Gillian Petit

Aug 21, 2024 | policyoptions.irpp.org | Lindsay Tedds |Gillian Petit

BC United Leader Kevin Falcon announced in August that if elected, his government would increase the province’s basic personal amount (BPA) tax exemption to $50,000 from $11,981. Among other things, BC United claims this would “result in the complete elimination of provincial income tax for 60 percent of people” and “up to $2,050 in savings per taxpayer and will make the first $50,000 of income tax-free for all residents.” The party estimates the cost at $5.4 billion annually.

Jul 18, 2024 | policyoptions.irpp.org | Shaimaa Yassin |Gillian Petit |Yasmin Abraham

Income and wealth inequality is a persistent and growing challenge in Canada. This is occurring at a time when the cost of living has risen sharply and the lowest-income households find themselves without adequate income or savings to afford basic necessities. Action is urgently needed.

Apr 15, 2024 | canadianinquirer.net | Gillian Petit

Low-income Canadians are struggling and urgently need more support. This is not news. Provincial welfare benefits, which provide money to buy food and other necessities, have been below Canada’s official poverty line since at least 2013. But the situation has become considerably worse because of the post-pandemic surge in inflation. In Ontario, where the official poverty line was $27,631 in 2022, a single working-age adult received $10,253 in welfare income.

Apr 15, 2024 | policyoptions.irpp.org | Gillian Petit

Low-income Canadians are struggling and urgently need more support. This is not news. Provincial welfare benefits, which provide money to buy food and other necessities, have been below Canada’s official poverty line since at least 2013. But the situation has become considerably worse because of the post-pandemic surge in inflation. In Ontario, where the official poverty line was $27,631 in 2022, a single working-age adult received $10,253 in welfare income.

Oct 11, 2023 | irpp.org | Rachel Samson |Garima Talwar Kapoor |David Green |Gillian Petit

This chapter was published in Basic Income and a Just Society: Policy Choices for Canada’s Social Safety Net. We Nisga’a have always organized our lives and society around a concept called Saytk’ilh Wo’osim, which means “Our Common Bowl.” Under this principle, it is understood that since everyone relies on the same resources and community, all must contribute. It’s about sharing energy, wisdom, spirit, joy, and sadness and it touches all aspects of life. It means no one gets left behind.