Many Canadians have lost jobs but have been saved from financial ruin during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A major contributor has been the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), providing $500 a week for those who have lost their income. As of May 7, the federal government has received 11.21 million applications for the benefit.

Now, some are hoping the government keeps that type of social assistance around.

Two-thirds of Manitobans in a recent poll from Basic Income Manitoba say they would support a universal basic income for those in need — pandemic or not.

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