In normal times, universal basic income is a bad idea. But it’s the wisest solution for COVID-19 economic strain

Ken Boessenkool is a partner in Kool Topp & Guy Public Affairs.

The government of Canada has responded to the economic crisis facing Canadian families by proposing to spend $27-billion dollars, by making existing programs easier to access (employment insurance); designing a new program (a new Emergency Care Benefit); expanding existing programs for students, seniors and Indigenous peoples among others; and allowing Canadians to defer filing and paying taxes.