Bill S-206 explained in plain English
An Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 45th Parliament, 1st Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
Bill S-206 requires the federal government to create a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income, including consultation with stakeholders and regular reporting to Parliament.
Bill S-206 proposes a federal framework for a guaranteed livable basic income for all Canadians over 17. The Minister of Finance must develop this framework, consult with federal, provincial, Indigenous, and other stakeholders, and include measures like regional income calculations, health/social support standards, no work requirements for eligibility, and protections for exceptional needs. The Minister must table an initial report within one year of the bill taking effect and conduct annual reviews every two years thereafter.
- Mandates the Minister of Finance to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income for all Canadians over 17
- Requires consultation with federal, provincial, Indigenous, and other stakeholders including health ministers, Indigenous governing bodies, and experts
- Specifies the framework must include regional livable income calculations, national health/social support standards, no work requirements for eligibility, and protections for exceptional needs
- Requires the Minister to table an initial report within one year of the bill taking effect
- Mandates annual reviews every two years after the initial report with findings and recommendations
- Federal government (Minister of Finance)
- Provincial governments
- Indigenous governments and communities
- Health and social service providers
- Individuals and families over 17 in Canada
- Parliament (House of Commons and Senate)
- The bill does not specify exact income amounts or eligibility criteria
- Implementation details and funding mechanisms are not defined in the bill
- The exact scope of 'livable basic income' calculations is left to the Minister's discretion
- No penalties are specified for non-compliance with reporting requirements
Creates a legal framework for developing and implementing a guaranteed livable basic income program across Canada
Source: Section 1 (Short Title)
Defines jurisdictional responsibilities of federal, provincial, and Indigenous governments in implementing the basic income program
Source: Section 3(3)
Requires the Minister to table reports with Parliament within specific timeframes
Source: Section 4(1) and 5
Generated using AI from official bill text. Not legal advice. It is written by PoliticalData.ca for civic education, automatically checked and spot-reviewed before publishing.
Official textParliamentary Process
The Senate completed the first reading of Bill S-206 on May 28, 2025, formally introducing it for further committee consideration.
This record documents the Senate's first reading of Bill S-206 on May 28, 2025. The first reading is a procedural step where the bill was introduced and referred to a committee for further consideration. The bill, which proposes a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income, is now at the committee stage in the Senate. No legislative changes were made during this stage.
The Senate debate covers the introduction of bills, questions about official languages appointments, trade disputes, and a reference to the Speech from the Throne.
The Senate debate transcript includes several key topics. First, there is a welcome to new senators, followed by the introduction of bills S-211 and S-212. A senator raises a question about the appointment of the Commissioner of Official Languages, which the government responds to by citing the 2023-2024 budget. Another senator questions the government's stance on interprovincial trade disputes, and the government acknowledges the complexity of such issues. Finally, a speech from the throne is referenced, with a note on land acknowledgment practices.
Bill S-206 completed its Senate second reading on June 4, 2025, advancing to committee consideration, with no legal effect from this procedural stage.
Bill S-206, which proposes a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income, has completed its Senate second reading stage on June 4, 2025. This procedural step allowed the bill to advance to the next stage of committee consideration. The bill was later referred to a Senate committee on November 6, 2025, marking the latest activity in its process. The first reading occurred on May 28, 2025, and the second reading was conducted during Sitting 6. No legal changes were enacted at this stage, as it only involved procedural movement through the legislative process.
The Senate debated multiple bills on June 4, 2025, covering guaranteed income programs, child/youth support, and tax reforms, with no recorded votes or final decisions.
The Senate debated several bills on June 4, 2025, focusing on social welfare and policy reforms. Key discussions included: 1. Bill S-209 (Guaranteed Income): Senator Bovey introduced the bill, emphasizing its potential to reduce poverty and provide financial stability. The debate highlighted concerns about implementation and funding. 2. Bill S-210 (Guaranteed Income for Children): Senator Ataullahjan proposed this bill to address child poverty, with discussion centered on eligibility criteria and long-term impacts. 3. Bill S-211 (Guaranteed Income for Seniors): Senator Bovey again spoke, focusing on supporting elderly Canadians and addressing income inequality. 4. Bill S-212 (National Strategy for Children and Youth): Senator Ataullahjan outlined the bill's aim to create a comprehensive strategy for children and youth, with debate on resource allocation and program design. 5. Bill S-217 (Amending the Canada Revenue Agency Act): Senator Downe discussed reforms to the CRA Act, including changes to tax administration and compliance measures. A silent tribute was held in memory of Senator Marc Garneau, acknowledging his contributions to the Senate. No votes or final outcomes were recorded in the provided text.
The Senate debated multiple bills on June 4, 2025, focusing on social welfare reforms, healthcare access, pension sustainability, and tax transparency, with recurring calls for national strategies to address systemic challenges.
The Senate debates on June 4, 2025, focused on several bills addressing social welfare, healthcare, and pension sustainability. Key themes included: 1. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Senators discussed the need for a living wage for seniors and children, emphasizing the financial burden on vulnerable populations. Calls for a national poverty strategy were repeated across multiple bills. 2. Canada Pension Plan (CPP): Repeated debates highlighted concerns about the CPP's long-term sustainability, with senators urging a national strategy for retirement security and intergenerational equity. 3. Canada Health Act: Discussions centered on equitable healthcare access, with senators referencing the Canada Health Act's role in ensuring universal coverage and addressing disparities. 4. Tax Transparency: Bills related to the Canada Revenue Agency Act (CRA) focused on combating overseas tax evasion, closing the tax gap, and improving transparency through CRA reforms. 5. Procedural Note: A silent tribute was paid to Marc Garneau, a former House colleague, during the session. Each debate emphasized the need for comprehensive, long-term strategies to address systemic issues in social programs and public services.
The Senate debated Bill S-206 during its second reading on October 23, 2025, with Senator MacDonald highlighting its proposed framework for a national basic income, though no legal changes were made at this procedural stage.
On October 23, 2025, the Senate conducted a sitting during the second reading debate of Bill S-206, which proposes a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income for individuals over 17. The debate included remarks from Senator Michael L. MacDonald, who acknowledged Senator Pate’s advocacy for poverty alleviation and referenced historical discussions about basic income concepts by economists like Milton Friedman and political figures like Robert Stanfield. He emphasized the bill’s significance as a framework for implementation, though no legal changes were enacted during this procedural stage. The debate did not address the bill’s full provisions or outcomes, as the second reading is a formal step in the legislative process. Further stages would be required for the bill to progress. [Source: https://sencanada.ca/en/content/sen/chamber/451/debates/027db_2025-10-23-e?language=e]
The Senate debated Bill S-206's second reading, with a senator acknowledging its sponsor's work and outlining the bill's purpose without reaching a vote.
During the Senate's second reading debate of Bill S-206 (a national basic income framework), Senator Michael L. MacDonald acknowledged Senator Pate's advocacy for poverty alleviation and outlined the bill's goal: requiring the Minister of Finance to create a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income for Canadians over 17. He referenced historical support for the concept from economists and politicians but emphasized the bill's significance without specifying legal outcomes. The debate continued without a vote, as the stage state indicates the process was completed but no final decision was made.
The Senate debated amendments to the Indian Act, aquaculture in BC, Gaza humanitarian issues, and Indigenous child removals, with ministers emphasizing consultation and senators highlighting systemic inequities.
The Senate debates on October 28, 2025, focused on several key topics: (1) amendments to the Indian Act to address gender-based discrimination and the second-generation cut-off, (2) aquaculture development in British Columbia and its impact on Indigenous communities, (3) the humanitarian situation in Gaza, (4) the establishment of committees to study Indigenous rights and consultation processes, and (5) historical and ongoing issues related to the forcible removal of Indigenous children. The minister of Indigenous Affairs emphasized consultation with First Nations and the importance of balancing legal obligations with economic development, while senators raised concerns about systemic inequities and the need for legislative action. No votes or formal decisions were recorded in the provided text.
The Senate debated multiple motions and bills on November 4, 2025, including proposals to lower the voting age, address international law violations, and commemorate judicial independence, with speakers emphasizing policy impacts and procedural considerations.
The Senate debate transcript from November 4, 2025, includes discussions on several motions and bills. Key topics include: (1) Bill S-222, which proposes lowering the voting age to 16, with arguments about systemic barriers and democratic participation; (2) a motion by Senator Woo calling on the government to examine complicity in international law violations related to the Gaza situation; (3) Bill S-219, which would establish Judicial Independence Day; and (4) a motion to address the National War Memorial in Newfoundland. Speakers included Paulette Senior, Senator Dalphond, and others, with discussions focusing on policy implications and procedural motions.
The Senate debated Bill S-206 during its second reading, with focus on its potential to address poverty and economic growth, while also addressing routine procedural matters and ethics concerns.
On November 5, 2025, the Senate held a sitting during the second reading debate of Bill S-206, which proposes a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income. The debate included discussions about the bill's potential impact on economic growth, poverty reduction, and social programs. Senator Pat Duncan (Yukon) highlighted Yukon's experience with a guaranteed income pilot program, referencing a 2019 report and a subsequent review by the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition. The debate also touched on comparisons with other provincial and federal initiatives, such as Bill C-233 and Bill S-233. Other parts of the sitting addressed routine procedural matters, including Budget 2025 updates, ethics concerns regarding Senate leadership roles, and various committee reports.
The Senate debated procedural motions, proposed legislation on basic income and voting age reforms, and environmental oversight, with significant disagreement over the Senate's authority to amend electoral laws.
The Senate debate transcript includes several key discussions and procedural motions. First, a motion was introduced to refer the Statutes Repeal Act for 2025 report to a committee for further review. This is a procedural step to analyze the bill's impact before potential passage. Next, there was significant debate around Bill S-206, which proposes a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income. The motion to adjourn the Senate until November 18, 2025, was mentioned, indicating a procedural delay to allow for further consideration. The debate also touched on the broader implications of the bill, with some senators emphasizing the need for a national approach to address income inequality. Moving to Bill S-222, which seeks to lower the voting age to 16, there was strong opposition from Senator Housakos, who argued that the Senate lacks the authority to amend the Elections Act and that such a change should be decided by the House of Commons. The debate highlighted concerns about democratic legitimacy and the role of the Senate in electoral reforms. Additionally, a motion was proposed to request a government response to the eighth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans regarding seal populations, showing the Senate's role in environmental oversight. The transcript also notes the passing of former Senator Peter MacKay, underscoring the personal impact of the event on the chamber. Overall, the debates reflect a mix of procedural actions, legislative proposals, and ideological disagreements on key policy issues.
Bill S-206, aiming to create a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income, is currently undergoing committee examination in the Senate, with no specific committee activity yet recorded.
The Senate is currently considering Bill S-206 in committee. This stage of the legislative process involves a committee examining the bill in detail. The provided text indicates that while the bill has been referred to a committee, there has been no specific activity recorded at this stage yet. The text also lists previous actions, including its first and second readings, and major speeches given during the second reading debate. Additionally, it mentions similar bills that were introduced in a previous parliamentary session.
Bill S-206, concerning a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income, has reached the Senate Report stage, which has not yet occurred, following its referral to committee.
This artifact describes the legislative process for Bill S-206, An Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income, in the Senate. The bill has reached the Senate Report stage, but this stage has not yet occurred. The latest activity recorded is its referral to a committee on November 6, 2025. The artifact also lists previous readings and major speeches given during the second reading stage in the Senate, as well as similar bills introduced in the past.
Bill S-206, concerning a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income, is awaiting its 'Third reading' in the Senate, a stage that has not yet been reached.
Bill S-206, which aims to create a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income, has reached the stage of 'Third Reading' in the Senate. However, this stage has not yet occurred. The bill was referred to committee on Thursday, November 6, 2025, after its second reading on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Several major speeches related to the bill were made during its second reading period. The artifact does not contain details on what will happen at the third reading, nor does it provide the full text of the bill or any amendments.
This record details the procedural step of 'First Reading' for Bill S-206 in the House of Commons, which has not yet occurred, while the bill is currently under consideration in a Senate committee.
This artifact describes the 'First Reading' stage for Bill S-206 in the House of Commons. This stage, labelled 'House of Commons First reading', has not yet been reached. The bill's current status is 'At consideration in committee in the Senate'. The record also notes that the bill had its First Reading on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, and its Second Reading on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. It also lists several major speeches given at the Second Reading stage in the Senate, including speeches by Senators Kim Pate and Michael L. MacDonald. Similar bills, S-233 and C-223, are also mentioned.
This record details the procedural steps of Bill S-206 in the House of Commons, noting its second reading stage has not yet occurred, while its current status is before a Senate committee, and it references similar past bills.
This artifact describes the procedural history of Bill S-206 in the House of Commons. It indicates that the 'House of Commons Second reading' stage has not yet been reached. The bill's current status is 'At consideration in committee in the Senate'. The artifact notes the bill's first reading on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, and scheduled second reading dates in the House of Commons on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, and October 23, 2025, as well as speeches on October 28, November 4, November 5, and November 6, 2025. It also lists two similar bills from a previous Parliament: S-233, which is currently at consideration in committee in the Senate, and C-223, which was defeated at first reading in the House of Commons.
This record indicates that Bill S-206 has not yet reached the Consideration in Committee stage in the House of Commons, despite its progress in the Senate.
This artifact describes the progress of Bill S-206, an Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income. While the current status indicates the bill is at the consideration in committee stage in the Senate, the provided text focuses on its journey through the House of Commons. Specifically, it notes that the 'House of Commons Consideration in committee' stage has not yet been reached. The record also lists past activities such as first and second readings in the Senate, and major speeches given during the second reading in the Senate. It also references similar bills from a previous Parliament.
Bill S-206, aiming to create a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income, has not yet reached the Report stage in the House of Commons and is currently under consideration in a Senate committee.
The provided text indicates that Bill S-206, concerning a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income, has not yet reached the Report stage in the House of Commons. The bill's current status is 'At consideration in committee in the Senate'. The text also lists past legislative activities such as First and Second Reading in the Senate, and major speeches delivered during those stages, along with sponsor information. It also references similar bills from a previous parliamentary session.
Bill S-206, aiming to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income, has not yet reached the Third Reading stage in the House of Commons and is currently under consideration in a Senate committee.
This artifact indicates that Bill S-206, concerning the development of a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income, has not yet reached the Third Reading stage in the House of Commons. The bill's current status is 'At consideration in committee in the Senate'. The provided text details the bill's progression, including its first and second readings in the Senate and major speeches given. It also lists similar bills from previous parliamentary sessions.
Debate and sitting links point to official parliamentary sources when LEGISinfo publishes them. Any plain-language discussion summaries should be generated from those official texts and reviewed before public display.
Vote Summary
This bill is still active. We only show vote counts after the legislature publishes a recorded division.
No published representative vote breakdown
This bill is still moving through the process. When a recorded division is published, representative positions can be listed here.
Official sources
Status, sponsor, votes, and timeline on this page are drawn from these official legislative sources and public records. Each summary above is attributed to its own source.
How this data is sourced