actually be willing to pay more taxes to fund it. The respondents were also divided about whether Canada could actually afford to implement a basic income for its citizens, and whether or not it would disincentivize people to work.

This article was originally published on Jan. 26 and updated on Dec. 20, 2021.

For the complete results and methodology, please visit the Angus Reid Institute website.

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