Basic income class action lawsuit takes another step forward

A class action lawsuit launched by four Lindsay, Ontario residents – Dana Bowman, Grace Marie Doyle Hillion, Susan Lindsay, and Tracey Mechefske – who participated in the Ontario Basic Income Pilot, has advanced to the notification stage. The lawsuit was initially certified in March 2024, and a formal notice of certification has now been distributed to all class members. According to class counsel from Cavalluzzo LLP, the case will proceed to a common issues trial where the court will determine the legal issues certified in the case. Class members will receive information about the lawsuit, upcoming steps, and the option to opt out.

The Ontario Basic Income Pilot, initiated in 2017 under the Kathleen Wynne Liberal government, provided payments to eligible individuals and families to ensure a minimum income level, regardless of employment status. The pilot program was abruptly cancelled in March 2019 by the subsequent Conservative government led by Doug Ford, despite prior commitments to allow it to run its full three-year course, leaving many participants in financial hardship.

If successful at the common issues trial, the lawsuit will move to a final stage where an adjudicator will determine individual compensation amounts for each class member. Participants in the pilot received up to $16,989 annually for single individuals, $24,027 for couples, plus additional funds for those with disabilities, with benefits reduced by 50 cents for every dollar earned.

(Source：Lindsay Advocate)