Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Launches 2025 Tax Clinic Volunteer Drive

Grey and Bruce CountyON – [5 Nov 2025] — With tax season around the corner the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force is urgently seeking volunteers for the 2025 Community Volunteer Income Tax Program/Canada Revenue Agency (CVITP/CRA).

Help Unlock Life-Changing Benefits: Volunteer Today

The CVITP provides free tax filing support to low-income individuals, seniors, people with disabilities, newcomers, and others facing barriers to tax filing. Without these supports, many people miss out on thousands of dollars in refundable benefits.

“We’re not just filing taxes—we’re opening doors to vital programs like the Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credits, and now the Canada Dental Care Plan,” said Jill Umbach, Coordinator of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force. “We’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as filing taxes can stabilize someone’s life.”

In 2025, the CVITP/CRA reported that 41,400 people were eligible for the program in Grey Bruce. (CRA Statistics, Aug 2025). In Grey Bruce:

  • Volunteers helped 3,910 people file 4,410 tax returns.
  • $13,671,000 was returned to people in refunds and benefits – a direct reinvestment in household stability and community well-being. The average dollar value/tax return was calculated at $3,100.00 based on 2023 GB CVITP Network research.
  • $488,750 was saved for 3,910 people using our average rate for paying to have your taxes done at $125/person.

No experience is needed. Volunteers receive training, CRA certification, and ongoing support. Flexible in-person and virtual roles are available across Bruce and Grey Counties.

Interested? Visit Volunteer4BGTaxes.ca

Local Impact, National Importance

The Bruce Grey CVITP Network supports a regional network of volunteers to extend services beyond the traditional tax season. In partnership with MP Alex Ruff’s office, local volunteers, Hanover Public Library, Bruce County Public Library and social service agencies, the CVITP is more than a seasonal program—it is a tool for year-round financial empowerment.

“We see this as financial first aid,” added Umbach. “When someone files their taxes for the first time in years and gets a refund or qualifies for dental coverage or housing benefits—it’s transformative.”

How to Get Involved

  • Volunteer: Sign up to prepare and file returns; and/or assist clinics at Volunteer4BGTaxes.ca
  • Spread the word: Help connect isolated or vulnerable community members to services.  Call 211 or go to:FreeTaxClinics.ca

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

News Release: Grey Bruce Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Case Study released

October 17th is the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This is a day devoted to presenting and promoting concrete activities for the eradication of poverty.

Poverty is a violation of human rights. We need to come together to ensure that these rights are respected.

The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force along with the United Way of Bruce Grey and The Grey Bruce Community Foundation are thrilled to release a Grey Bruce Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Case Study. The study focused on the free income tax programs offered at The Meeting Place/Tobermory and the South East Grey Community Health Centre in Grey Bruce.

Together, The Meeting Place CVITP and South East Grey Community Health Centre CVITP helped 332 residents access over $1 million ($1,165,528) in income benefits, tax credits and refunds across 5 municipalities. On average, each beneficiary received $3,100 ($3,099.81).

The Meeting Place helped 62 individuals in North Bruce Peninsula access $281,932 in income benefits, tax credits and refunds after filing 76 returns. On average, each beneficiary received $3,710 ($3,709.63) with some individuals filing more than 1 year.

South East Grey Community Health Centre helped 270 individuals in 4 municipalities (Southgate, Grey Highlands, West Grey and Chatsworth) access $883,596 in income benefits, tax credits and refunds after filing 300 returns. On average, each beneficiary received $2,945 ($2,945.32).

There are 14 organizations throughout Bruce and Grey Counties that are registered with the CRA, to provide free income tax services. In 2022, 3,550 returns were filed by 3,050 individuals in Bruce, Grey and Huron Counties. Based on the findings of this Case Study, the overall CVITP contributed to a potential return of $11 million to households in 3 Counties.

“There are too many people across Grey Bruce facing poverty and in need of support. The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program has been instrumental in assisting many constituents file their taxes to ensure they have access to important government benefits and entitlements. This latest study shows just how impactful this program along with our dedicated community volunteers are in helping those in need. My thanks to all those involved for #makingadifference.”- MP Alex Ruff.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty’s 2023 theme is Decent Work and Social Protection. Being able to file your income tax and receive additional financial benefits has a significant impact on local people enduring poverty.

For local people, filing their taxes is a significant opportunity to gain further income and supports for their household.

The Poverty Task Force is encouraging people who are interested in volunteering with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program to connect with local Grey Bruce organizations listed at: www.freetaxclinics.ca

Learn more:

• Free Income Tax Clinic Information page of 211
• Poverty 101
• Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Support to Community Income Tax Services
• UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty