We are publishing this very important case study today, October 17th, as it is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Please see below of this page for the PDF version of the study.

On 22 December 1992, the General Assembly declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and invited all to devote the day to presenting and promoting concrete activities with regard to the eradication of poverty. Poverty is a violation of human rights and 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 Highlights of the 2023 Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) case study. The study focused on two local programs The Meeting Place Tobermory and the South East Grey Community Health Centre.

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).

There are 14 organizations throughout Bruce and Grey Counties that 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 study, the overall CVITP contributed to a potential return of $11 million to households.

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 support for their household.

The Poverty Task Force is encouraging people who are interested in volunteering for the clinics to connect, and they will connect them to a local program for the next steps. There is a need to have more volunteers for this program.

Income Tax Clinic Information page of 211: www.freetaxclinics.ca

Poverty is when a person does without basic resources such as food, clothing, and shelter. It is also when a person has no friends, family, or mentors to help in times of need.

Poverty is also when a person’s physical, mental, or emotional condition prevents them from being able to learn or go to school, seek medical help, have a sense of purpose, find a stable job, and participate in social activities. 

Click to download the Income Tax Study