Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

United Way of Bruce Grey and Community Partners Launch Financial Literacy Workshops to Support Seniors Living on Low Income

The United Way of Bruce Grey/Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force and community partners are expanding their commitment to senior well-being with a series of webinars designed to help older adults better understand and navigate retirement income.

Retiring on a Low Income for Seniors in Grey Bruce Webinarswill deliver a series of accessible webinars for seniors living with low-income and the professionals who support them in community hubs in Grey and Bruce Counties.

  • Friday, May 8th, 2026 10:30am-12:30pm: What Seniors Get (Government Incomes)
  • Friday, May 22nd, 2026 1030am-12:30pm: Income Tax Systems
  • Friday, June 5th, 2026 10:30am-12:30pm: Parallel Universe (the financial reality for low-income seniors, when conventional financial wisdom does not apply) 

These free webinars are designed for individuals aged 45 to 65, particularly those with low or moderate incomes, as well as those navigating programs such as Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.

Registration is requested to ensure space and availability at each location.

Expert-Led by Leading Policy Specialist

With thanks to funding from the Community Foundation Grey Bruce, we are pleased to bring John Stapleton, founder of Open Policy Ontario, a leading expert in income security and social policy to our screens.

John Stapleton brings 28 years of experience with the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services and has held key advisory roles on national poverty reduction strategies, income security and social assistance policy reform. He is currently a Policy Fellow at the National Institute on Ageing and has published extensively on financial security issues affecting seniors and low-income populations.

“John’s expertise ensures participants receive clear, practical guidance grounded in real-world policy and experience,” said Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director of United Way of Bruce Grey.

Addressing a Growing Need

With more than one-quarter (26.2%) of the local population aged 65 and older and many households earning below $72,500 annually, financial insecurity remains a significant concern in Grey and Bruce Counties.

Many seniors with low-income rely on programs such as Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), yet barriers such as program complexity can prevent them from accessing available government supports.

“These webinars are about helping seniors understand financial strategies for retiring better when faced with no other option but to retire low-income,” said Jill Umbach, Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force. “Join us to learn more, ask questions and access supports.” 

Community-Based and Accessible

Webinars will be hosted in-personat 11 community hubs:

  • South East Grey Community Health Centre (Dundalk and Markdale)
  • Beaver Valley Outreach (Thornbury)
  • Meaford Public Library (Meaford)
  • YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce (Owen Sound)
  • M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre (Owen Sound)
  • Ontario Disability Support Program/Ontario Works (Owen Sound)
  • The Salvation Army (Wiarton)
  • Bruce County Public Library (Kincardine and Port Elgin)
  • Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce (Hanover)

To find the details for each location and registration go to: Government Incomes for Seniors – United Way of Bruce Grey

About Open Policy Ontario

Open Policy Ontario is a social policy consultancy led by John Stapleton that focuses on research, analysis, and practical solutions to address poverty and income insecurity. The organization works to help governments, community agencies, and advocates better understand complex policy issues, particularly those related to social assistance, retirement income, and benefits systems. Open Policy Ontario

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

Press Release: Volunteers Drive $3.27M in Support for Grey Bruce Residents

Reducing Poverty Through Volunteers: The Impact of Community Volunteer Income Programs in Grey Bruce

The Grey Bruce Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Network continues to make a significant impact by providing free tax preparation services to low-income individuals and families across the region. In collaboration, local CVITP organizations, social service agencies, 211 Community Connections and the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force, support the program to connect residents with vital government benefits, credits, and refunds to alleviate financial challenges.

A new report, Reducing Poverty Through Volunteers: The Impact of CVITP in Grey Bruce, highlights the program’s success. “The CVITP is more than just a tax preparation service,” said Jill Umbach, Coordinator of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force. “It’s about empowering individuals and families by connecting them with the financial resources they’re entitled to.”

Counting the Dollar Impact

During the Grey Bruce CVITP Network Annual Gathering, three organizations—the Bruce County Public Library, South East Grey Community Health Centre, and The Meeting Place Tobermory—reported a combined $3,275,673 in benefits and refunds returned to households in 2023 Tax Season (Filed in March to June 2024).

“These numbers clearly show the positive impact of the CVITP program. Over $1.6 million in Bruce County alone is helping people cover essentials like housing, food, and utilities,” said Brooke McLean, Director of the Bruce County Public Library. “This program is one of the most impactful we offer, and collecting data helps us to tell our story better.” Read the full report here: Reducing Poverty through volunteers: the impact of CVITP in Grey Bruce

Growing Need and Call for Volunteers

In 2024, the CVITP saw a rise in demand, filing thousands of returns and helping individuals access critical benefits like the Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST credits. “Without filing taxes, many people wouldn’t receive these essential supports,” said Cameron Bruce, Constituency Assistant to MP Alex Ruff. “Thank you to all the volunteers making this possible.”

The program’s dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to ensure residents can access critical government benefits, credits, and tax refunds, helping to alleviate financial challenges and promote economic stability.

As the program grows, new volunteers are needed. No experience is required, and training is provided. Volunteers can make a significant community impact while gaining valuable skills.

About the CVITP and Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is a Canada Revenue Agency initiative that supports community organizations in offering free tax clinics. Volunteer to do taxes for people in your community – Canada.ca

The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force brings together community partners to address poverty-related issues through advocacy, education, and action. Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force – Our voice is power.

Together, they are making a measurable difference in the lives of individuals and families in the Grey Bruce region, ensuring equitable access to financial resources and support.

To find free tax filing assistance or volunteer in Grey and Bruce Counties, visit www.freetaxclinics.ca or Volunteer4BGTaxes.ca, or call 211.

Media Contact:

Brooke McLean, Director, Bruce County Public Library BMcLean@brucecounty.on.ca |519-832-6935

Jill Umbach, Coordinator, Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force povertytaskforce@unitedwaybg.com | 519-377-9406

Learn More: Reducing Poverty through volunteers: the impact of CVITP in Grey Bruce

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Community Updates, Income Security Action Group, Poverty Task Force

Poverty Task Force/United Way Community Update #205

Dear Colleagues, 

Happy International Women’s Day! 

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion International Women’s Day 2024 (internationalwomensday.com)

INCOME SECURITY

We want to direct you to the Income Solutions to Food Insecurity page and how it looks when we have several infographics and blog posts released. https://povertytaskforce.com/food-security/income-solutions-to-food-insecurity/

We completed a few interviews for radio, tv and print as part of the campaign.
Grey Bruce task force calls for income solutions for food insecurity | The Shoreline Beacon
Grey Bruce Poverty Task Force calling on government to fix food insecurity cknxnewstoday.ca)
Local task force calling for income solutions to fight food insecurity | Owen Sound Sun Times
Health Link – Grey County (rogerstv.com)

CVITP/Income Tax Promotion

Partners are very busy with the start of income tax season!  Thank you to the incredible organizations and volunteers that provide this service; and find creative solutions to meet the demand across Grey Bruce.  

A reminder that the 211 Grey Bruce Free Income Tax Listing is being regularly updated at freetaxclinics.ca and you can also call 211 to access the same information. 

Income Tax promotion and financial literacy: the United Way of Bruce Grey has been involved in income tax information sessions and promotion. If your organization is interested in having us come to your program, please reach out. There are also other CVITP experts in the network that may be available as well.

In the Media: We have just started some radio promotion: The Open Line with Dave Carr | 560 CFOS 

Available Postcards: We have printed a postcard for the promotion of the CVITP program that is available to partners to circulate.  These are being distributed to various programs and partner organizations. Please contact the United Way of Bruce Grey if you would like postcards for your organization. Thank you to the Community Foundation Grey Bruce for the funding to produce and distribute the postcards. 

CRA Updates: the government has announced it is expanding the SimpleFile by Phone service. Starting in Summer 2024, the CRA will also pilot SimpleFile digital and paper options in all the provinces and territories. The CRA plans to consult with stakeholders, community organizations, and tax professionals on the next phase of Canada’s automatic tax filing plan beyond 2025. The Government of Canada is helping lower-income individuals more easily access the benefit and credit payments they are entitled to – Canada.ca

CVITP Volunteer Recruitment: In January- February, the Poverty Task Force assisted with volunteer recruitment and partners are now busy providing services. We have paused the recruitment for this tax season but will be looking for volunteers to join in the Fall for next year’s tax season. While we take names of local volunteers, all volunteers must apply and be screened/approved by the CRA. Community Volunteer Income Tax Program in Grey Bruce needs volunteers! – Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force

Stay well, Jill