TV crew in Lindsay to film episode of The Agenda on basic income

Lindsay was in the spotlight yesterday when TVO’s flagship show, The Agenda, was in town filming a special basic income episode.

The crew chose the Pie Eyed Monk on Cambridge Street to tape the show, which is still under development as a craft brewery and restaurant.

The three panelists who participated were Mike Perry, executive director of the City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team, Zita Devan, founder of A Place Called Home in Lindsay, and Roderick Benns, publisher of The Lindsay Advocate.

Last year, Mike Perry was chair of the Kawartha Lakes Food Coalition. He and his team are largely credited with convincing the Province to bring one of three basic income pilots to Lindsay.

A basic income ensures everyone an income sufficient to meet basic needs and live with dignity, regardless of work status.

The town is playing a vital role in Ontario’s basic income pilot, with about 10 per cent of the population expected to be registered with the program. Hamilton and Thunder Bay are also part of the pilot and will have about 1,000 participants each.

The TVO crew spent a lot of time at Boiling Over at the corner of Kent and Cambridge Streets, just a few steps away from where taping of the show would commence. Host Steve Paikin was seen interacting with many Lindsay residents at the coffee shop. Patrons of Boiling Over seemed happy to have a chance to say hello to the genial political affairs host.

Perry noted that having the basic income program here, along with increased media, gives the town more time on a provincial stage.

“We have a lot going on in Lindsay and the Kawartha Lakes and are very proud to showcase our success.”

Lindsay is showing a lot of support for the pilot, from MPP Laurie Scott, to Victoria County Career Services, and both Sir Sandford Fleming College and Trillium Lakelands District School Board.

The show airs next Monday night (Oct. 2) at 8 pm.