basic income for six months beginning this fall.That figure is the upper range of the scenarios the budget watchdog was asked to research as part of a report out this morning.The idea of providing a basic income to Canadians has taken on more steam as millions have watched their jobs or earnings evaporate in the COVID-19 pandemic, and the federal spending of about $174 billion to provide a financial floor for individuals and businesses.The cost for the federal government could range between $47.5 billion and $98.1 billion for six months of a granted basic income beginning in October, depending on how much is clawed back as incomes rise.Budget officer Yves Giroux’s report says the average benefit to Canadians aged 18 to 64 would range.