Canada’s journey with Universal Basic Income (UBI) has been anything but straightforward. The country has dipped its toes in the water with pilot programs, proposed bills, and experimental payments targeting specific groups—but a nationwide UBI? Not yet. Still, there’s growing momentum in 2025 as Canada tests, debates, and tweaks how guaranteed income could work.
Table of Contents
Concept
UBI, or Universal Basic Income, is exactly what it sounds like—regular, unconditional cash given to every adult citizen, no strings attached. It’s meant to reduce poverty, simplify welfare systems, and give people more freedom to make life choices.
But in Canada, what we usually see is basic income rather than universal. That means the support is targeted—usually for low-income people, seniors, or other vulnerable groups. It’s still helpful, just not as wide-reaching.
History
Canada’s not new to this idea. In fact, it was talking about it way back in the 1930s. But things really took off in the ’70s with the Mincome Project in Manitoba.
Families received yearly payments of up to $5,800. What happened? Hospital visits dropped, more teens finished school, and people didn’t quit work like critics feared.
Then came Ontario’s big experiment in 2017. Before it was abruptly cancelled in 2018, it gave promising results—better health, less stress, and hope for the future.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Locations | Lindsay, Thunder Bay, Hamilton |
| Annual Payment | $16,989 (single), $24,027 (couples) |
| Target | Low- to middle-income earners |
| Outcomes | Reduced stress, better long-term planning |
Programs
Canada might not have a full-scale UBI, but the provinces are running mini versions. These focus on the most vulnerable, and the results are speaking volumes.
| Province/Territory | Program Name | Monthly Aid / Feature | Target Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | New Leaf Project | $7,500 lump sum (first phase) | Homeless people |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 60-64 Income Program | Monthly support | Adults nearing OAS eligibility |
| Prince Edward Island | T-BIG Pilot | Top-up to 85% of poverty line | Over 600 individuals below threshold |
| Quebec | Basic Income Program | ~$1,309/month | Long-term disability or limited work |
The New Leaf Project, for instance, cut homelessness by 99 days per person, didn’t lead to higher drug or alcohol use, and even helped people get IDs and jobs. That’s impact.
Seniors
Seniors in Canada already get something close to basic income through the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). It’s automatic, inflation-adjusted, and works alongside the Old Age Security (OAS) pension.
| Detail | Amount (2025 Max) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly (Single Seniors) | $1,087 | Low-income, over 65, and on OAS |
| Monthly (Couples) | Varies by household | Same as above |
Politics
UBI is gaining political traction. In 2025, Bills S-233 and C-233 are still under review, aiming to lay a nationwide foundation for a “Guaranteed Livable Basic Income.”
More importantly, 50 Senators supported basic income during COVID recovery talks. And in 2021, nearly half of federal candidates backed the idea.
Cost
The big question—what would it cost?
According to Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Officer, a national UBI would cost $87.6 billion per year (based on 2022–2023 estimates).
But here’s the kicker—poverty costs Canada about $80 billion every year. So, it’s almost a break-even point when you factor in savings from healthcare, housing, and social services.
Outlook
UBI is no longer a fringe idea. It’s becoming a policy direction grounded in results and data. Experts, including the Basic Income Canada Network (BICN), argue that unconditional cash doesn’t discourage work. Instead, it allows people to take chances, get educated, or care for loved ones without constant financial fear.
As we enter late 2025, Canada continues to inch forward—not with one sweeping policy, but with careful, targeted programs that might one day grow into something bigger.
For now, Universal Basic Income remains a vision—but one that’s inching closer with every pilot and policy draft.
FAQs
Does Canada offer universal income to all?
No, Canada only runs targeted income programs, not full UBI.
What was the Mincome Project?
A 1970s basic income test in Manitoba with positive social outcomes.
Are seniors getting a basic income?
Yes, through the GIS program alongside Old Age Security.
What is Bill S-233 about?
It proposes a nationwide guaranteed livable basic income.
How much would national UBI cost?
An estimated $87.6 billion annually, per PBO reports.
