Article

PSAC strike will hit low-income Calgarians, newcomers the hardest, advocates say

The uncertainty caused by the strike may hit those living in poverty the hardest says VCC

19 April 2023

Public Service Alliance of Canada workers hit the picket lines and the strike is expected to have impacts on those living on low incomes due to an inability to file taxes and applications for programs and services being delayed. VCC's Meaghon Reid discussed the issues with the Calgary Herald.

“The only certainty we have is that there is uncertainty. For people that live in poverty, any amount of uncertainty is really hard to weather.” Meaghon explained that filing taxes is required to access many federal and provincial programs such as carbon tax and GST rebates, income supports and the Alberta Affordability program. As much as 40% of income for families living on social assistance is received through benefits accessed through tax returns.

Even though CRA is suggesting people file online to avoid delays, it's not an option for many because of access to technology and gaps in digital literacy for some explained Meaghon.

Read the full article: PSAC strike will hit low-income Calgarians, newcomers the hardest, advocates say

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Tax filing help

The personal income tax system in Canada has become an important way for the government to deliver income support benefits, like the Canada Child Benefit and GST refunds. By not filing, many individuals and families may be losing out on thousands of dollars in benefits. Help is available to help you file.

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