Canada’s Current Poverty Problem

Today, approximately 4.9 million Canadians live below the poverty line, a persistent issue that has plagued the nation for centuries (Canada Without Poverty, 2018). The roots of social welfare and poverty can be traced back to the feudal era in Britain (Hicks, 2014). This essay explores the historical and contemporary challenges of poverty in Canada, examines the social welfare state, and evaluates Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a potential solution to this ongoing crisis, particularly in the context of the influence of social media.

Historical Context of Poverty in Canada

Chapter two of "Social Welfare in Canada" explains that the systemic nature of poverty in Canada can be traced back to the feudal period in Britain. During this time, lords allowed serfs to work their land in exchange for basic necessities like food and shelter. However, this system changed with the growing demand for wool, leading to the dismissal of workers deemed "lazy." Consequently, many were left without means to survive. The Bubonic plague further exacerbated this situation by creating a labor shortage, which forced serfs back into servitude. By the 16th century, while the population rebounded, a significant number remained impoverished due to a lack of employment opportunities.

In response to rampant begging and poverty, the British Poor Law was enacted in 1536, mandating that individuals find work or face punishment. Only those unable to work received permits to beg. This framework was refined with the Elizabeth Poor Law of 1601, which distinguished between the "deserving" and "undeserving" poor. The ideologies established during this period were carried over to Canada during its colonial phase. It wasn't until the Industrial Age and the Great Depression that societal perceptions of poverty shifted, recognizing economic and market dynamics as contributing factors.

The Current State of Poverty in Canada

Although poverty rates have declined over the years, the issue persists in Canada. Among a population of 36 million, one in seven Canadians struggles to meet basic needs (Canada Without Poverty, 2018). Poverty can be defined as the inability to achieve a minimal but sustainable standard of physical well-being (Lammam and MacIntyre, 2016, p. 8). The demographic of those affected by poverty is continually changing; students may find better-paying jobs after graduation, while others may be laid off and subsequently re-employed. However, a substantial number remain trapped in a cycle of poverty. Those most at risk often include individuals with disabilities, single parents, those without high school diplomas, and visible minorities, who face stigmas that hinder their employment prospects (Lammam & MacIntyre, 2016). Additionally, there exists a strong correlation between health and poverty. Individuals living in poverty are at a heightened risk for various diseases and illnesses, often lacking the resources for adequate healthcare, which in turn increases mortality rates (Raphael, 2002).

Universal Basic Income as a Solution

One promising solution to Canada's poverty issue is Universal Basic Income (UBI). UBI is defined as a guaranteed minimum income aimed at ensuring that individuals can meet their basic needs. Throughout history, several UBI pilot projects have been conducted in Canada and the United States, including initiatives in New Jersey, Seattle, North Carolina, Denver, and Gary (Forget et al., 2016). In Canada, the "Mincome" project was introduced in Manitoba in 1974, aimed at providing residents with a General Annual Income to alleviate poverty. Despite initial fears that UBI would discourage work and lead to inflation, the pilot revealed that only one percent of participants ceased working; many instead utilized the opportunity to focus on family obligations. Notably, in Dauphin, where non-qualifying individuals were allowed to participate, there was a marked decrease in hospital visits and an increase in high school graduation rates (Hicks, 2014, p. 57).

Other pilot projects have highlighted indirect benefits of UBI. For instance, in North Carolina, UBI was associated with improved test scores in elementary schools and positive correlations with birth weight (Forget et al., 2016). While past initiatives were never fully integrated into the existing welfare framework, they provide valuable insights for developing a more effective program.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the promise of UBI, concerns remain regarding its implementation. Funding is a critical issue, with two main options: cutting existing programs or increasing taxes. However, the uniqueness of individual circumstances means that cutting programs could potentially worsen the situation for some people. The financial implications of UBI raise questions about its overall cost. Nonetheless, if those currently living below the poverty line receive adequate financial support, they could contribute more to the economy through increased spending (Parijs, 2004).

Political Ideologies and UBI

Chapter 3 of "Social Welfare in Canada" discusses various political ideologies and their connections to social welfare. A relevant ideology in this context is Social Democracy, which advocates for reducing social inequality and ensuring equal opportunities for all. Social Democrats align with UBI's principles by endorsing universal programs and asserting that the government should take responsibility for supporting the impoverished (Hicks, 2014).

The Role of Social Media in Raising Awareness

Despite the potential benefits of UBI, awareness of such programs is limited. Social media can play a crucial role in increasing public understanding. Platforms like YouTube facilitate the rapid dissemination of information. For example, the video titled "Universal Basic Income Explained – Free Money for Everybody? UBI," has garnered 2.3 million views since its release in December 2017, stimulating discussions with over 28,000 comments (Zurzgesagt, 2017). This highlights how social media can broaden the audience for important information, fostering greater awareness and dialogue about UBI.

Conclusion

Poverty remains a significant challenge in Canada, despite the existence of welfare programs. UBI presents a potential solution that addresses many of the shortcomings of current systems. While past pilot projects faced obstacles, they also offered valuable lessons that can inform future implementations. UBI aligns with Social Democratic principles, aiming to ensure that all individuals can meet their basic needs. Furthermore, the role of social media in raising awareness about UBI is critical, enabling a wider audience to engage in discussions about poverty and potential solutions.

References

Canada Without Poverty. (2018). Canada Without Poverty.

Forget, E. L., et al. (2016). "The Case for Basic Income." Social Welfare in Canada.

Hicks, R. (2014). Social Welfare in Canada. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.

Lammam, C., & MacIntyre, R. (2016). "The Effects of Poverty on Health." Health and Welfare, 8(2), 8-10.

Parijs, P. de. (2004). "The Economic Viability of a Basic Income." Basic Income Studies, 1(1), 1-20.

Raphael, D. (2002). "Poverty and Health: A Report on the Linkages." Canadian Journal of Public Health, 93(3), 3-5.

Zurzgesagt. (2017). "Universal Basic Income Explained – Free Money for Everybody? UBI." YouTube. Retrieved from YouTube.