"The goal [of the Regent Debate series] is to develop a marquee platform for serious discussion on issues that are critical to Canada's future... How governments should respond to support workers buffeted by the stormy seas of technological change is really at the heart of tonight's discussion. It is complex and a timely subject. So I think tonight will be fun. It should be informative and thought-provoking."
- Aaron Regent speaking at the inaugural Regent Debate
On April 11th, 2018 the C.D. Howe Institute hosted its inaugural Regent Debate, where four prominent voices sparred over the following question: Should Western democracies, such as Canada, establish a universal basic income to help their citizens cope with the disruptive effects of new technologies and artificial intelligence?
Paul Begala (Political Commentator, CNN, and Former Aide to President Clinton), and Hugh Segal (Hugh Segal, Principal, Massey College, and Former Senator) represented the affirmative, and Conrad Black (Founder, National Post) and Dr. Janice MacKinnon (Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a member of the Order of Canada, and a former Saskatchewan Finance Minister) represented the negative.
Below are links to a video of the night's proceeedings, op-eds from the debaters, as well as Inteligence Memos that summarize the main arguments and rebuttals made by speakers on both sides of the debate.
For more information on future debates in this series, please visit the "Essential Events" section of cdhowe.org.
Watch the Full Video
Watch the Regent Debate in its entirety, as Paul Begala, Hugh Segal, Conrad Black, and Dr. Janice MacKinnon debate the merits of universal basic income.
Opinion
A basic universal income in Canada is more realistic than you think - Hugh Segal in Maclean's
Prosperous societies have a duty to explore a universal basic income, and we’re already testing the idea here in Canada. Read Hugh Segal's Opinion piece in Maclean's.
Western democracies are ready for some fresh ideas; here are a few - Conrad Black in the National Post
There are better methods of achieving the admirable goal of the elimination of poverty than just pouring out cash and paying for it by tax increases, writes Conrad Black in the National Post.
Intelligence Memos
The Regent Debate: Paul Begala - The Case for Universal Basic Income
Universal basic income is a concept so simple, so direct, so obvious that even politicians are beginning to understand it. Read Paul Begala's (edited) opening comments.
The Regent Debate: Conrad Black - The Case Against a Universal Basic Income
The idea [of universal income] has the superficial attractions of simplicity and egalitarianism, but that's not where it leads. Read Conrad Black's (edited) opening comments.
The Regent Debate: Janice MacKinnon - The Case Against a Universal Basic Income
Today we are facing what has been called the "fourth Industrial Revolution," in which AI and new technologies will cause significant job displacement. What is required to meet this challenge is not a one-size-fits-all universal payment to all people but an approach that targets a specific problem: the need to transition people into new careers. Read Dr. Janice MacKinnon's (edited) opening comments.
The Regent Debate: Hugh Segal - The Case for a Universal Basic Income
We can actually solve poverty by topping up the incomes of people who live beneath the poverty line so they can live a slightly better life. Read Hugh Segal's (edited) opening comments.
The Regent Debate: Paul Begala and Janice MacKinnon - Rebuttals
Read the condenced rebuttals from Paul Begala and Janice MacKinnon.
The Regent Debate: Hugh Segal and Conrad Black - Rebuttals
Read the condenced rebuttals from Hugh Segal and Conrad Black.