The basic income project would replace social assistance payments administered by Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Segal's paper said.

Payments would work like a "negative income tax," topping up the incomes of individuals who make less than the province's Low Income Measure (LIM), which is set at around $22,000 in after-tax income for individuals and approximately $44,000 for families of four, the Toronto Star reported.

Low-income individuals would receive income top-ups to at least 75 per cent of the LIM, no matter what their status is in the labour market; people who obtain social assistance through Ontario Works receive about 45 per cent of the LIM, Segal noted.

Overall, Ontario would give low-income residents a minimum of $1,320, and they would also be able to keep some of the money they make from working.

People with disabilities would receive additional payments of at least $500, Segal said.