“Class action lawsuit over cancelled Ontario basic income pilot could take years to resolve
It’s been five years since the start of the class action seeking millions for the early cancellation of Ontario’s basic income pilot, and lead counsel Stephen Moreau from Cavalluzzo LLP admits that resolution may still be far off.
With the recent payment of $320,000 by the province to cover legal fees, Moreau suggested that a settlement is not imminent.
“This began five years ago. How long will it take? Possibly more years,” Moreau said.
The class action was filed in 2019 by four residents of Lindsay, Ont., who were part of the pilot, alleging a breach of contract by the government.
The judge certified the class action in late March.
Next step: The discovery process
Moreau highlighted the upcoming discovery process, where he hopes to gain insight into the government’s decision to cancel the initiative in 2018.
“And then we get to examine some Ontario representative witnesses to figure out more about what happened,” Moreau said.
The basic income pilot was introduced in 2017 by the Ontario Liberals to complement existing poverty reduction strategies in the province.
The impact on participants
Initially involving 6,000 Ontarians in three cities, the pilot offered a monthly basic income in exchange for participation in a research project.
In 2018, the program was criticized by the Ministry of Community and Social Services for not encouraging independence and productivity.
Supporters like photographer Jessie Golem shared how the pilot provided financial security to pursue personal goals.
Positive outcomes of the pilot
Despite its short duration, the pilot showed positive effects on recipients’ health, employment, and overall well-being.
Researchers found improvements in physical and mental health, labor market participation, housing stability, and financial status among recipients.
Moreau remains uncertain about the possibility of a settlement with the government, as dialogue on the matter has been minimal.
Conclusion
The uncertainty surrounding the resolution of the class action lawsuit exemplifies the complexity of the issue and the varying perspectives on the impact and effectiveness of the basic income pilot in Ontario.
As stakeholders on both sides continue to debate the merits of the program, the ultimate outcome of the legal battle remains uncertain.
