Mr. Speaker, more than 40,000 Canadians have signed a petition to support Motion No. 46, which calls on the federal government to replace CERB with a permanent guaranteed liveable basic income while strengthening our current and future government public services and programs. If there was ever a time to do this, it is now.
Support for Motion No. 46 crosses party lines. Many colleagues in the House have supported Motion No. 46, along with senators, PTOs and organizations from across the country. Income guarantees are not a new concept in Canada. OAS is an example, but it is not liveable and leaves many behind, including students, disabled persons, refugees, temporary foreign workers, and people dealing with serious mental health and trauma issues. We must uphold our Canadian charter and ensure all people are able to live with dignity and human rights in Canada.
Governing is about choices. We cannot afford to not care for people at this critical juncture. We must divest from corporate welfare and invest in people. It is time to support Motion No. 46.