Sharp increase in those favouring minimum income
Idea especially favoured by young males
TORONTO
February 18th, 2016 - In a random sampling of public opinion taken
by the Forum Poll™ among 1406 Canadian voters, more than a third favour the
introduction of a guaranteed annual minimum income to replace other state
supports like social assistance, unemployment and pensions (36%), a sharp
increase from the last time we polled this question four years ago (November
2012 - 27%). Fewer than this oppose the idea (33%) and a similar proportion
don’t share an opinion (31%). The basic income is especially favoured by the
youngest (44%), males (44%), the least wealthy (45% - often a proxy for youth),
in Atlantic Canada and Quebec (42% each) but not so much in Alberta (25%),
among Liberals (44%) and New Democrats (45%) but not among Conservatives (21%).
“The
longer our economic difficulties persist, the more attractive the idea of a
basic income for all citizens becomes. It is, naturally, not as popular with
small “c” conservatives, who no doubt see it as money for nothing, but it is
very popular with youth and those in Quebec and the Atlantic,” said Forum
Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff.
Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is the president and
founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com
or at (416) 960-9603.
