A basic income provides regular payments to certain, eligible recipients with no conditions attached. Basic income trials have been attempted most recently in northern European countries such as Finland. Proponents, like Weaver, argue that the giving people a basic income — whether they are employed or not — provides income security and reduces anxiety among the unemployed. The committee will also consider how basic-income principles might be used to improve the existing income support system, he said. But critics worry that basic income could be added on top of the existing welfare system and the cost would be prohibitive.

Source: CBC News January 02, 2019 12:56 UTC