The City of St. John’s is expected to pledge its support for a guaranteed basic income at city hall today.

The resolution, which is available in this week’s council meeting agenda, will be presented by Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary.

It outlines numerous reasons for supporting a guaranteed basic income, including the “alarming rate” at which inflation is rising, homelessness, the lack of affordable housing, and recommendations supporting such a policy by Health Accord NL.

It says municipalities are an important voice in social policy discussions, and a federally-funded basic income program is “well positioned” to help them ensure residents can lead happy, healthy, sustainable, and productive lives.

Mayor Danny Breen will be sending a letter on behalf of council to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, federal ministers, and Premier Andrew Furey calling for the implementation of a guaranteed basic income.