Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Income Security, Media, Poverty Task Force

Don’t Miss Out: Filing Your Taxes Could Unlock the Financial Support You Need

July 22, 2026 – Bruce Grey, Ontario – For many Canadians, tax season is viewed as something to simply check off the list each year. But for individuals and families living on a low income, filing an income tax return can be one of the most important financial decisions they make.

United Way of Bruce Grey is encouraging all eligible residents to file their income taxes, even if they earned little or no income. Filing a tax return is the key to unlocking valuable government benefits (Many available in the month of July) and credits that can help cover the cost of everyday essentials such as food, housing, transportation, and raising a family.

Many federal and provincial benefit programs require an up-to-date tax return to determine eligibility. Without filing, people may miss out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars in financial support each year.

Benefits that may be available to eligible individuals and families include:
• Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST Credit) – July 3 and October 5
• Canada Workers Benefit – July 10
• Ontario Trillium Benefit – July 10
• Canada Child Benefit – July 20

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) also notes that filing on time helps ensure benefit payments continue without interruption. While late filers can still receive eligible payments after their return is assessed, those payments may be delayed. People who have not filed for previous years may also qualify for retroactive benefit payments once outstanding returns have been submitted and processed.

“Many people assume there’s no reason to file if they didn’t earn enough income to owe taxes,” said Garit Reid, Fundraising Lead at United Way of Bruce Grey. “In reality, filing a tax return can open the door to financial supports that make a meaningful difference for individuals and families who are already stretching every dollar.”

According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), filing taxes is about much more than reporting income. It is how the government determines eligibility for many benefit and credit programs that help Canadians manage rising living costs. Beginning each July, benefit amounts are recalculated based on the previous year’s tax return.

United Way of Bruce Grey recognizes that filing taxes can feel overwhelming, particularly for seniors, newcomers, individuals experiencing financial hardship, or those who have never filed before. Fortunately, free tax clinics are available in many communities through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), helping eligible individuals complete their returns at no cost.

“No one should miss out on benefits simply because they didn’t know they had to file,” Reid added. “A tax return is more than paperwork. It can be the first step toward greater financial stability.”

  • To learn more about available benefits, visit Canada.ca/taxes
  • Call 211 to find the nearest free tax clinic.
  • Click here to see the Grey Bruce 211 free tax clinics list.
  • To get a complete list of each benefits payment date on Service Canada, click here.
  • Prosper Canada also has a Benefits Wayfinder that can help guide you to government benefits you may be eligible for.
Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Advocacy, Food Security Action Group, Income Security, Income Security Action Group, Poverty Task Force

Written Submission to the Federal 2026 Pre-Budget Consultation

Between 2021 and 2023, 18.3% of households in Grey Bruce experienced food insecurity, an increase from 17.5% in 2020. At the same time, the cost of groceries has become unaffordable for many families. In 2024, a family of four required approximately $1,250 per month for groceries alone.

These are not just statistics —they show a crisis in our communities rooted in poverty, policy, and systemic inequality. Food insecurity is not a matter of charity. It is a matter of justice.

The Poverty Task Force’s recent Written Submission to the Federal 2026 Pre-Budget Consultation urges the Government of Canada to take immediate action in its 2026 Budget to address rising poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and economic inequality in rural communities. Across Grey and Bruce Counties, local organizations are facing unprecedented demand for emergency food programs, housing supports, and financial assistance while families struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living.

Rural communities are increasingly being asked to compensate for gaps in public policy through charitable food programs and emergency supports. While these programs are vital, they cannot replace strong income security systems, affordable housing, accessible childcare, and equitable social supports.

Food insecurity, homelessness, and poverty are not caused by individual failure. They are the result of inadequate incomes, unaffordable housing, low wages, and insufficient public investment in social infrastructure. Budget 2026 presents an opportunity for the federal government to strengthen Canada’s social safety net and ensure that all Canadians can meet their basic needs with dignity.

A Call to Action

Food insecurity, homelessness, and poverty are not caused by individual failure. They are the result of inadequate incomes, unaffordable housing, low wages, and insufficient public investment in social infrastructure. Budget 2026 presents an opportunity for the federal government to strengthen Canada’s social safety net and ensure that all Canadians can meet their basic needs with dignity.

The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force recommends the following federal priorities:

  • Improve transportation and employment opportunities for youth.
  • Reduce household food insecurity through stronger income supports and investments in equitable food systems.
  • Strengthen the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
  • Increase the Canada Disability Benefit to end disability poverty.
  • Simplify and expand eligibility for disability-related federal benefits.
  • Invest in affordable childcare and the early learning workforce.
  • Expand affordable and supportive housing in rural communities.
Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Advocacy, Community Updates, Income Security

Poverty Task Force/United Way Community Update # 211

There has been a lot of work happening over the Summer of 2024. And while we may think that we are constantly “holding the line” or “trying to keep people from dying”, the work has not gone unnoticed. We want to recognize all our partners who are on the frontlines of saving lives, feeding the hungry and keeping people housed.

The deepening homelessness and opioid crisis has been on every agenda and will continue to be so as rates of poverty and homelessness increases. We need leadership from all sectors and all levels of government to work together with all social sectors to address the issues.

MUNICIPAL ENGAGEMENT 

INCOME SECURITY UPDATES

Four key takeaways:

  • Deep inadequacy: In 2023, welfare incomes remained deeply inadequate. 55 out of 56 (98%) of households were in poverty, with 40 of them (71%) living in deep poverty.
  • Federal contribution: Despite the need, the federal government’s support for households receiving social assistance remained minimal.
  • Cost-of-living impact: The expiration of temporary cost-of-living-related payments in 2023 negatively affected households.
  • Growing gap: Income support investments varied across jurisdictions. Some made improvements, while others lagged.

FOOD SECURITY UPDATES

  • Food insecurity continues to grow in our region. Since January 2020 to the end of August 2024, Grey Bruce community meal programs have reported over 800,000 meals were distributed. 115,000 meals were distributed in 2023.  All Dashboards | Food Bruce Grey
  • OSHaRE Community Meal Program:  17,000 meals were distributed in the month of July 2024 and 17,500 meals in August 2024 compared to 20,000 meals distributed over the whole year in 2020. In 2024, OSHaRE  shared 146,625 meals with the community. 
  • Family Assist Market (FAM): is held bi-weekly at OSHaRE/Owen Sound. It has grown from 4 families to 80 families since its startup in June 2024. The FAM provides access to community support services with multiple agencies as well as food hampers (Good Food Box/The Salvation Army) and large family size meals from OSHaRE. 
  • Grey Bruce Good Food Box: has released a new flyer for the Fall season. Hanover GFB has a new host organization at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Chatsworth GFB is amalgamating with Owen Sound GFB. Orders and pickup can be made through Owen Sound GFB at OSHARE. Good Food Box – United Way of Bruce Grey
  • Feed Ontario: has released 2024 Hunger Report saw a 25% increase in food bank visits over last year.   https://feedontario.ca/news/ontarians-are-drowning-amid-surging-affordability-crisis/  Feed Ontario has the latest food bank usage data for each municipality at: Hunger in my Riding – Feed Ontario
  • National School Food Policy: describes the long-term vision for school food programs in Canada, as well as the guiding principles and objectives that will help make this vision a reality. It lays the groundwork for a future where all children can have access to nutritious school meals.   Newfoundland and Labrador has become the first province in Canada to sign on to the federal government’s school food program.  4624-National_School_Food_Policy-E.pdf (canada.ca)

HOUSING SECURITY UPDATES

Thanks to Pam Hanington for pulling together these latest Housing Reports. 

Stay well, Jill