Council is calling for the establishment of a guaranteed liveable income. The resolution, passed last week, will be sent to the Ontario government and all 444 Ontario municipalities.

A guaranteed livable income (GLI) is a payment to individuals or families by government that covers the cost of basic necessities (food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and community participation). Recipients do not need to meet employment criteria to qualify.

Tabled by Councillor Bill Roberts, the motion notes the current Ontario minimum wage of $15.50 per hour is far less than what is considered a liveable wage in the Bay of Quinte, $19.05 per hour.

Local median incomes, the fixed incomes of those on Ontario Works ($733) as well as the Ontario Disability Support Programs ($1,376), along with the rate of poverty, the number of people on a waitlist for social housing, those using food banks, and the lack of affordable workforce housing are al indicators that point to a pressing need for a guaranteed livable income.

The most recent Vital Signs report indicates between 10 and 13 per cent of local residents are considered low-income, meaning they earn $36,000 or less before taxation. The County’s median income lags the provincial average by $7,500.

The motion also notes that 30 per cent of local residents are unable to afford either market-priced real estate or rental housing if the 30 per cent rule is in effect. That means no more than a third of gross annual income goes to housing costs.

“We all want to be poverty abolitionists. Nobody wins when poverty is rampant,” Mr. Roberts said, noting neighbouring municipalities are passing similar motions.

As many as 6,000 residents experience food insecurity at least once in the year. Local food bank use is up 26 per cent.

Too many residents in Prince Edward County are going hungry. Housing costs alone drain a larger-than-sustainable amount income from those near the edge.

Mr. Roberts said a recent survey indicated over 80 per cent of Canadians feel all levels of government should be doing more to help address those living in poverty.

“Hopefully, if this resolution passes, there will be an exploration of  what a liveable income is and we will be on the path toward an equitable and inclusive economy,” said Mr. Roberts.

Councillor Kate MacNaughton called the Ontario Disability amount “hunger benefits,” and the Ontario Worker’s amount “completely unliveable.” The poverty statistics here are an “incredible burden that drains the whole community.”

“A universal liveable income ensures no one gets lost in the cracks,” Ms. MacNaughton said. “If you look from social service provider to social service provider, people get lost in the cracks all the time. With a liveable income, they are protected.”

Councillor Roberts noted the assistance of County clerk Catalina Blumenberg in the crafting of the motion, which was near unanimous.