The research study, Southern Ontario’s Basic Income Experience, is based on Ontario’s basic income pilot. The pilot was implemented in three Ontario cities in 2018 by the provincial government. Subsequently the project was terminated in 2019, following a change in government. This research study made use of surveys of individuals from Hamilton, Brantford and Brant County who had been enrolled in the pilot (217 individuals participated out of 1000 enrolled households), and interviews with 40 participants.
Some key findings cited by pilot participants include improvements in physical and mental health; increased labour market participation; moving to higher-paying and more secure jobs; reduced household food insecurity; housing stability; improved financial status and social relationships; less frequent visits to health practitioners and hospital emergency rooms; improved living standards; and an improved sense of self-worth and hope for a better future.
Published by: McMaster University
Publication Date: March 2020
