Roderick Benns

As basic income enrollments continue in Lindsay and two other Ontario cities, one key trend seems to be emerging – the so-called ‘working poor’ are the majority of applicants who are flocking to the Province’s new Ontario pilot.

Myriam Denis, a spokesperson for the Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy and Minister of Housing, Peter Milczyn, says a total ‎of 1,149 people were enrolled in the basic income pilot across Lindsay, Hamilton and Brant County, and Thunder Bay. Local breakdowns are not yet available.

Of those applicants, 70 per cent are “low income workers,” says Denis.

Roderick Benns

Jasmine Bellwood is a young Lindsay mother with a part-time job and full-time worries. Her worries are mainly about providing for her 15-month-old son.

She’s also anxious about doing this brief interview but then relents when The Lindsay Advocate offers to change her name. 

Bellwood (not her real name) is about to go inside Celebrations in Lindsay to apply for basic income, one of the first open enrollment sessions the Province is holding, while her boyfriend, the boy’s father, takes care of their son.

Roderick Benns

Curious about basic income and whether or not you qualify?

The Ontario Basic Income Pilot group will host a booth at the Lindsay Central Exhibition to provide more information to town residents.

Postcards will be handed out to any and all visitors interested, and any visitors who would like more information regarding the pilot will be provided with an information brochure.