Majority approves of Ontario's basic income plan, many find $17,000 per year too little an amoun

In the fourth wave of the Campaign Research Poll, an online omnibus opinion survey conducted among 1,969 adult Canadians, more than half approve of Ontario’s experiment in basic income (53%), while fewer than a fifth disapprove (18%). As many as 3 in 10 have no opinion (29%). Support for a basic income pilot is highest among the youngest (59%), in Atlantic Canada (63%), among federal Liberals (62%) and New Democrats (63%), but not among Conservatives (41%). Opposition is strongest among males (22%) rather than females (15%), in Alberta (23%) and among federal Conservatives (31%).

$17K per year seen to be “about right” by half, seen as “too little” by 4 in 10

Among those who approve of a basic income, in total, less than one tenth (8%) think the stated pilot yearly income of $17,000 is “too much”. One half find it “about the right amount” (48%) and the remainder find it ”too little” (39%). As few as one twentieth don’t have an opinion (5%). Thinking the amount being spent is “too much” is characteristic of federal Conservatives (13%). Thinking $17,000 per annum is “too little” is common to boomers (55 to 64 - 44%), federal Green Party supporters (49%) and the less wealthy ($20K to $40K -43%).

“A basic income is seen to be a solution to a host of issues, including combatting poverty. It is interesting to see that support spans the country geographically, if not politically,” said Eli Yufest, CEO of Campaign Research. Eli may be reached at eyufest@campaignresearch.ca or at (647) 931-4025 ext 109.

METHODOLOGY

This online poll was conducted between May 9 and 13, 2017, among a sample of 1,969 adult Canadians. A probability sample of this size would have a margin of error of plus or minus 2%, 19 times out of 20.