A large group of concerned Thunder Bay citizens, including Basic Income Pilot participants and service providers met last Wednesday to talk about a community response to the cancellation of the Basic Income Pilot Project.

People were very concerned about the impact this change will have on at least a thousand individuals in Thunder Bay, as well as our community in general. Everyone was briefed on the little we know about the government’s plans to “wind down” the pilot and there was a commitment from the room to support local participants in their transition out of the pilot. The legality of cancelling the contracts participants signed with the government was discussed; the group committed to contacting politicians at all levels to alert them to the seriousness of this issue. They will be seeking a resolution from City Council, and asking that Thunder Bay City Council connect with the other municipalities involved in the Basic Income pilot. The group also intends to connect with grass roots advocacy efforts in the other pilot cities so that they can respond with a united voice. A second meeting just for recipients will be held this evening; today’s group will meet again next week on Wednesday, August 15 at 2 pm, Roots to Harvest 450 Ft William Road and invite local councillors and other political and institutional representatives to determine next steps.

Anyone wishing to join this effort or needing more information can contact the Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre by phone (345-7802), email or facebook; BI participants especially can also connect with any of the following facebook pages: Anti-Racist Solidarity Action Network of Northwestern Ontario; Basic Income Works or Basic Income Speakers School. You can also find info on the Good Food Box Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre Facebook page or website.

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