NEWS AND EVENTS
Community Builders in Action: Lanark Basic Income Network
Founded in the Spring of 2023, Lanark Basic Income Network (LBIN) is building awareness and support for basic income as a way to eradicate and prevent poverty and build income security so that people everywhere across the country can experience better physical, mental, social and spiritual health. According to LBIN Chair, Rob Rainer, though not a complete cure for all of today’s problems, basic income is a means toward realizing a better society.
Nearly 300 people from across Lanark County have signed up with LBIN as basic income supporters and, to date, 20 organizations have endorsed LBIN’s Statement of Principles. They include:
- Canadian Federation of University Women Perth and District;
- Family and Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville;
- Lanark County Community Justice;
- The Hunger Stop Food Bank;
- Rideau Community Health Services;
- and The Table Community Food Centre.
LBIN has also secured resolutions in support of basic income from municipal councils of Perth, Smiths Falls, and Tay Valley Township.
In partnership with Lanark County Interval House, LBIN hosted an event in Carleton Place last year which highlighted the connection between basic income and the financial security it could provide for women and children needing to escape domestic violence in their homes. LBIN has made presentations across Lanark County and staffed the LBIN booth at Perth’s Festival of the Maples in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
PDCF Community Grants have helped LBIN produce display materials, create and maintain the LBIN website, launch Facebook and Instagram accounts, and create LBIN merchandise (lawn signs, totes, pens.)
On Thursday May 21, 2026, LBIN will host: Basic Income: Perspectives form the Front Lines at Hanley Hall in Smiths Falls (30 McGill Street N. Free Event. Doors open at 6:30pm)
PDCF Executive Director Victoria Gibb-Carsley will moderate this dynamic roundtable featuring:
- Senator Kim Pate (former Executive Director of Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies and recipient of the Governor General’s Award)
- Sheila Regehr (Chair of Basic Income Canada Network)
- Shawn Pankow (Mayor of Smiths Falls)
- Elle Halladay (Executive Director of Cornerstone Landing Youth Services)
- Ashley Saunders (Falls Food Hub program lead for The Table)
This will be a great opportunity to gain national and local perspectives on basic income, to explore the positive impact a livable basic income guarantee could make for the people of our community, and to become engaged in the Canadian movement for basic income. Please come and bring a friend!
