The Lanark Basic Income Network is a new group formed this spring, and Rob Rainer is the chairman.
Rainer has spent years fighting for basic income even before he entered municipal politics. He’s now the Reeve of Tay Valley Township.
Rainer says it’s something we already have in other forms such as the Canada Child Benefit and Old Age Security.
While it’s not the only factor and there’s always exceptions to the rule, Rainer says there’s a tie between low income and health, and addressing the economic sides of the issue can benefit the strain on healthcare.
Rainer says basic income at the maximum amount should be enough for an individual to live just above the poverty line if they have no other income.
Hear our full conversation with Rainer here.