The provincial minister of Children, Seniors, and Social Development believes a guaranteed basic income will be achieved with incremental steps over time.
John Abbott spoke during a virtual event on Friday dubbed “Basic Income: New Policies for a New World.”
Abbott says the province is dependent on what action the federal government chooses to take, and right now it’s “radio silence” on the issue.
As well, he notes that the province’s “precarious” fiscal situation plays a factor.
He says they have minimal financial flexibility when it comes to some of the more costly items, but there is room for some incremental movement.
His focus is on those incremental steps and changes they can make that will get more money flowing to people.
Meanwhile, the City of St. John’s will present a resolution on their discussions around guaranteed basic income.
Last month, Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary brought forth a motion that would see the municipality send a letter to the federal and provincial governments in support of developing a guaranteed basic income.
A vote on the motion had been deferred twice to allow councilors more time to research the issue.
Deputy Mayor O’Leary will present the resolution at today’s city council meeting.