April 10, 2006

Vibrant Communities Edmonton helps businesses retain solid workforce
New campaign aims to keep employers and employees together, longer

As a part of the on-going Make Tax Time Pay initiative, which is directed at helping Edmontonians who are working but earning low wages gain access to benefits and subsidies,  Vibrant Communities Edmonton is encouraging employers to make use of our valuable Human Resources tool to retain employees.  Many employers would like to pay benefits, but aren’t able to so the MAKE TAX TIME PAY campaign gives employers the immediate tools to pass on to their employees. 

At no cost to the employer or the employees, participating employers are provided with a manual that contains applications for 7 benefits and subsidies offered by the municipal, provincial and federal government, for people who are working.    “In this competitive job market, offering benefits is another way businesses can attract and retain employees,” says Karen Gingras, Executive Director of Vibrant Communities Edmonton. “These benefits help cover prescriptions, dental and glasses for children, child care costs, and even leisure activities in Edmonton.”

If a business is paying less than the following hourly wages, their employees may qualify for one of more of the subsidies:

Vibrant Communities Edmonton is the organization that launched Canada’s first MAKE TAX TIME PAY campaign in February 2006.  This innovative strategy has already helped many Edmontonians who are working and earning low wages gain to access benefits and subsidies they had not previously received.   

The MAKE TAX TIME PAY campaign officially operates during tax season, but the benefits are year-round.  Because Vibrant Communities Edmonton is a  collaboration between businesses, governments, non profit organizations and people who are working and earning low wages, they are able to provide this manual, free of charge.

Interested businesses can obtain the MAKE TAX TIME PAY manual free of charge by contacting Vibrant Communities Edmonton at 428 1866 or emailing karengingras@vibrantedmonton.ca.

For more information contact:

Karen Gingras, Executive Director
Vibrant Communities Edmonton

Phone: 780 428 1866
E-mail: karengingras@vibrantedmonton.ca
Web: www.vibrantedmonton.ca