Despite many recent years of economic growth, high levels of poverty have persisted in Canada, says Dr. Jim Mulvale, faculty member and head of the Department of Justice Studies. He thinks now is the time to revisit a simple but powerful idea - guaranteed or basic income for all.

Mulvale, who is currently involved in launching BIEN Canada - the national affiliate of the Basic Income Earth Network - says that guaranteed or basic income for all would assure a modest but dignified standard of living for everyone, with none of the stigmatization of traditional income security programs such as social assistance or unemployment insurance. 

"Individuals would make choices about labour market participation, rather than being compelled to work for pay," says Mulvale.  "Basic Income has the potential to eliminate poverty, give us real control over our time, and enable our more meaningful participation in family life and community betterment.  It can also contribute to a green future, in which quality of life takes precedence over accumulating wealth and increasing our consumption." 

Mulvale will present his argument on Thurs., Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Chapters bookstore behind the Southland Mall (2625 Gordon Road). This will kick off the University of Regina's Faculty of Arts' popular Coffee House Controversies series.

Now in its fourth year, the annual lecture series aims to bring the research interests of Faculty of Arts members to the community.

"We're excited to launch the new season of the Coffee House Controversies series," says Dr. Tom Chase, Dean of Arts. "The series provides a forum in which our Faculty of Arts professors can engage the community around us in discussions about social, economical and cultural issues of outmost importance. At the same time, it's a great opportunity for us to showcase the leading research that is happening at the University of Regina."

Coffee House Controversies speakers give an informal 20-minute talk focusing on a controversial topic of interest to the general public. The talks are intended to encourage the open exchange of ideas. Twenty minutes of discussion follows each talk, during which members of the general public can ask questions or raise issues with the speaker or other audience members.

The events are free and open to the public. Contact the Faculty of Arts at 585-4226 for more information.