Notes from the "Income" working group at
the Assembly to End Poverty Feb 1, 2003, Victoria, BC

In 2003 there was an Assembly To End Poverty in Victoria BC. Over 100 people attended from around the province even though the event was organized on a shoe string. There were several working groups to discuss various aspects of poverty including this working group on "Income" that had 20 participants with from variety a variet of backgrounds including: anti-poverty, environment, disability and faith. Participants first discussed and brainstormed ideas about guaranteed income and then worked to create a joint statement that all participants agreed with that was then shared with the larger group. This is the final statement that was created by the workshop participants.

  • There needs to be a new definition of the idea of work in order, to recognize people have value just because they are people regardless of their "productivity"
  • The first and foremost priority of our global society must be to meet the essential needs of all its members. Recognize we are obliged to do so.
  • That we urgently need a guaranteed income to do this but it must be at a level high enough to meet people's essential needs necessary for health.
  • That what are "essential needs necessary to health" must be defined. That there are primary needs, food, shelter, clothes, clean air and water. Other things that are necessary for health need further discussion. After these needs are met, cultural and spiritual needs can be attended to. (all this needs a group to work on definitions)
  • Also that essential needs includes a healthy sustainable environment.
  • First nations sovereignty must be included in any implementation of a guaranteed income.
  • It would have to be global (happen around the world) and universal.
  • It would be a way to implement the principles in the   UN Declaration of Human Rights.
  • NOTE : SOCIAL CONDITION OR A SIMILAR EXPRESSION IS IN INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AS A GROUND FOR WHICH THERE SHALL NOT BE DISCRIMINATION
  • Take into account other cultures definitions of hierarchy of needs. (Medicine wheel and also Maslow's hierarchy of needs.)
  • When we have our basic needs met , it fosters self development, community building, subsistence (growing food), self-sufficiency, creativity and their could be less emphasis on money.
  • Meeting people's essential needs also provides societal stability.
  • It would be a way to have recognition for values that are not monetary.
  • We should create and promote a Canadian vision that includes global reality.
  • Focus on "living" - not "working".
  • Redefine work using Maria Mies definition as a guideline:   "only that work will be called productive that really produces, maintains and enhances life"
  • Communicate with all diverse groups and listen to each other. (don't overly rely on internet as many people do not have computers)
  • Recognize that education must be combined with action to create change.
  • Possible contention - that most people don't care about the environment. Several people disagreed with that statement.

Recorded by INCOME group facilitator C.A. L'Hirondelle;
Notes were taken from flip chart paper and typed for distribution.

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