Light a Candle on Thursday, April 8th

Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill.
Credit: festivio from Pixabay

~ from Press Release posted on The United Church’s Website on March 29, 2021

On Thursday, April 8, 12:30 p.m. local time, on the eve of the Liberal and New Democratic Party National Conventions, The United Church of Canada is inviting Canadians across the country to light a candle in support of a guaranteed livable income. Building on the heightened awareness of the importance of community health and well-being and on the demonstrated success of basic income programs, this is a unique opportunity to call on our government to roll out a guaranteed livable income program in collaboration with the provinces, territories, and Indigenous leadership.

“When people have a livable income, they can turn the heat on, pay for medications, have decent food, pay the rent, leave an abusive relationship, and plan for the future. Now is the time to make a lasting change in the system and encourage a more equitable society,” says the Very Rev. Lois Wilson, former Moderator and senator, citing the reflections of GLI activist Karlene Cameron and testimonies of basic income participants.

Low-income racialized communities have been hit the hardest by COVID and its economic impact. A guaranteed livable income would benefit all, especially those in our society who are economically disadvantaged by manifestations of systemic racism. Existing alongside other social supports, including health care, pharmacare, pension, and education supports, it could address the inequities that exist within the current wage and social benefit structures.

Read the full Press Release here.

A public letter sent to the Government of Canada on guaranteed basic income by the leadership of The Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in May 2020 will be found in this post.